Creon is a prescription drug that replaces the pancreatic enzymes you need to digest food. It’s used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) that’s due to cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis.
It’s important to take your prescribed dose of Creon with every meal or snack. Do not double up your dose or skip a dose.
How much Creon should XI take?
Creon is a pancreatic enzyme therapy that should be taken after a meal. Taking it outside of meals may interfere with how well the drug works and cause side effects.
Your doctor will prescribe the number of capsules you should take based on how many meals you have. Be sure to follow your doctor’s directions carefully.
Some people who have cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis can use Creon to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)*, which means they don’t make enough of the enzymes needed for digestion.
This condition is a lifelong condition for these people, and they may need to use Creon for their entire lives.
Creon can increase uric acid levels in the blood, which can worsen gout or other conditions. It also can increase the risk of kidney disease or high blood pressure in some people with kidney problems.
Can I take Creon with a meal?
If you’re taking Creon to treat a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), your doctor will prescribe the number of capsules you need to take with every meal. They may also change your dose based on the amount of fatty foods you eat or based on your weight.
For infants and children, you can open the capsule and sprinkle it directly into their mouth or mix it with a small amount of room temperature acidic soft food such as applesauce. Your doctor may recommend other foods you can mix with CREON, such as soup or pudding.
You can also take a Creon capsule with water or juice to make sure it’s swallowed. Don’t crush, chew, or hold the capsule in your mouth as this can irritate your mouth and change how Creon works in your body.
Keep a supply of Creon at home and in your car or work desk to avoid missing a dose. You should also drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day to help prevent dehydration.
Can I take Creon with a snack?
Creon works by replacing the digestive enzymes your body doesn’t produce normally. These include lipase, protease, and amylase.
You should take Creon with a meal or snack and enough liquid to help it get into your system right away. It’s also important to swallow the capsule or granules whole.
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about which foods you can eat while taking Creon. They can help you create a healthy diet that includes the nutrients you need while avoiding those that may irritate your system.
The following foods may cause side effects or worsen your symptoms while you’re taking Creon: greasy, spicy, or acidic foods; high-fiber foods; or alcohol or tobacco.
Some people with EPI can’t digest fats, so it’s important to eat a low-fat diet while you’re using Creon. Your doctor or dietitian can recommend foods that are a good source of fats such as olive oil, peanut oil, seeds, nuts, and fish.
It’s important to keep track of what you eat while taking Creon to see if you need to change your dose. Doing this can help you and your doctor decide if your dose needs to be changed or if you need a lower dose of Creon.
Can I take Creon with a drink?
Creon is only for use with food, not with a drink. It is taken every time you eat to replace the enzymes your pancreas isn’t making if you have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Your doctor may tell you how many capsules to take each day. It is best to take the full daily dose each time you eat.
When you open the capsule, sprinkle the granules inside on a small amount of room-temperature acidic soft food like applesauce. Give the food to your child right away.
Taking Creon with food helps your body absorb more of the drug. It also helps prevent your symptoms from getting worse.
Eating fatty or greasy foods can make it harder for your body to break down the Creon. This can lead to oily stools and other unpleasant side effects.
Talk with your doctor or dietitian about a diet that is right for you. This is especially important if you have any health conditions or are taking other medications.
Suggested: Can You Take Creon and Drink Alcohol?