FAQs
What is Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency?
Sucrose is a complex sugar found in every fruit and vegetable and added to many common foods and drinks found in the western diet. It is too complex for the body to absorb automatically. It must be broken down into simpler sugars in order for the body to absorb it. To facilitate that process, the brush borders of the small intestine produce an enzyme called Sucrase-isomaltase. Enzymes are proteins that cause a chemical reaction.
In some people the small intestine fails to produce sufficient enzyme. This may lead to an osmotic retention of water, which causes loose, watery stools. Unabsorbed sugar in the colon is fermented by bacterial flora to produce increased amounts of hydrogen, methane and water. As a consequence, excessive gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting may also occur.
Some people are born with sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. This may be discovered when a baby is first introduced to infant formulae or fruit juices. Some people develop the problem later in life when the small intestine becomes damaged or inflamed due to a variety of other intestinal diseases.
Sucraid® (sacrosidase) oral solution is an enzyme replacement that facilitates breakdown and absorption of sucrose from the intestine. It can help relieve the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with sucrase-isomaltase deficiency and allow people to maintain a more normal diet.
Sucraid® does not break down starch (potato, bread, pasta) and some people also have an inability to absorb starch from their diet. Therefore, your doctor may recommend you restrict the amount of starch for two weeks after you first start Sucraid® and then, gradually reintroduce starch to your diet. If symptoms return, you should consult your doctor. Keeping a dietary diary for the first few weeks is recommended.
Your doctor has prescribed Sucraid® either because you have been diagnosed with a deficiency of sucrase-isomaltase enzyme or because the doctor suspects you may have some deficiency of the enzyme and wishes to determine over a couple of weeks if Sucraid® is of benefit.
- Please follow the dosing instructions carefully.
- It is suggested that half of each dose be taken before the meal and the other half be taken during the meal in 4oz of water or milk. The divided dose is important as the first half of the dose is used to decoy pepsin which is in the stomach and could otherwise reduce Sucraid’s effectiveness.
- Do not heat beverages containing Sucraid®, or add Sucraid® to hot beverages, as the heated fluid could decrease the potency of the enzyme.
- Keep Sucraid® refrigerated. For tips on how to travel with Sucraid®, please call 866-469-3773 ext 502.
- Sucraid® should not be reconstituted or consumed with fruit juices as they are often very acidic compared to real fruits and the acidity may reduce the enzyme activity.
- Your doctor may recommend avoiding starch for two weeks and then gradually adding starch back into the diet while monitoring symptoms.
How much sucrose can I take with Sucraid®?
In clinical trials with patients ranging from several months to 17 years of age, 77% of patients taking a normal diet the same day they were taking Sucraid® for the first time became asymptomatic. But, through years of experience with Sucraid®
we recommend titrating the amount of sucrose slowly over several weeks. Some patients may have an upper tolerance level and need their physician to change the dosing. We also recommend withholding starch for the first two weeks and then slowly adding starch back into the diet. Monitor symptoms and contact your physician if symptoms return.
Where can I get diet information?
www.csidinfo.com is a website designed and maintained by the Congenital Sucrase-isomaltase Deficiency parent support group. But it contains valuable information for anyone who has been prescribed Sucraid and includes lists of sucrose-free medicines as well as support contact information.
I left my Sucraid® out of the refrigerator. Can I still use it?
Can I travel with Sucraid® ?
How do I take Sucraid® to school?
Sucraid® contains an enzyme. Like many enzymes, it can decompose and lose potency over time at higher temperatures. Keeping it refrigerated guarantees that it remains fully potent until the expiration date printed on the package. Even though the long term storage requirement is refrigerated, we have conducted stability studies showing that storing for short periods of time (up to 48 hours) at room temperature will not cause Sucraid to lose potency.
Why do I have to throw Sucraid® away after 28 days open?
As soon as the Sucraid® bottle is opened, it is no longer sterile and bacteria from the air can enter the container. Keeping Sucraid® refrigerated keeps the number of bacteria under control. However, over weeks these bacteria can grow and risk Sucraid losing its potency.
Do you have another question?
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