While being excessively expensive for most pet owners, Rx pancreatic enzymes do have the benefit of containing a higher enzyme potency than most OTC brands. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of U.S. Rx brands contain a 10x potency and one Rx brand uses a 9x potency.
Within the last 7 years, stronger OTC enzyme products have emerged on the market and two OTC brands do contain a 10x potency in their formulation which can be of benefit to many dogs who do not become stable on lower potency enzymes.
Historically, most OTC brands have contained either a 6x or 8x potency. While these products do work for many EPI dogs, some dogs do not become fully stable and would benefit from the use of a higher potency enzyme.
Most veterinarians incorrectly assume that Rx enzyme brands are FDA approved drugs, but this is not the case. Rx enzymes are marketed under what is known as; ‘Unapproved Status.’ This means, while such products are listed with the FDA and the products have a NDC # (New Drug Code), these products have not undergone official clinical studies that are typically associated with Rx veterinary drugs marketed under a NADA (New Animal Drug Application).
When discussing EPI treatment options, veterinarians must take their client’s financial standing into consideration when recommending an Rx enzyme over OTC enzymes. Especially considering that some Rx brands can exceed the cost of a monthly car payment to keep a dog alive which is never sustainable long-term for the average pet owner. Their goal should be for the client not to choose euthanasia due to a lack of financial resources.
The enzymes contained in OTC & Rx products, Pancreatin (aka Pancreatic Enzymes), are GRAS Listed which means they are Generally Recognized as Safe and the World Health Organization considers Pancreatin to be an essential medicine.
When actual raw material costs are examined, there is no reason for Rx enzyme products to be priced so high which essentially puts them out-of-reach for the majority of pet owners.
Veterinarians should keep all of this in mind when researching viable OTC treatment options for their patients.
Market instability combined with lingering inflation has caused most enzyme products (both Rx & OTC) to significantly increase in price since the start of 2022 with no visible end in the short-term.
For additional information, please refer to our Enzyme Brand Comparison page or visit the Enzymes forum for further discussion on EPIDogForum.com.