What is Bearse?
Bearse is a pharmaceutical product available as a film-coated tablet, containing a combination of multiple active ingredients to aid digestion. Unlike many over-the-counter (OTC) digestive aids that may contain a single ingredient like an antacid, Bearse is a prescription-only medication formulated to address a broader spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms. It is classified as a digestant, which means it helps the body break down food more effectively. The product is produced by Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and distributed in regions such as the Philippines.
How Bearse Works: Ingredients and Mechanism
Bearse's effectiveness stems from its unique blend of active components, each targeting a different aspect of the digestive process.
Key Ingredients
The main ingredients found in each Bearse tablet are:
- Biodiastase 2000 III: A starch-digesting enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars, aiding in their absorption.
- Pancreatin: An enteric-coated enzyme derived from animal sources that contains a mix of lipase, amylase, and protease, crucial for digesting fats, starches, and proteins, respectively.
- Lipase I: An enzyme that specifically helps digest dietary fats.
- Panprosin SS & Pancellase SS: Additional enzymes that contribute to the overall breakdown of proteins and other food components.
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA): A bile acid that helps dissolve cholesterol and aids in the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Simethicone: An anti-foaming agent that works in the stomach and intestines to disperse gas pockets, providing relief from bloating and pressure.
Mechanism of Action
The formulation is designed for optimal delivery and action. The pancreatic enzymes are enteric-coated, meaning they are protected from being destroyed by stomach acid and are released directly into the intestines where they are most effective. This targeted release mechanism ensures the enzymes can perform their function of breaking down food efficiently. Simethicone acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract to break down gas bubbles, helping to relieve abdominal discomfort.
Indications for Bearse
Physicians may prescribe Bearse for a variety of conditions related to impaired digestion and gastrointestinal distress.
The primary indications include:
- Dyspepsia: General symptoms of indigestion, including a feeling of fullness, burning, or discomfort.
- Gastric and Abdominal Distention: Relieving bloating and swelling in the stomach and abdomen, especially that caused by indigestion or after surgery.
- Gas-related Symptoms: Addressing meteorism (formation of gas in the intestines), aerophagy (swallowing of air), and other gas-related issues with the help of simethicone.
- Promoting Digestion: Aiding the overall digestive process, particularly after overeating.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Symptomatic relief for these conditions related to digestive upset.
- Anorexia: Assisting with digestion in cases of poor appetite.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): As a digestant, Bearse's multi-enzyme profile is suited for managing symptoms of EPI, a condition where the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage and administration of Bearse are determined by a physician based on the individual's condition and the severity of symptoms. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare professional. The timing of intake is crucial for the medication's effectiveness, as it needs to be present in the digestive system when food is consumed.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Like any medication, Bearse is not without potential side effects or contraindications.
Adverse Effects
Some patients may experience:
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Discomfort inside the mouth
Contraindications and Precautions
- Lactose Intolerance: Bearse contains lactose, making it unsuitable for individuals with hereditary problems like galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
- Drug Interactions: Simethicone can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication like levothyroxine. Pancreatic enzymes may decrease the absorption of certain iron supplements.
- Age Restrictions: The drug is not recommended for children under the age of seven.
- Consultation Required: If symptoms do not improve within two weeks of use, it is important to consult a physician.
Bearse vs. Other Digestive Aids: A Comparison
| Feature | Bearse (Prescription) | Creon (Prescription PERT) | OTC Fungal Enzymes / Supplements | Antacids (e.g., Tums, Mylanta) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation & Quality | FDA-regulated product with consistent dosage and formulation. | FDA-regulated for standardized, consistent dosages for specific medical conditions. | Not FDA-regulated for dosage or efficacy; inconsistent quality and enzyme concentration. | OTC products are generally regulated for safety, but not for specific digestive enzyme activity. |
| Mechanism of Action | Multi-enzyme digestant with enteric-coated enzymes, plus a bile acid (UDCA) and anti-gas agent (Simethicone). | Standardized pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), usually for more severe EPI. | Provides enzymes, but often lacks enteric coating and may have lower potency. | Neutralizes stomach acid; does not aid digestion through enzymes. |
| Ingredients | Combination of multiple digestive enzymes (porcine-based), UDCA, and Simethicone. | Pancrelipase (lipase, protease, amylase), porcine-based. | Variable; can be fungal, plant, or animal-based; quality can vary. | Aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate. |
| Targeted Conditions | Dyspepsia, indigestion, bloating, gas, nausea, and post-operative digestion. | Pancreatic insufficiency from chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis. | General indigestion, gas, bloating, but with unproven efficacy and standardization. | Heartburn, acid reflux, and upset stomach due to excess acid. |
Conclusion
Bearse serves as a targeted, prescription-only medication for patients experiencing a range of digestive problems stemming from enzyme insufficiency and gastrointestinal gas. Its combination of enteric-coated digestive enzymes, ursodeoxycholic acid, and simethicone provides a multi-pronged approach to alleviating symptoms like indigestion, bloating, and discomfort. While effective for many, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is the right option, especially considering contraindications and potential drug interactions. For those with diagnosed pancreatic insufficiency or post-surgical digestive issues, Bearse can be a beneficial part of a treatment plan, complementing a healthy diet and lifestyle. For more specific information, regulatory filings for the product can be found on the FDA Verification Portal.
