Creon is used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis. It’s also used to help people who use feeding tubes get more nutrition.
Creon capsules pass through your stomach and intestines to give your body the digestive enzymes it needs to break down foods. They also help your body absorb nutrients it needs to function properly.
Side effects
Creon is a brand-name medication that comes as a delayed-release* oral capsule. It’s used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)* caused by cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatectomy.
It can also be prescribed to help manage acute pancreatitis.
Fatigue is a common side effect of Creon, and can get worse if it’s not treated. Talk to your doctor if you have persistent fatigue.
Diarrhea is another common side effect of Creon. It’s also a symptom of certain other conditions, such as fibrosing colonopathy* and viral infection.
Blurred vision is another possible side effect. This can happen if you have high or low blood sugar levels, and may be a symptom of gout or a kidney problem.
These side effects weren’t seen in the initial clinical studies of Creon, but they have been reported with other pancreatic enzymes similar to Creon. If you have any of these conditions, tell your doctor before you start taking Creon. They will be able to monitor your condition and adjust your dose accordingly.
Dosage
CREON delayed-release capsules contain a combination of lipases, proteases and amylases. These enzymes help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the intestine.
Your doctor will determine the correct dosage based on your weight, diet and symptoms of fatty stools. For children and adults, the usual starting dose is 25 000 to 40 000 units of lipase with each meal and half this amount with snacks.
If needed, your doctor may increase the dose up to 80,000 units of lipase with each meal. Your doctor will also change the dose if you have other health problems, such as high levels of uric acid in your blood.
In infants, the recommended dose is 3,000 lipase units per 120 mL of formula or breast milk. This is consistent with the dosing recommendations of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Consensus Conferences.
Precautions
CREON is a prescription medication that helps your digestive system break down food. Your doctor may prescribe it to treat cystic fibrosis or other conditions that cause a lack of pancreatic enzymes.
Your doctor will tell you how much Creon to take with each meal or snack. It is important that you not take more than your doctor has prescribed for you.
Never crush, chew, or retain Creon capsules or their contents in your mouth. These actions can disrupt the protective enteric coating and irritate your mouth or tongue.
You should also avoid sprinkling Creon on a soft food with a pH of 4.5 or less, such as applesauce, to prevent loss of potency and activity. The capsule should be swallowed immediately, without chewing.
Taking too much of Creon may increase your risk of developing a condition called fibrosing colonopathy. This can lead to strictures in your colon (narrowing). Talk with your doctor if you think you might have this condition.
Interactions
Aside from the standard medications prescribed to treat EPI, some people also use supplements and herbs. Using these types of products with CREON may increase your risk for side effects, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
The manufacturer of Creon, AbbVie, also offers support programs including the myAbbVie Assist program, which provides free medication to people who qualify. If you’re looking to save money on your medicine, you might want to consider a mail-order pharmacy or asking your local pharmacist about low cost options. The most important thing to remember is to follow the instructions for your prescription. It’s the only way to avoid a drug reaction or worse. You may also be asked to complete a drug profile that includes your medical history, family history and dietary habits. This will help your doctor customize your treatment plan and ensure you get the most out of your medication.
Suggested: Can You Take Creon and Drink Alcohol?