Viokase-V ® (Brand)

What is Viokase-V?
Viokase-V is a prescription medication used as a digestive aid for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (maldigestion syndrome), a condition where a pet cannot make a sufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes to digest food properly.

Who is it for?
Viokase-V is FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats.

What are the benefits?

*	Helps replace the pancreatic enzymes needed to digest and absorb proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
*	Safely treat acute or chronic pancreatitis in dogs and cats
*	Easy to dose - mix into food and serve!

How does Viokase-V work?
Pancreatic enzymes are a collection of secretions from the pancreas that are given to animals whose pancreas has stopped functioning. They are necessary to digest fat, protein, and sugars. Treatment will be needed for the life of the pet.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No generic products are available.

How is it given?
In most cases, your veterinarian's recommendations will be to mix the powdered form of the enzymes with the food. If feeding dry food, moisten the food with warm water and then add the enzymes. Be sure to allow the enzymes time to work; usually the food and enzyme mixture is allowed to stand 15-20 minutes before feeding. If using the tablet form, administer the tablet before the meal.

Feeding several small meals a day is usually recommended. If you have any questions regarding how to use this medication, contact your veterinarian.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.

This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
The animal's digestion will improve immediately, though it may take some time for the animal's weight, stools, haircoat, etc. to return to normal. In most cases, Viokase-V is given for the life of the animal.

What form(s) does it come in?
Viokase-V comes as a powder.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Viokase-V ®

Pronunciation
V-eye-oh-case Vee

Common Drug Name
Pancreatic Enzymes, pancrelipase

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Viokase-V?
Consult with your veterinarian regarding physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with pancreatic enzymes. Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be available to treat your pet's condition.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to pork.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. Also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
Do not give two doses at once. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule.

Who should not take it?
Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to pork products.

What side effects may be seen when taking Viokase-V?
High doses may cause diarrhea, cramping, or vomiting. If you observe any of these reactions, contact your veterinarian immediately. May cause mouth irritation if not mixed well with moistened food and allowed to stand. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
An overdose may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or cramping. The effects should be temporary. If you know or suspect your pet had had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs, symptoms, or behaviors, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Viokase-V?
Consult your veterinarian before using pancreatic enzymes with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, antacids, cimetidine, and other histamine H2 receptor antagonists (medications used to decrease stomach acid), since interactions may occur. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of pancreatic enzymes.

In humans, inhaling the powder may cause an asthma attack or irritation to the lungs. The powder may irritate or burn the skin on contact. Wash immediately if you get any on your skin or your pet's skin. Wash hands after handling this medication.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.

How to Order a Prescription

Emergency Visit Checklist

Emergency veterinary visits can be stressful for you and your pet. Here's a list of questions and topics to discuss with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is quickly on the road to recovery.

Secondary Bacterial Infections

Many pet owners believe that scratching is normal behavior for dogs. It is not. Scratching or rubbing the face or flanks, and licking at feet indicates that something is not right with your pet.

Age-related Health Conditions

Age-related conditions are common in pets in their 'golden years' and may include, hearing and vision loss, urinary incontinence, degenerative arthritis, heart disease, and kidney or liver disease.

See All Articles

Your pet's health is our #1 priority, which is why we make ordering prescription medications from Drs. Foster and Smith as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!

At the completion of your order, you will be prompted to supply us with your veterinarian's information including how we will receive your pet's prescription from the following options:

	Let us do the legwork! We will contact your veterinarian for prescription authorization.
	You already have an existing prescription on file with Drs. Foster and Smith.
	Your pet's prescription is in the mail.
	Your veterinarian is calling or faxing the prescription to our pharmacy.

Pharmacy Hours
Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CST
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. CST

Contact Us
Pharmacy Phone:	1-800-447-3021 (Toll Free)
Pharmacy Fax:	1-800-447-2404 (Toll Free)
Pharmacy Address:	P.O. Box 100 Rhinelander, WI 54501

Our pharmacy staff prides itself on providing you with the service and ease of ordering that you have come to trust exclusively from Drs. Foster and Smith.