Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The main treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. By Ashley WelchMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD Reviewed: September 23, 2021 Medically Reviewed Medication is one aspect of managing life with EPI.Aleksandra Jankovic/Stocksy But in a person with EPI, the pancreas does not make enough of these enzymes or they don’t work normally. This leads to disruption of digestion and absorption.According to the National Pancreas Foundation, EPI is generally associated with health conditions that affect the pancreas, such as Symptoms of EPI include gas, Of course, these symptoms are similar to many If you’re having a particularly large meal, take half of the medication at the beginning and half at the end. Never take PERT on an empty stomach.If you have side effects with PERT, such as Editor' s Picks The Consumer’s Guide to Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) Everything you need to know about PERT, the standard treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.… Learn More Diet and EPI Some people find it easier to eat several smaller meals throughout the day rather than three main meals.It’s also important to keep fat in your diet, as it’s needed to absorb many Talk to your doctor before taking any new medications, supplements, or herbal remedies on your own, as these may affect your pancreas. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking What Is EPI? Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Why Bone Health Is Important When You Have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency A lack of digestive enzymes affects the absorption of key nutrients that keep bones strong. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk of osteoporosis...By Jessica MigalaJuly 21, 2022 Doctors’ Best Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Management Tips Staying mentally and physically healthy are key to living well with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Get tried-and-true management tips from gastroenterologis...By Erica PatinoJuly 21, 2022 The Best Foods to Eat When Your EPI Symptoms Are at Their Worst Missed your scheduled PERT capsule? Or maybe your dosage isn’t quite right? While you wait for EPI symptoms to subside, stick to these easy-to-digest ...By Jennifer Kelly GeddesMarch 22, 2022 What You Should Know About SIBO If You Have EPI Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are conditions that appear to be related. Discover how they’re linked and ...By Elizabeth YunMarch 22, 2022 How EPI Affects Your Gut and What That Means for Your Health Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can impact your gut health, which can then affect your overall well-being. Learn what role EPI has in your digestive...By Elizabeth YunMarch 22, 2022 Solutions to the Biggest Challenges to Living With EPI If you have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, you’ll likely need to find the correct PERT dose and make some changes to your diet. These strategies can...By Jessica MigalaNovember 10, 2021 What Is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Ashley WelchSeptember 30, 2021 Causes of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, often occurs alongside conditions affecting the pancreas.By Ashley WelchSeptember 30, 2021 Who Should Be on Your EPI Treatment Team? Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can be well managed, especially when you’re working with the right healthcare professionals. Here’s who you may want...By Erica PatinoSeptember 14, 2021 What You Need to Know About Food When You Have EPI Eating nutritious foods, adhering to medication guidelines, and eating smaller meals are important ways to manage exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.By Ashley WelchSeptember 13, 2021 MORE IN Qigong and Tai Chi to Help Chronic Pain Chiropractic Therapy to Help Chronic Pain Gender Dysphoria: What It Is, Symptoms, Treatment, and More Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges