Positives

• One individual with ME/CFS noted that pancreatic enzymes “helped immensely” with their symptoms, suggesting others with similar issues consider this treatment Reddit.
  
  

Negatives

• Pancrelipase products are derived from pig pancreas, so patients with pork or alpha-gal allergies can develop hives, asthma, and rare anaphylaxis; PMC reports cases of suspected pancreatic insufficiency complicated by alpha-gal syndrome. PMC.
• MSK reports common side effects of PERT include hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, frequent or abnormal bowel movements, gas, vomiting, dizziness, and sore throat; serious risks include high uric acid and fibrosing colonopathy. Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Hurdles & Side Effects

• Cleveland Clinic notes pancrelipase is FDA-approved only for documented exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; insurance coverage can be denied for off-label use, and Creon retail prices commonly run over $1,200 per 100 capsules. Cleveland Clinic.
• The FDA Viokace label warns of fibrosing colonopathy at high doses, and recommends starting low and titrating to symptoms; without testing for actual exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, patients risk side effects without confirmed benefit. FDA.