Creon is a prescription medicine that’s used to treat pancreatic insufficiency caused by cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis. It may help people with these conditions feel better by increasing the amount of digestive enzymes they produce.
The length of time you should take Creon depends on your condition. Talk with your doctor about how long you’ll need to take it.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
When you take CREON, it should be taken regularly with meals or snacks. If you miss a dose, wait until your next meal or snack and take the usual number of capsules.
Your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take, based on your weight and condition.
The dosage depends on how much your body needs lipase to digest food. In one clinical trial, a safe and effective starting dose was 72,000 lipase units with each meal and 36,000 lipase units with snacks.
What should I do if I don’t feel well?
If you have any stomach or bowel problems, including diarrhoea, steatorrhoea (foul fatty stools that float in the toilet), abdominal pain, nausea or skin reactions, call your doctor right away. They may need to prescribe you an alternative digestive enzyme therapy.
Creon is used to treat a condition called pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (EPI). It helps people who have this condition digest their food.
What should I do if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor. Creon may be excreted in breast milk, and you want to make sure your baby is getting the best nutrition possible.
You should also be aware that it’s important to drink lots of water as your body uses up this drug in the normal course of your pregnancy. The amount of water your body needs will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy and how much of this medication you are taking. Ideally, your doctor will recommend a daily fluid intake of around a gallon to keep you and your baby healthy and happy.
What should I do if I’m taking other medications?
If you’re taking any medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether Creon may interact with them. Also tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you’re taking.
Your doctor will decide the best dosage of Creon for you based on several factors, such as your health and how well your diet works.
You might be able to buy a supply of Creon through a mail-order pharmacy that can help you lower your out-of-pocket costs. This option is not available to all people and isn’t guaranteed.
If you need a lower dose of Creon, your doctor may prescribe a digestive enzyme alternative, such as Zenpep, Pancreaze, Viokace, Ultresa, or Pertzye. These products don’t contain the same combination of pancrelipase as Creon.
What should I do if I’m not eating the right foods?
If you’re not eating the right foods while taking Creon, you might not get the full benefits of the enzymes you’re taking. It’s important to work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to create a diet that’s healthy and balanced for you.
You might need to avoid foods that are high in fat or protein, or those that are spicy, acidic, or high in fiber. These can irritate your digestive system and make your symptoms worse. Try to eat several small meals throughout the day. Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your body hydrated. You might also need to give your body more time to digest certain foods before you eat them.
What should I do if I’m having a lab test?
If you’re having a lab test, be sure to tell your doctor that you’re taking Creon. This will help ensure your results are accurate.
You should also be aware of the more common side effects and how they affect your lab results. Some of these symptoms can be mild and go away within a day or two, while others may require medical attention. It’s best to consult with your doctor and pharmacist about your options before you have any lab tests. They’ll be able to recommend the right medication for you. They also can help you understand your insurance coverage and how it may work for you.
Suggested: Can You Take Creon and Drink Alcohol?