Viokase 16



By Cindy from Long Island NY on July 06, 2006
Category: Viokase 16 (Oral)

I was on Viokase 16 and now Im being told by 2 pharmacies they can not get it anymore from the manufacturer. The wholesaler said the manufactuter not making them and dont know down the road. I also spoke with someone else saying all these enzymes are not patented thats why one could come and then go. Whats the story with Viokase 16 is it off the market now? Thanks Cindy


VIOKASE 16 (ORAL)



I, too, am finding that COSTCO tells me Viokase 8 and 16 are no longer available. Why are these drugs being discontinued. AND what can we replace them with.

Sincerely,
Betty Marshall

By Betty Marshall from Michigan, USA on June 28, 2010 | Reply |

Viokase Discontinued



Betty,

I am a pharmacist in Colorado and have also been made aware that the manufacturer no longer makes these products. Viokase is the only tablet form of the pancreas enzymes. There are other products on the market in capsule form and almost the same strengths as Viokase, but your provider needs to make the proper decisions on which one to switch. I find that Pancrease MT capsule strengths are fairly close to three enzyme strengths of Viokase. I hope this information helps.

By Brian from Colorado on July 23, 2010 | Reply |

Pancrease16 and viokase 16



Pharmacy says that both of thesehave been discontinued since full FDA approval was not obtained --- surprisingly. Am waiting to hear from dr. which new one (coming out Monday of next week,i.e.August 16) will replace it. A site I read a month ago when this first occurred with Viokase, said it would be basically the same with the addition of a drug like Prilosec. My husband take 6 of them a day, and took the RX in to be refilled on Thursday. Today they say they cannot get them til after Monday so he goes without.
Obamacare is for the birds.

By Martha Boltz from Vienna, VA on August 14, 2010 | Reply |

vIOKASE



Eight years ago I had Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer and was prescribed Viokase 16 for enzyme control. Within the past 3 years my insurance company required a generic which I found out later did not have the proper coating. The generic no longer exists and I went back on Viokase. Now I am told that Viokase is no longer available. I do not know if I am getting Vioase 8 or 16 as my RX is not marked. What kind of government control is this that permits this to happen? I am convinced the entire FDA needs a very good shakeup so that we as buyers and users (of necessity) have something to depend on.

By John from Iowa on September 07, 2010 | Reply |

Viokase 16 Should be Available after FDA Approval



My call to the pharmaceutical company making Viokase said Viokase is undergoing FDA approval, and suggesting that similar products were also undergoing FDA approval. My oncologist said Viokase has been around for many years, since before FDA approval was required. Once the approval process is complete, if ever, Viokase should be available again (probably at a higher $ due to the approval process). I too have had a whipple and find Creon 24 is helpful, but doesn't work as well as Viokase. I have just started Pancreaze without good results.

By Pat from Austin TX on October 01, 2010 | Reply |
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