Creon
(pancrelipase)
Helps breaks down food.
Our bottom line
Creon (pancrelipase) works well breaking down food when your pancreas isn't working well, but you'll need to work with your doctor to find a dose that works best for you.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- The sprinkle capsule can be swallowed whole or can be opened up and mixed with applesauce if you have a hard time swallowing pills.
- It's safe to use for children and infants.
- Studies show that Creon (pancrelipase) works well to lower stool frequency and improve stomach pain, gassiness, and stool consistency.
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What to expect from Creon, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- You need to take Creon (pancrelipase) with every meal and snack.
- It may affect your blood sugar levels so you'll have to check your sugar levels more often if you're diabetic.
- Sometimes you'll need to take another medication with Creon (pancrelipase) for it to work well.
- It can be expensive and there is no generic version.
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What to expect from Creon, on one page
Download Fact SheetCreon (pancrelipase) replaces three important enzymes that are normally made in the pancreas to break down food.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Pancreatic insufficiency
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Delayed-release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$596.96
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$599.89
What to expect when you take Creon (pancrelipase) for Pancreatic insufficiency
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- High blood sugar
- Stomach pain
- Abnormal stool
- Gassy feeling
- Frequent bowel movements
Side effect rates for Creon (pancrelipase)
- High blood sugar8%8%7%7%
- Vomiting6%6%2%2%
- Dizziness4%4%2%2%
- Cough4%4%
- Low blood sugar4%4%3%3%
- Abdominal pain4%4%3%3%
- Abnormal feces4%4%
- Gassy4%4%
- Frequent bowel movements4%4%
- Common cold4%4%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Creon.
People taking Creon felt side effect more
People taking Creon felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Creon (pancrelipase)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › High dose
- › Long-term use
Creon (pancrelipase) can sometimes cause serious scarring of the colon, especially when used in high doses or for a long time. You should take Creon (pancrelipase) only as directed, and not more than or longer than your doctor recommends.
Common concerns from people taking Creon (pancrelipase)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Creon (pancrelipase) should be taken with every meal and snack.
- You need to take Creon (pancrelipase) with every meal and snack.