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Alternative to Creon is a prescription drug used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). It contains a mixture of digestive enzymes (lipases, amylases, and proteases) from a porcine (pig) source.
It’s used to help people with a lifelong condition called cystic fibrosis or who had a pancreatectomy.
Talk with your doctor about taking Creon if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s not expected to pass into breast milk.
Zanpep
Zenpep is a prescription drug that contains digestive enzymes from a pig source (pancrelipase). It’s used to treat certain types of digestive problems.
It is usually taken with a meal or snack. It comes in a variety of dosing options labeled in terms of lipase units.
A trial compared Zenpep to Kreon in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis-associated exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Results showed that both drugs were safe and well tolerated.
The most common side effects are abdominal pain, gas, and headache. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms or have them more often than usual.
Some people with CF have thick, sticky mucus in their pancreas that blocks the duct that brings pancreatic enzymes to their small intestine. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommends using brand-name pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (brand names Creon and Zenpep) to manage EPI due to CF.
Viokace
Viokace (pancrelipase) is an oral medication used to improve digestion of food in adults who have pancreatic disease, such as chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy. It comes in delayed-release capsules and is usually combined with a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI.
It’s around half the price of Creon and can be a good alternative if you have difficulty affording it or have difficulty getting it covered by insurance. Using a mail-order pharmacy to get it may also lower your cost.
Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which product is best for you and your needs, including pricing and insurance information. You can also use the Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds websites to learn about programs that can help you lower your costs for prescription drugs.
People who have a history of anal itching can find relief by taking steroid creams or applying anal itching ointment over the itchy area. This should relieve itching for about 2 weeks. However, if it gets worse or doesn’t go away, talk with your doctor.
Pancreaze
Pancreaze is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) that’s approved for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency caused by cystic fibrosis. It contains a combination of porcine-derived lipases, proteases, and amylases as its active ingredients.
It can help digest foods by breaking down fats, starches, and proteins . It’s given by mouth, usually with a snack or meal.
The recommended dose is based on your body weight and the amount of fatty foods you eat each day. It may change based on your doctor’s advice and other factors.
People who use enteral feedings (tube feedings) to get nutrition need to take their Creon dose with their feed. It may help lower their risk of fibrosing colonopathy, a condition that can occur when your colon doesn’t absorb enough nutrients.
It’s important to talk with your doctor before switching from Creon to another pancreatic enzyme product. The sudden change in treatment can cause symptoms including stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Pertzye
Pertzye is a drug that’s used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) that’s caused by cystic fibrosis or other conditions. It works by replacing and supporting the pancreas’ enzymes that help your body digest food.
It comes in capsules that release these enzymes into your intestines. These enzymes then break down food and allow your body to absorb more nutrients.
Your doctor will tell you how much Pertzye to take each day. Your dose depends on your weight and how many meals or snacks you eat.
You should take PERTZYE with your meal or snack, with plenty of fluid. It’s best to take it during the middle of your day, when you’re most hungry.
If you have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a different medication for you.
High doses of Pertzye may increase your risk for a rare condition called fibrosing colonopathy. This is a serious condition that can lead to bowel damage and scarring. It can occur in children who are younger than 12 years of age and in adults who take Pertzye for a long time.
Suggested: Can You Take Creon and Drink Alcohol?