Today’s Pet meds Spotlight is on Epizyme, a mixture of pancreatic enzymes that is FDA-approved for use in cats and dogs to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (also known as maldigestion syndrome). It is prescribed for pets whose pancreas has stopped producing digestive enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes are necessary for digestion, so animals who don’t make enough of these enzymes get very sick and can lose a lot of weight because they cannot properly digest and absorb the fat, protein, and sugar in their food (also known as maldigestion syndrome).

Epizyme replaces the pancreatic enzymes that the pancreas fails to produce when your pet suffers from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It is made up of three types of enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) that aid in digestion of fat, protein, and carbohydrates (sugar). It works because these natural enzymes, made from whole pig pancreas, mimic the pancreatic enzymes your pet is lacking. When the enzyme powder mixes with your pet’s food, the enzymes begin to break down and work. Although exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is not yet curable, treating with pancreatic enzymes, such as Epizyme, can reduce the symptoms that occur with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and can help your pet live a healthier life. Epizyme will begin working immediately to improve digestion after the first dose, but it will take a while before you’ll see significant improvement in your pet’s weight, stools, and coat. Once your pet needs Epizyme, he or she will likely have to continue taking Epizyme for the rest of his or her life.

Epizyme requires a prescription from your veterinarian.