What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is an organ in the back of your abdomen (belly). It is part of your digestive system.
The pancreas is an organ and a gland. Glands are organs that produce and release substances in the body.
The pancreas performs two main functions:
- Exocrine function: Produces substances (enzymes) that help with digestion.
- Endocrine function: Sends out hormones that control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.
What is the exocrine system?
The exocrine system consists of glands that make substances that travel through a duct (tube). Besides the pancreas, the exocrine system includes:
- Lacrimal glands (tear glands).
- Mammary glands.
- Mucous membranes.
- Prostate.
- Salivary glands.
- Sebaceous (oil) glands.
- Sweat glands.
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones into your blood. These glands control many of your body’s functions.
Besides the pancreas, your endocrine system includes the:
- Adrenal glands.
- Hypothalamus.
- Ovaries and testes.
- Parathyroid and thyroid gland.
- Pineal gland.
- Pituitary gland.
- Thymus.
==========CONTENTS===========
- What is the pancreas?
- What is the exocrine system?
- What is the endocrine system?
- What does your pancreas do?
- How does the pancreas affect blood sugar?
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- What are common side effects of pancreatitis medications?
- How do I treat pancreatitis at home?
- Surgery & Endoscopic Procedures for Pancreatitis
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
- Debridement and Drainage
What does your pancreas do?
An exocrine gland runs the length of your pancreas. It produces enzymes that help to break down food (digestion).
Your pancreas releases the following enzymes:
- Lipase: Works with bile (a fluid produced by the liver) to break down fats.
- Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates for energy.
- Protease: Breaks down proteins.
When food enters your stomach:
Your pancreas releases the pancreatic enzymes into small ducts (tubes) that flow into the main pancreatic duct.Your main pancreatic duct connects with your bile duct. This duct transports bile from your liver to your Gall-bladder.From the gallbladder, the bile travels to part of your small intestine called the duodenum.
Both the bile and the pancreatic enzymes enter your duodenum to break down food.
How does the pancreas affect blood sugar?
The endocrine glands in your pancreas release hormones that control blood sugar (glucose). These hormones are:
- Insulin: Reduces high blood sugar levels.
- Glucagon: Increases low blood sugar levels.
Your body needs balanced blood sugar to help with your kidneys, liver and brain.
Your heart and circulatory system and nervous system also need balanced levels of insulin and glucagon to function.
Can a person live without a pancreas?
Yes, you can live without your pancreas. However, you will need to take enzyme pills to digest food and insulin shots to control your blood sugar for the rest of your life.
Though pancreatic removal is rare, surgeons may remove your entire pancreas if you have pancreatic cancer, major injury to your pancreas or severe pancreatitis.
Where is the pancreas?
Your pancreas sits behind your stomach and in front of your spine. Your gallbladder, liver and spleen surround your pancreas.
The right side of your body contains the head of your pancreas. This narrow organ lies along the first segment of your small intestine, called the duodenum. The left side of your body houses the tail of your pancreas.
How big is the pancreas?
The pancreas is about 6 inches long. It’s about the length of your hand.
What are the parts of the pancreas?
The pancreas anatomy includes:
- Head: The wider part of the pancreas that sits in the curve of your duodenum.
- Neck: The short part of the pancreas extending from the head.
- Body: The middle part of the pancreas between the head and neck, which extends upward.
- Tail: The thinnest part of the pancreas, located near your spleen.
What conditions and disorders can affect the pancreas?
The following disorders can affect the pancreas:
- Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body makes insulin but doesn’t use it correctly.
- Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia happens when your body produces too much glucagon. This results in high blood sugar levels.
- Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia occurs when your body produces too much insulin. It causes low blood sugar levels.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis happens when enzymes start to work in the pancreas before they reach the duodenum. It may result from gallstones or excessive alcohol. Pancreatitis can be temporary or long-lasting (chronic).
- Pancreatic cancer: Cancerous cells in the pancreas cause pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect and treat.
What are common tests to check the health of the pancreas?
The position of the pancreas deep in your abdomen makes it difficult to check through a physical evaluation.
Your provider may use surgery to look for problems in your pancreas.
Your healthcare provider may also use pancreas function tests including:
- Abdominal ultrasound or endoscopic ultrasound.
- Angiography.
- Blood tests.
- CAT (computed tomography) scan.
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) or MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography).
- Fecal elastase test.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Secretin pancreatic function test.
Pancreas Function Tests
The pancreas is evaluated through several tests. These include the secretin pancreatic function test, fecal elastase test, computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast dye, an abdominal ultrasound, ALn endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an endoscopic ultrasound, and a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.
The secretin pancreatic function test measures the ability of the pancreas to respond to the hormone secretin. The small intestine produces secretin in the presence of partially digested food.
Normally, secretin stimulates the pancreas to secrete a fluid with a high concentration of bicarbonate. This fluid neutralizes stomach acid and is necessary to allow a number of enzymes to function in the breakdown and absorption of food.
People with diseases involving the pancreas (for example, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic cancer) might have abnormal pancreatic function.
In performing a secretin pancreatic function test, a healthcare professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the duodenum (upper section of small intestine).
Secretin is inserted and the contents of the duodenal secretions are aspirated (removed with suction) for about an hour and analyzed
Fecal elastase test
The fecal elastase test measures elastase, an enzyme found in fluids produced by the pancreas.
Elastase digests and degrades various kinds of proteins.
During this test, a patient's stool sample is analyzed for the presence of elastase.
This scan can help rule out other causes of abdominal pain and can also determine whether there is inflammation (swelling), scarring, or fluid collections in or around the pancreas.
Abdominal ultrasound can detect gallstones and fluid from inflammation in the abdomen (ascites).
It also can show an enlarged common bile duct, an abscess, or a pseudocyst.
During an ERCP, a healthcare professional places a tube down the throat, into the stomach, then into the small intestine.
A small catheter is passed into the pancreas and bile ducts, and dye is injected to help the doctor see the structure of the common bile duct, other bile ducts, and the pancreatic duct on an X-ray.
Endoscopic ultrasound
During this test, a probe attached to a lighted scope is placed down the throat and into the stomach. Sound waves show images of organs in the abdomen.
Endoscopic ultrasound might reveal gallstones and can be helpful in diagnosing severe pancreatitis when an invasive test such as ERCP might make the condition worse.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
This kind of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to look at the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct.
MRI/MRCP gives very good imaging of the pancreas and does not use radiation. (These are imaging tests and not pancreatic function tests.)
How are pancreas problems treated?
Healthcare providers treat pancreas conditions in different ways, depending on the condition:
- Diabetes: Insulin replacement.
- Pancreatic cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
- Pancreatitis: Dietary changes, medications and sometimes surgery.
Insulin Replacement Therapy
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. As a result, the body makes very little insulin, or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes.
It often happens at a younger age. It often starts before age 30. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes getting daily multiple injections of insulin or using an insulin pen or pump. An inhaled insulin is available, but isn't used as often. A pill form of insulin is being developed and may be available in the near future.
Type 2 diabetes typically means the body can't use insulin correctly. This is called insulin resistance. Treatment often begins with making changes in your lifestyle to help lower your blood sugar levels. This includes diet, exercise, and weight loss. But if this treatment plan doesn't work, you may need medicine. Medicines for diabetes may include insulin pills or injections, or other medicines.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It helps lower the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood. It does this by moving sugar from the blood into the body's cells. Once inside the cells, blood sugar becomes the body's main source of energy.
What are the different types of insulin?
Insulin varies based on the onset, peak, and duration. Each works in certain ways.
Onset | How quickly the insulin starts to work after it's injected |
Peak time | The period of time when the insulin helps most to lower blood sugar levels |
Duration | How long the insulin keeps working in the body |
Insulin may act differently when given to different people. So the times of onset, peak time, and duration may be different.
There are 4 main types of insulin:
Insulin type | Onset (approximate) | Peak time (approximate) | Duration (approximate) |
Rapid-acting, lispro, aspart, glulisine insulin, inhaled | 15 minutes | 1 to 2 hours | 2 to 4 hours |
Short-acting, regular (R) insulin | 30 minutes | 2 to 3 hours | 3 to 6 hours |
Intermediate-acting, NPH (N) insulin | 2 to 4 hours | 4 to 12 hours | 12 to 18 hours |
Long-acting, glargine, detemir insulin, degludec | 1 to 6 hours | none | 24 hours |
Some people with diabetes may need to take 2 different types of insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Some insulin can be bought already mixed together.
This includes regular and NPH insulin. This lets you inject both types of insulin in one injection. Other types of insulin can't be mixed together. They may need 2 separate injections.
Insulin is made at different strengths. U-100 insulin (100 units of insulin per milliliter of fluid) is the most common strength. The syringes for giving insulin are different for each different strength. This means a U-100 syringe can be used only with U-100 insulin.
Recently, an inhaled form of insulin has become available. This is a form of rapid-acting insulin. An ultra-long-acting insulin has also been developed. This insulin begins to work in 30 to 90 minutes, does not peak, and lasts for over 40 hours.
The type of insulin chosen may reflect your choice and how well you are able to follow any given treatment.
Other factors include:
- If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Your daily schedule of meals, work, and activity
- How willing you are to check your blood sugar levels regularly
- How much exercise you get each day
- How well you understand diabetes
- How stable your blood sugar levels are
- Your diet
How is insulin given?
Insulin has to enter the body's bloodstream to work. Currently, insulin must be given by injection. It can't be taken by mouth because it is broken down in the stomach during digestion. An oral form that can make it through the stomach is also being developed.
But for now, to get it into the blood, it must be injected into the fat layer under the skin. This is often done in the arm, thigh, or belly. Different sites on the body allow the insulin to enter the blood at different rates. Insulin injected into the belly wall works the fastest. Injecting it into the thigh works the slowest.
The timing of insulin injections is very important.
- Rapid-acting and short-acting insulin. This often needs to be given before meals. Or before sugar from a meal starts to enter the bloodstream.
- Intermediate-acting insulin or mixed insulin. This needs to be taken at the same time every day along with a fixed eating schedule.
- Long-acting insulin. This should be taken at the same time every day. But your mealtimes can be flexible.
Always talk with your healthcare provider about your own insulin treatment. They can tell you where to inject the insulin, how much to inject, and how often.
Your provider can tell you the times of day you should take it. Bring your glucose testing results to your appointment. Your provider can help you make the adjustments needed in your insulin schedule and dosing.
What are the different types of insulin injection devices?
Many types of insulin injection devices are available.
Some examples of devices include:
Type | Description |
|---|---|
Syringe | The syringe is one of the most common devices used to give insulin. The needle of the syringe is used to draw insulin out of a bottle and then to inject it under the skin. |
Insulin pen | An insulin pen is like a preloaded syringe that can be used multiple times. It is often used for multiple, daily doses of insulin. The insulin pen holds a cartridge with insulin. The pen looks like a writing pen. It has a small needle that can be screwed on at the tip. A dial on the pen lets you set the right dose. A plunger on the other end of the pen is used to actually deliver or inject the insulin. Smart pens, now called connected insulin pens (CIPs), are also available. These pens can be programmed to calculate insulin doses. They can also send data to your smartphone. |
Insulin jet injector | An insulin jet injector looks like a large pen. The injector makes high-pressure air to "spray" the insulin through the skin. |
External insulin pump | An insulin pump is a device that pumps insulin continuously through plastic tubing. The tubing is attached to a needle under the skin near the belly. It can also be used to inject a single, large dose (bolus) of insulin as needed. The pump is small enough to be worn on a belt or in a pocket. |
Pancreas transplant
- In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes too little insulin, or no insulin at all. Replacing a pancreas with part or all of a healthy transplanted pancreas would seem to be a cure for type 1 diabetes.
- The first pancreas transplants were tried in the late 1960s. But it was not until the surgery methods improved and new medicines were developed years later that pancreas transplants became a realistic treatment for type 1 diabetes.
- Pancreas transplants are still studied at many centers in the U.S. and around the world. It is the standard treatment in certain cases.
- When successful, a pancreas transplant cures diabetes. Or it at least reduces the number of severe episodes of low and high blood glucose. Blood sugar levels become normal because the new pancreas makes insulin.
- But as with most types of solid organ transplants, complications may happen. The most common complications include rejection of the new organ, infection, and harmful effects from anti-rejection medicines. These medicines must be taken for life after the transplant.
Pancreas transplants can be done in 3 ways:
- Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK). Most people with type 1 diabetes who meet the criteria for pancreas transplant also have kidney disease. So surgeons often transplant both a pancreas and a kidney at the same time. This type of transplant has had the best success rates.
- Pancreas after kidney transplant (PAK). A pancreas is transplanted into a person who has already been given a kidney transplant. This procedure generally has a success rate near that of SPK procedures.
- Pancreas transplant alone (PTA). Only the pancreas is transplanted. This type of procedure is done less often. It generally has a lower success rate than the other procedures.
Pancreas islet cell transplantation
The islet cells in the pancreas make insulin. Only about 1 or 2 out of 100 of the cells in the pancreas are islet cells.
In the 1970s, research into islet cell transplants in mice was very successful. But transplants in people were not as successful. Researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, developed a special way of transplanting the islet cells that shows great promise. But research continues.
Islet cell transplants are considered a minor surgery. No cut (incision) is needed. Islet cells are taken from a donor pancreas and then injected into the recipient's liver through a long, thin tube (catheter). Once the islet cells have been implanted in the donor, they begin to make and release insulin. But the failure rates are high after the first year or two. Islet cell transplants can also be done from a person's own pancreas (autotransplant). A person may be a candidate for this procedure if they are having their pancreas removed because they have severe chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and some of the insulin-producing cells are still active. People with type 1 diabetes are not eligible for an autotransplant.
People who get an islet cell transplant from a donor must take anti-rejection medicine. This protects the transplanted islets from being rejected and destroyed by the body’s normal immune system.
How pancreatic cancer is treated
In cancer care, different types of doctors and other health care professionals often work together to create a patient’s overall care and treatment plan that combines different types of treatments and supportive care.
This is called a multidisciplinary team. Cancer care teams include a variety of other health care professionals, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, patient navigators, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, and others.
The common types of treatments used for pancreatic cancer are described below, followed by a general outline of treatments by stage.
The current treatment options for pancreatic cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Your care plan also includes treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care.
Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health.
Take time to learn about all of your treatment options and be sure to ask questions about things that are unclear. Talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment and what you can expect while receiving the treatment.
These types of talks are called “shared decision-making.” Shared decision-making is when you and your doctors work together to choose treatments that fit the goals of your care.
Shared decision-making is particularly important for pancreatic cancer because there are different treatment options. Learn more about making treatment decisions.
When detected at an early stage, pancreatic cancer has a much higher chance of being successfully treated.
However, there are also treatments that can help control the disease for patients with later stage pancreatic cancer to help them live longer and more comfortably.
Surgery
Surgery for pancreatic cancer includes removing all or part of the pancreas, depending on the location and size of the tumor in the pancreas.
An area of healthy tissue around the tumor is also often removed. This is called a margin. A goal of surgery is to have “clear margins” or “negative margins,” which means that there are no cancer cells in the edges of the healthy tissue removed.
A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer using surgery. Learn more about the basics of cancer surgery.
About 20% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are able to have surgery because most pancreatic cancers are found after the disease has already spread. When surgery is a potential treatment option, there are many things to think about before a surgery of this type.
It's important to have a thorough discussion with your health care team, including a pancreatic surgical oncologist, before deciding on surgical treatment. This discussion should include talking about the benefits, risks, and recovery time of the specific surgery recommended for you.
If surgery is not an option, you and your doctor will talk about other treatment options. It is common to seek a second opinion from a specialized surgical oncologist for less common cancers such as pancreatic cancer.
Surgery for pancreatic cancer may be combined with systemic therapy and/or radiation therapy (see below). Typically, these additional treatments are given after surgery, which is called adjuvant therapy.
However, systemic therapy and/or radiation therapy may sometimes be used before surgery to shrink a tumor. This is called neoadjuvant therapy or pre-operative therapy. After neoadjuvant therapy, the tumor is re-staged before planning surgery.
Re-staging is usually done with another CT scan to look at the change in tumor size and what nearby structures and blood vessels it is affecting.
Different types of surgery are performed depending on the purpose of the surgery.
- Laparoscopy. Sometimes, the surgeon may choose to start with a laparoscopy. During a laparoscopy, several small holes are made in the abdomen and a tiny camera is passed into the body while a patient receives anesthesia. Anesthesia is medication to help block the awareness of pain. During this surgery, the surgeon can find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the abdomen. If it has, surgery to remove the primary tumor in the pancreas is generally not recommended.
Surgery to remove the tumor. Different types of surgery are used depending on where the tumor is located in the pancreas. In all of the surgeries discussed below, nearby lymph nodes are removed as part of the operation. More than 1 type of surgeon, as well as other specialists, will usually be involved in your surgery.
Whipple procedure.
This surgery is also referred to as a pancreaticoduodenectomy. A Whipple procedure may be done if the cancer is located only in the head of the pancreas.
This is an extensive surgery in which the surgeon removes the head of the pancreas and the part of the small intestine called the duodenum, as well as the bile duct and stomach, or sometimes just part of the stomach.
Then, the surgeon reconnects the digestive tract and biliary system. Temporary drains are usually put in the abdomen to help it drain and assist with patient recovery. Drains are usually placed during surgery and remain in place after surgery to drain any leakage of pancreas juice to the outside of the body.
Drains are left in place for a variable period based on the amount and nature of their output, but they can be removed while still in the hospital and can stay in place for up to 2 to 3 months. A surgeon with experience treating pancreatic cancer should perform this procedure.
There are several variations of the Whipple procedure, such as standard, pylorus-preserving, and radical pancreaticoduodenectomy. Learn more about having this procedure in another article on this website.
Distal pancreatectomy.
This surgery is commonly done if the cancer is located in the left side of the tail of the pancreas. In this surgery, the surgeon removes the tail and body of the pancreas, as well as the spleen.
Total pancreatectomy.
If the cancer has spread throughout the pancreas or is located in many areas in the pancreas, a total pancreatectomy may be needed.
A total pancreatectomy is the removal of the entire pancreas, part of the small intestine, a portion of the stomach, the common bile duct, the gallbladder, and the spleen.
Supportive surgery and palliative procedures are often recommended to help with symptoms impacting a patient’s quality of life.
Examples of palliative procedures and surgery can include bypass surgery, stent placements, and nerve blocks to alleviate jaundice, nausea and vomiting, and tumor-associated pain.
After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital. How long you will need to stay in the hospital for will be determined by the type of surgery you've had, but it can range from several days to several weeks or longer. It will also include an at-home rest and recovery plan.
At-home rest could be for about a month or longer with full recovery expected to take about 2 months. Your health care team will work closely with you on your pre-surgery preparation plan and post-surgery recovery plan, including providing important exercise, drain management (when a drain is put in during surgery), mindfulness, and dietary and nutritional recommendations.
Side effects of surgery include weakness, tiredness, and pain for the first few weeks after the procedure.
Other side effects caused by the removal of the pancreas sometimes include difficulty digesting food and diabetes from the loss of insulin produced by the pancreas. Before surgery, talk with your health care team about the possible side effects from the specific surgery you will have and how they can be managed.
For more information on relieving side effects, see the section entitled "Physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer," below.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist.
The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. Learn more about the basics of radiation therapy.
External-beam radiation therapy is the type of radiation therapy used most often for pancreatic cancer.
A radiation therapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time.
There are different ways that radiation therapy can be given:
Traditional radiation therapy.This is also called conventional or standard fraction radiation therapy. It is made up of daily treatments of lower doses of radiation per fraction or day.
It is given over 5 to 6 weeks in total and is generally given during the week with weekends off from treatment.
These are shorter treatments of higher doses of radiation therapy given over as few as 5 days. This is a newer type of radiation therapy that can provide more localized treatment in fewer treatment sessions.
Whether this approach works as well as traditional radiation therapy is not yet known, and it may not be appropriate for every person.
It should only be given in specialized centers that have experience and expertise in using this technology for pancreatic cancer and identifying who it will work best for.
This is a type of external-beam radiation therapy that uses protons rather than x-rays. At high energy, protons can destroy cancer cells. It also lessens the amount of healthy tissue that receives radiation.
Proton beam therapy may be given for a standard amount of time or for a shorter time like SBRT. It is not yet known whether it works better than standard radiation therapy, and it may not be an option for every person.
It should be given in treatment centers that have the experience and skills needed to use this treatment for pancreatic cancer, which may only be available through a clinical trial.
Other types of radiation therapy may also be offered. There are many different ways radiation therapy is given, so it's important to talk with your doctor about their planned approach.
Often, chemotherapy (see below) will be given at the same time as radiation therapy because it can enhance the effects of the radiation therapy, which is called radiosensitization.
Combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy may occasionally help shrink the tumor enough so it can be removed by surgery. However, chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation therapy often has to be given at lower doses than when given alone.
Radiation therapy may be helpful for reducing the risk of the pancreatic cancer returning or re-growing in the original location. But there remains much uncertainty as to how much, if at all, it lengthens a person’s life.
Side effects from radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, nausea, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements.
Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. Talk with your health care team about what you can expect and how side effects will be managed.
Therapies using medication
Treatments using medication are used to destroy cancer cells. Medication may be given through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body.
When a drug is given this way, it is called systemic therapy. Medication may also be given locally, which is when the medication is applied directly to the cancer or kept in a single part of the body.
This type of medication is generally prescribed by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication.
Medications are often given through an intravenous (IV) tube placed into a vein using a needle, or occasionally as a pill or capsule that is swallowed (orally).
If you are given oral medications, be sure to ask your health care team about how to safely store and handle it, and whether it interacts with any of your other medications.
Chemotherapy is the main type of systemic therapy used for pancreatic cancer. However, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are occasionally used and are being studied as potential treatments in select individuals with specific molecular or genetic features (see Latest Research).
Each of these types of therapies are discussed below in more detail. A person may receive 1 type of medication at a time or a combination of medications given at the same time. They can also be given as part of a treatment plan that includes surgery and/or radiation therapy.
The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
It is also important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements. Herbs, supplements, and other drugs can interact with cancer medications, causing unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by keeping the cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells.
A chemotherapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. There is usually a rest period in between cycles. A patient may receive 1 drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time.
The following drugs are approved for pancreatic cancer:
- Capecitabine (Xeloda)
- Fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Gemcitabine (Gemzar)
- Irinotecan (Camptosar)
- Leucovorin (Wellcovorin)
- Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane)
- Nanoliposomal irinotecan (Onivyde)
- Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
Combination treatments are usually best for people who are able to carry out their usual activities of daily living without help. This is because there are generally more side effects when 2 or more drugs are used together.
The choice of which combination to use varies depending on which is most appropriate for the patient based on their specific diagnosis, stage of disease, treatment history, genetic makeup, side effects, and overall health. Other influencing factors can include the cancer center and the oncologist’s experience with the drugs.
For pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy may be described by when and how it is given:
First-line chemotherapy.This is generally the first treatment used for people with either locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who have not received prior treatment (see Stages).
When the first treatment does not work or stops working to control cancer growth, the cancer is called "refractory." Sometimes, first-line treatment does not work at all, which is called primary resistance.
Or, treatment may work well for a while and then stop being effective later, which is sometimes called secondary or acquired resistance.
In these situations, patients may benefit from additional treatment with different drugs if the patient’s overall health is good. There is significant ongoing research focused on developing other new treatments for second-line, as well as third-line, treatment and beyond.
It can also mean that the drug is being given differently than the instructions on the label. An example of this is if a doctor wants to use a drug only approved for breast cancer to treat pancreatic cancer.
Using a drug off-label is only recommended when there is solid evidence that the drug may work for another disease not included on the label. This evidence may include previously published research, promising results from ongoing research, or results from biomarker testing of the tumor that suggest the drug may work.
However, off-label use of drugs may not be covered by your health insurance provider. Exceptions are possible, but it is important that you and/or your health care team talk with your insurance provider before this type of treatment begins.
Side effects of chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on which drugs you receive. In addition, not all patients have the same side effects even when given the same drug. Side effects in general can include poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, rash, mouth sores, hair loss, and a lack of energy.
People receiving chemotherapy are also more likely to have low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, which give them a higher risk of anemia, infections, and bruising and bleeding easily.
Certain drugs used in pancreatic cancer are also linked with specific side effects. For example, capecitabine can cause redness and discomfort on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This condition is called hand-foot syndrome.
Oxaliplatin can cause cold sensitivity and numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, called peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is a side effect of nab-paclitaxel as well. These are examples, and it is important to talk with your doctor beforehand about side effects of the cancer medication(s) recommended for you.
Most side effects typically go away between treatments and after the treatments have ended, but some can be longer-lasting and can worsen as treatment continues.
Your doctor can suggest ways to relieve these side effects. If the side effects are severe, your doctor may reduce the chemotherapy dose or pause chemotherapy for a short time.
Learn about the basics of chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival.
This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and limits damage to healthy cells.
Not all tumors have the same targets. To find the most effective treatment, your doctor may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor.
This helps doctors better match each patient with the most effective treatment whenever possible. In addition, research studies continue to find out more about specific molecular targets and new treatments directed at them.
Erlotinib (Tarceva).
This drug is approved by the FDA for people with advanced pancreatic cancer in combination with the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine. Erlotinib blocks the effect of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that can become abnormal and help cancer grow and spread. This drug is taken as a pill orally by mouth, usually once a day. The side effects of erlotinib include a skin rash similar to acne, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
Olaparib (Lynparza).
This drug is approved for people with metastatic pancreatic cancer associated with a germline (hereditary) BRCA mutation. It is intended for use as maintenance therapy after a patient has been on platinum-based chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin or cisplatin, for at least 16 weeks with no evidence of disease progression.
This drug is taken as a pill orally by mouth, usually twice a day. Common side effects from this drug can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, feeling dizzy, loss of appetite, taste changes, low red blood cell counts, low white blood cell counts, belly pain, and muscle and joint pain.
Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) and entrectinib (Rozlytrek).
These are tumor-agnostic treatments that can be used for any type of cancer that harbors a specific genetic change called an NTRK fusion (see Diagnosis). This type of genetic change is found in a range of cancers, including pancreatic cancer, though it is rare.
It is approved as a treatment for pancreatic cancer that is metastatic or locally advanced and has not responded to chemotherapy. This drug is taken as a pill orally by mouth, usually once or twice a day. Common side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight gain, and diarrhea.
Talk with your doctor about possible side effects for a specific medication and how they can be managed.
Learn more about the basics of targeted treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also called biologic therapy, is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which include anti-PD-1 antibodies such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and dostarlimab (Jemperli), are an option for treating pancreatic cancers that have high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) (see Diagnosis). Approximately 1% to 1.5% of pancreatic cancers are associated with high MSI-H.
Immunotherapy, combined with chemotherapy, is also being studied as part of emerging clinical trials.
Different types of immunotherapy can cause different side effects. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects of the immunotherapy recommended for you. Learn more about the basics of immunotherapy.
Physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer
Cancer and its treatment cause physical symptoms and side effects, as well as emotional, social, and financial effects. Managing all of these effects is called palliative care or supportive care.
It is an important part of your care that is included along with treatments intended to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer.
Palliative care focuses on improving how you feel during treatment by managing symptoms and supporting patients and their families with other, non-medical needs. Any person, regardless of age or type and stage of cancer, may receive this type of care.
And it often works best when it is started right after a cancer diagnosis. People who receive palliative care along with treatment for the cancer often have less severe symptoms, better quality of life, and report that they are more satisfied with treatment.
Palliative treatments and care vary widely and often include medication, nutritional changes, relaxation techniques, emotional and spiritual support, and other therapies.
You may also receive palliative treatments similar to those meant to get rid of the cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.
Palliative care should not be confused with hospice care, which is used when a cure is not likely or when people are in the last months of life.
Before treatment begins, talk with your health care team about the goals of each treatment in the treatment plan being recommended.
You should also talk about the possible side effects of the specific treatment plan and palliative care options. Many patients also benefit from talking with a social worker and participating in support groups. Ask your doctor about these resources, too.
During treatment, your health care team may ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and side effects and to describe each problem. Be sure to tell the health care team if you are experiencing a problem.
This helps the health care team treat any symptoms and side effects as quickly as possible. It can also help prevent more serious problems in the future.
Learn more about the importance of monitoring and tracking side effects in another part of this guide. Learn more about palliative care in a separate section of this website.
Supportive care for people with pancreatic cancer may include:
Palliative chemotherapy.
Any chemotherapy regimen discussed above may help relieve the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, such as lessening pain, improving a patient’s energy and appetite, and stopping or slowing weight loss.
This approach is used when the cancer has spread and cannot be cured, but the symptoms of the cancer can be improved with chemotherapy. When making decisions about palliative chemotherapy, it is important that you and your doctor weigh the benefits with the possible side effects and consider how each treatment might affect your quality of life.
Relieving bile duct or small intestine blockage.
If the tumor is blocking the common bile duct or small intestine, placing a tiny tube called a stent can help keep the blocked area open. This procedure can be performed using nonsurgical approaches, such as ERCP, PTC, or endoscopy (see Diagnosis).
A stent can be either plastic or metal. The type used depends on the availability, insurance coverage/cost, a person’s expected lifespan, and whether the cancer will eventually be removed with surgery. In general, plastic stents are less expensive and are easier to insert and remove. However, they need to be replaced every few months, are associated with more infections, and are more likely to move out of place.
Stents are typically placed inside the body, but sometimes, a tube may need to be placed through a hole in the skin of the abdomen to drain fluid, such as bile. This is called percutaneous drainage. Sometimes, a patient may need surgery to create a bypass and alleviate symptoms, even if the tumor itself cannot be completely removed.
Improving digestion and appetite.
A special diet, medications, and specially prescribed enzymes may help a person digest food better if their pancreas is not working well or has been partially or entirely removed.
Meeting with a dietitian/nutritionist is recommended for most patients, especially for those who are losing weight and have a poor appetite because of the disease. Daily exercise is highly recommended, and your doctor can work with you on an appropriate regimen.
Controlling diabetes.
- Insulin will usually be recommended if a person develops diabetes due to the loss of insulin produced by the pancreas, which is more common after a total pancreatectomy. Your health care team will help you with monitoring and controlling this condition.
Relieving pain and other side effects.
Morphine-like drugs called opioid analgesics are often needed to help reduce pain. Special types of nerve blocks done by pain specialists may also be used. One type of nerve block is a celiac plexus block, which helps relieve abdominal or back pain.
During a nerve block, the nerves are injected with either an anesthetic to stop pain for a short time or a medication that destroys the nerves and can relieve pain for a longer time.
A nerve block can be performed either percutaneously (through the skin) or with an endoscopic ultrasound (see above). Depending on where the tumor is located, radiation therapy can sometimes be used to relieve pain. Learn more about managing pain.
Recommended supportive care may also include complementary therapies. It is important that you talk with your doctor before trying any complementary therapies to make sure they do not interfere with your other cancer treatments.
Palliative and supportive care is not limited to managing a patient’s physical symptoms. There are also emotional issues, like anxiety and depression, and psychological issues that many patients experience that can be managed with professional help and support.
A professional can help with developing coping skills and the overall difficulty of dealing with cancer. Cancer also affects caregivers and loved ones, and they are encouraged to seek out support as well.
Treatment options by stage of pancreatic cancer
Different treatments may be recommended for each stage of pancreatic cancer. Your doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan for you based on the cancer’s stage and other factors. Detailed descriptions of each type of treatment are provided earlier in this page. Clinical trials may also be a treatment option for each stage.
Below are some of the possible treatments based on the stage of the cancer. The information below is based on ASCO guidelines for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Your care plan may also include treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of pancreatic cancer care.
Also, patients with any stage of pancreatic cancer are encouraged to consider clinical trials as a treatment option. Talk with your doctor about all of your treatment options. Your doctor will have the best information about which treatment plan is recommended for you.
Potentially curable pancreatic cancer (also called resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer)
Surgery
Removal of the tumor and nearby lymph nodes if there are no signs that the disease has grown beyond the pancreas or spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment before surgery, also called neoadjuvant therapy or pre-operative therapy
Chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy, is regularly used for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. It is done to try to shrink the tumor and increase the chance that the surgeon can remove the tumor with clear margins. Even for people with resectable pancreatic cancer, neoadjuvant therapy is also sometimes recommended.
Treatment after surgery, also called adjuvant therapy or post-operative therapy
Adjuvant chemotherapy usually starts within 4 to 12 weeks after surgery depending on how quickly a patient recovers. It is typically given for a total of 6 months. The type of combination chemotherapy given is usually FOLFIRINOX (5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) for those patients who have recovered well from surgery and are healthy enough for a multidrug combination. The alternative option is gemcitabine, either as a single drug or in combination with a second drug called capecitabine. Multidrug combinations have been shown to be more effective than just gemcitabine alone, but are associated with more side effects, including diarrhea, fatigue, neuropathy, low levels of white blood cells, and hand-foot syndrome. Talk with your doctor about the best chemotherapy options for you.
The role of radiation therapy after surgery remains controversial. The option to use radiation therapy after surgery depends on each patient’s situation. For example, it may be an option for when there were not clear margins after surgery.
For patients who received treatment before surgery, the need for additional treatment after surgery depends on each patient’s situation and overall health.
Locally advanced pancreatic cancer
First-line therapy
Chemotherapy with a combination of drugs may be an option depending on each patient’s situation and overall health (see options listed under "Metastatic pancreatic cancer" below).
Radiation therapy may also be an option. It is used most often after chemotherapy when the cancer has not spread beyond the pancreas. The choice of the type of radiation therapy used, such as standard external beam or SBRT (see "Radiation therapy" above), depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor.
Second-line therapy
If the disease worsens during or after first-line treatment, options may include trying different chemotherapy. Or, it may be possible to use radiation therapy if the tumor has not spread beyond the pancreas and you have not already received it.
Clinical trials
If standard treatment options are not working, you may want to consider a clinical trial. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials that may be open to you.
Metastatic pancreatic cancer
If cancer spreads to another part in the body from where it started, it is referred to as metastatic cancer. If this happens, it is a good idea to talk with doctors who have experience in treating it.
Doctors can have different opinions about the best standard treatment plan. Clinical trials might also be an option, so talk with your doctor about clinical trials for which you may be eligible. Learn more about getting a second opinion before starting treatment, so you are comfortable with your chosen treatment plan.
Your treatment plan may include a combination of the treatments discussed above. Treatment options for people with metastatic pancreatic cancer depend heavily on a patient’s overall health, preferences, and support system.
Information below is based on the ASCO guideline, “Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.” Please note that this link takes you to another ASCO website.
Depending on factors such as your preferences, characteristics, and your comorbidity profile, first-line options include:
Chemotherapy with a combination of fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin, called FOLFIRINOX.
Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel.
Gemcitabine by itself for patients who are not healthy enough for the more aggressive 2 combinations above.
Occasionally, another gemcitabine-based or fluorouracil-based combination may be used, such as gemcitabine plus cisplatin, gemcitabine plus capecitabine, or FOLFOX.
Second-line options include those listed below. These are generally for when the disease worsens or patients experienced severe side effects during first-line therapy.
Fluorouracil alone or combined with nanoliposomal irinotecan, irinotecan, or oxaliplatin may be recommended based on the overall health of the patient and shared decision-making.
Gemcitabine alone or in combination with nab-paclitaxel may be offered.
Pembrolizumab is recommended when the cancer has high microsatellite instability (MSI-high) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). It is important to note that only about 1% of people with pancreatic cancer have MSI-high disease.
Larotrectinib or entrectinib is recommended for any cancer with an NTRK fusion. NTRK fusions are very rare in pancreatic cancer.
Patients who have an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and who have received first-line platinum-based chemotherapy that stopped the cancer from growing or spreading for 16 weeks or more may continue treatment with chemotherapy or receive maintenance therapy with olaparib, a targeted therapy. Maintenance therapy is treatment with the goal of keeping the cancer in remission, and it is an option after shared decision-making between the patient and doctor.
Maintenance therapy can also be an option for patients whose disease has not progressed on first-line treatment, but who, due to side effects, may no longer be able to continue with their original treatment.
The only approved maintenance therapy is olaparib, which is beneficial in people who have metastatic pancreatic cancer associated with a germline (hereditary) BRCA mutation following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.
For other patients, maintenance therapy might mean simplifying their original chemotherapy regimen. For example, it might be simplified from gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel to gemcitabine alone, or from FOLFIRINOX to FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, or capecitabine. Learn more about the basics of maintenance therapy.
Supportive, or palliative, care will also be important to help relieve symptoms and side effects. Talk with your doctor as early as possible about the symptoms you are experiencing, your mental well-being, and the social support available to you. Treatment to ease any cancer-related pain or other symptoms will be offered.
For many people, a diagnosis of metastatic cancer is very stressful and difficult. You and your family are encouraged to talk about how you feel with doctors, nurses, social workers, or other members of the health care team. It may also be helpful to talk with other patients, such as through a support group or other peer support program.
Remission and the chance of recurrence
A remission is when cancer cannot be detected in the body and there are no symptoms. This may also be called having “no evidence of disease” or NED.
A remission may be temporary or permanent. This uncertainty causes many people to worry that the cancer will come back. It is important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of the cancer returning. Understanding your risk of recurrence and the treatment options may help you feel more prepared if the cancer does return. Learn more about coping with the fear of recurrence.
If the cancer returns after the original treatment, it is called recurrent cancer. Pancreatic cancer may come back in or near the pancreas (called a local or regional recurrence), or elsewhere in the body (called a distant recurrence, which is similar to metastatic disease).
When this occurs, a new cycle of diagnostic testing will begin again to learn as much as possible about the extent and location of the recurrence. After this testing is done, you and your doctor will talk about the treatment options.
The treatment of recurrent pancreatic cancer is similar to the treatments described above and usually involves chemotherapy. Radiation therapy or surgery may also be used to help relieve symptoms.
Your doctor may suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat this type of recurrent cancer. Whichever treatment plan you choose, palliative care will be important for relieving symptoms and side effects.
People with recurrent cancer sometimes experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. You are encouraged to talk with your health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help you cope. Learn more about dealing with cancer recurrence.
If treatment does not work
Recovery from pancreatic cancer is not always possible. If the cancer cannot be cured or controlled, the disease may be called advanced or terminal.
This diagnosis is stressful, and for some people, advanced cancer is difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your health care team and family and friends to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns.
The health care team has special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families and is there to help. Making sure a person is physically comfortable, free from pain, and emotionally supported is extremely important.
People who have advanced cancer and who are expected to live less than 6 months may want to consider hospice care. Hospice care is designed to provide the best possible quality of life for people who are near the end of life.
You and your family are encouraged to talk with the health care team about hospice care options, which include hospice care at home, a special hospice center, or other health care locations. Nursing care and special equipment can make staying at home a workable option for many families. Learn more about advanced cancer care planning.
Pancreatitis Diet
Nutrition is a vitally important part of treatment for patients with pancreatitis. The primary goals of nutritional management for chronic pancreatitis are:
- Prevent malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies
- Maintain normal blood sugar levels (avoid both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia)
- Prevent or optimally manage diabetes, kidney problems, and other conditions associated with chronic pancreatitis
- Avoid causing an acute episode of pancreatitis
To best achieve those goals, it is important for pancreatitis patients to eat high protein, nutrient-dense diets that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, and other lean protein sources. Abstinence from alcohol and greasy or fried foods is important in helping to prevent malnutrition and pain.
Nutritional assessments and dietary modifications are made on an individual basis because each patient’s condition is unique and requires an individualized plan. Our Pancreatitis Program offers nutritional and gastrointestinal support for those with pancreatitis.
Vitamins & Minerals
Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at high risk for malnutrition due to malabsorption and depletion of nutrients as well as due to increased metabolic activity. Malnutrition can be further affected by ongoing alcohol abuse and pain after eating. Vitamin deficiency from malabsorption can cause osteoporosis, digestive problems, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
Therefore, patients with chronic pancreatitis must be tested regularly for nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin therapies should be based on these annual blood tests. In general, multivitamins, calcium, iron, folate, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 may be supplemented, depending on the results of blood work.
If you have malnutrition, you may benefit from working with our Registered Dietitian who can guide you towards a personalized diet plan.
Risk of diabetes in chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis also causes the pancreas to gradually lose its ability to function properly, and endocrine function will eventually be lost. This puts patients at risk for type 1 diabetes. Patients should therefore avoid refined sugars and simple carbohydrates.
Enzyme Supplementation
If pancreatic enzymes are prescribed, it is important to take them regularly in order to prevent flare-ups.
The healthy pancreas is stimulated to release pancreatic enzymes when undigested food reaches the small intestine. These enzymes join with bile and begin breaking down food in the small intestine.
Since your pancreas is not working optimally, you may not be getting the pancreatic enzymes you need to digest your food properly. Taking enzymes can help to digest your food, thus improving any signs or symptoms of steatorrhea (excess fat in the stool, or fat malabsorption). In turn this will improve your ability to eat better, lowering your risk for malnutrition.
Alcohol
If pancreatitis was caused by alcohol use, you should abstain from alcohol. If other causes of acute pancreatitis have been addressed and resolved (such as via gallbladder removal) and the pancreas returned to normal, you should be able to lead a normal life, but alcohol should still be taken only in moderation (maximum of 1 serving/day). In chronic pancreatitis, there is ongoing inflammation and malabsorption — patients gradually lose digestive function and eventually lose insulin function — so regular use of alcohol is unwise.
Smoking
People with pancreatitis should avoid smoking, as it increases the risk for pancreatic cancer.
What to eat if you have pancreatitis
To get your pancreas healthy, focus on foods that are rich in protein, low in animal fats, and contain antioxidants. Try lean meats, beans and lentils, clear soups, and dairy alternatives (such as flax milk and almond milk). Your pancreas won’t have to work as hard to process these.
Research suggests that some people with pancreatitis can tolerate up to 30 to 40% of calories from fat when it’s from whole-food plant sources or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Others do better with much lower fat intake, such as 50 grams or less per day.
Spinach, blueberries, cherries, and whole grains can work to protect your digestion and fight the free radicals that damage your organs.
If you’re craving something sweet, reach for fruit instead of added sugars since those with pancreatitis are at high risk for diabetes.
Consider cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and hummus, and fruit as your go-to snacks. Your pancreas will thank you.
What not to eat if you have pancreatitis
Foods to limit include:
- red meat
- organ meats
- fried foods
- fries and potato chips
- mayonnaise
- margarine and butter
- full-fat dairy
- pastries and desserts with added sugars
- beverages with added sugars
If you’re trying to combat pancreatitis, avoid trans-fatty acids in your diet.
Fried or heavily processed foods, like french fries and fast-food hamburgers, are some of the worst offenders. Organ meats, full-fat dairy, potato chips, and mayonnaise also top the list of foods to limit.
Cooked or deep-fried foods might trigger a flare-up of pancreatitis. You’ll also want to cut back on the refined flour found in cakes, pastries, and cookies. These foods can tax the digestive system by causing your insulin levels to spike.
Pancreatitis recovery diet
If you’re recovering from acute or chronic pancreatitis, avoid drinking alcohol. If you smoke, you’ll also need to quit. Focus on eating a low-fat diet that won’t tax or inflame your pancreas.
You should also stay hydrated. Keep an electrolyte beverage or a bottle of water with you at all times.
If you’ve been hospitalized due to a pancreatitis flare-up, your doctor will probably refer you to a dietitian to help you learn how to change your eating habits permanently.
People with chronic pancreatitis often experience malnutrition due to their decreased pancreas function. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are most commonly found to be lacking as a result of pancreatitis.
Diet tips
Always check with your doctor or dietician before changing your eating habits when you have pancreatitis. Here are some tips they might suggest:
- Eat between six and eight small meals throughout the day to help recover from pancreatitis. This is easier on your digestive system than eating two or three large meals.
- Use MCTs as your primary fat since this type of fat does not require pancreatic enzymes to be digested. MCTs can be found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil and is available at most health food stores.
- Avoid eating too much fiber at once, as this can slow digestion and result in less-than-ideal absorption of nutrients from food. Fiber may also make your limited amount of enzymes less effective.
- Take a multivitamin supplement to ensure that you’re getting the nutrition you need. You can find a great selection of multivitamins here.
Pancreatitis medications
Antibiotics and pain medications are the most popular treatments that doctors prescribe for people with pancreatitis. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the individual, symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment.
Antibiotics
For severe pancreatitis, antibiotics may be required to get rid of an infection in the pancreas, which is present in up to 20% of cases. Patients without an infectious etiology of pancreatitis, should not be given prophylactic antibiotics. Omnipen (ampicillin), Primaxin Iv (imipenem/cilastatin), and Rocephin (ceftriaxone sodium) are commonly prescribed for pancreatitis and require a prescription. Antibiotics may cause diarrhea, allergic reaction, or difficulty breathing.
Pain medications
Pancreatitis can be very painful and most people will take some form of pain medication to help with their symptoms. Some pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are available over-the-counter, and others like Demerol (meperidine hcl) and Ultram (tramadol hcl) require a prescription. Pain medications may cause side effects like dizziness, allergic reaction, or confusion. Tylenol should be avoided if there is liver damage present.
What is the best medication for pancreatitis?
There is no one universal pancreatitis medication that’s best for everyone. Individual symptoms and responses to treatment vary.
A doctor can determine the best medication for pancreatitis based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatments. Here’s an overview of popular medications that a doctor may prescribe.
| Drug name | Drug class | Administration route | Standard dosage | Common side effects |
| Tylenol (acetaminophen) | Analgesic | Oral | Taken as instructed on the bottle or by a healthcare professional | Allergic reaction, yellowing of the eyes or skin, weakness/tiredness |
| Ultram (tramadol hcl) | Opioid | Oral | 25 mg tablet taken every morning | Dizziness, anxiety, allergic reaction |
| Demerol (meperidine hcl) | Opioid | Oral | Taken with a full glass of water as directed by a healthcare professional | Constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth |
| Primaxin Iv (imipenem/cilastatin) | Antibiotic | Injection | Injection given by a healthcare professional | Allergic reaction, diarrhea, confusion |
| Omnipen (ampicillin) | Antibiotic | Oral | 250–500 mg taken every 6 hours or as directed by a healthcare professional | Diarrhea, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or lips |
| Rocephin (ceftriaxone sodium) | Antibiotic | Injection | Injection given by a healthcare professional | Diarrhea, allergic reaction, shortness of breath |
Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are common side effects of pancreatitis medications?
Common side effects of pancreatitis medications include diarrhea, trouble breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness, constipation, dry mouth, confusion, and weakness. Although it’s rare, some people may experience allergic reactions from taking medication that result in hives or difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening. You should seek immediate medical care if you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction.
This list of side effects is not comprehensive. Ask a healthcare professional for more details regarding the possible side effects of a particular medication.
How do I treat pancreatitis at home?
Many people rely on home remedies, natural treatments, and lifestyle changes to help with their pancreatitis. Here are some popular home and natural remedies for pancreatitis:
- Getting nutritional support. Pancreatitis has been linked to certain nutrient deficiencies, so a blood test may be beneficial to help determine whether or not you’re deficient in any vitamins like A, C, D, E or K. Vitamins also play an important role in preventing pancreatic cancer.
- Eating healthier. Eating a low-fat, balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can help you maintain a healthy weight and manage pancreatitis symptoms. Foods that are high in iron, anti-oxidants, healthy oils, and are low in fat will help lower inflammation in the body. Avoiding alcohol consumption as well as tobacco, caffeine, and trans-fatty acids will help the pancreas function more effectively.
Surgery & Endoscopic Procedures for Pancreatitis
Some people may need a pancreas transplant or pancreatectomy (surgical removal of some or all of the pancreas). Less commonly, people may have a transplant of islets of Langerhans cells (pancreatic cells that make insulin and glucagon) into the liver to maintain insulin function.
How can I keep my pancreas healthy?
You can help reduce your risk of pancreatic conditions by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise and avoiding weight gain can help prevent Type 2 diabetes and gallstones that can cause pancreatitis.
- Eating a low-fat diet. High fat intake can lead to gallstones, which can cause pancreatitis. Being overweight is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
- Watching your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
- Quitting smoking. Using tobacco, along with cigar smoking and smokeless tobacco products, can raise your risk of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.
- Getting regular checkups. Seeing your healthcare provider for regular exams can help find early signs of conditions such as pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis.
When should I call a healthcare provider about my pancreas?
If you have symptoms that don’t go away or keep coming back, you should talk to a healthcare provider. Signs of pancreas problems may include:
- Belly or back pain.
- Blurry vision.
- Dark urine or light-colored, greasy stools.
- Exhaustion without an obvious cause.
- Extreme thirst or frequent urination.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Tingling in your hands or feet.
- Weight loss without a change in diet or exercise.
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).