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Pancreatic Insufficiency Creon tips please

You'll know when you take too much Creon - you'll either get constipated, or the unused Creon will pass straight through, and on the way out it'll have a go at digesting your anus, giving you the 'hot' feeling you get after a Chicken Vindaloo. And the correct dose is the one that works at you getting normal bowel motions. It's as simple as that. Doctors generally don't understand that, so always supply Creon with instructions like "two to be taken with each meal". Which is why I order prescriptions more frequently than any other drug I take. (Not that Creon is a drug)

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Featured

 Taking its toll: the global pancreatic enzyme shortage

The shortage of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy - sourced from pigs - is impacting the physical and mental health of thousands of patients who rely on it, with charities calling on the government to urgently intervene.

 What are the indications for use of Creon (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy)?

Once EPI is diagnosed, treatment with Creon is required to prevent complications related to fat malabsorption and malnutrition, which can have a negative impact on quality of life. The medication contains a mixture of digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) that help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. Dosing is typically individualized based on weight, clinical symptoms, and fat content of the diet, but generally ranges from 500-2,500 lipase units/kg/meal for adults, with half that dose for snacks

Articles of Interest

Are You Taking Pancreatic Enzymes the Right Way?

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is a cornerstone of care for individuals with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). However, finding the right dose can be challenging, especially with the limited options available...

As the Creon supply issues continue, we spoke to clinicians about what you can do to minimise the impact

The supply of Creon (and other brands of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)) has been affected by a global shortage, caused by a lack of the raw ingredients needed and manufacturing issues.

CREON (Pancrelipase Delayed-Release Capsules) for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Together, the clinical study data and wealth of clinical experience suggest that CREON is effective and safe in patients with EPI regardless of etiology, with a very favorable risk-benefit profile.

How The Drug 'Creon' Works And Why Its Shortage Is Forcing Cancer Patients To Skip Meals

The consequences are frightening- patients are forgoing meals, dividing up doses, and driving more than 30 miles just to receive the capsules. The effect is not just nutritional but life-threatening, because not being able to properly digest food can make a person vulnerable to infection, make them weaker, and restrict access to life-saving treatment like chemotherapy.

How to deal with Creon, Nutrizym or Pancrex supply issues

PERT are supplied under the product brands: Creon®, Nutrizym® and Pancrex®. These supply issues are intermittent. The current supply issues mean some people will need to be supplied with a different brand of PERT. This advice is designed for everyone who takes PERT.

My experience with Creon

Creon provides enzymes that break down the larger molecules (like fats) into smaller molecules so that that my body can produce what it needs. Without creon I'd probably die because the enzymes are not present and I'd not have the essential nutrients.

Resources

5 Foods to Limit or Avoid When Taking Creon: High-Fiber Foods, Hot Drinks, and More

When taking Creon, try to avoid non-acidic foods and hot drinks while you’re taking your dose. These can cause your medication to not work correctly. Large amounts of fiber can also hinder its effectiveness.

Creon

CREON (pancrelipase) is a prescription medicine used to treat people who cannot digest food normally because their pancreas does not make enough enzymes. This condition is called EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) and may be due to cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, or other conditions.