Prescription Required
Description
Creon is a capsule shaped oral tablet made up of pancrelipase. Pancrelipase is part of the drug class called digestive enzymes and comes in the brand name Creon in 10000 U and 25000 U dosages. This medication is also known as MiniMicropheres internationally.
Creon is prescribed for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, and for blockages of the pancreatic ducts. With these conditions, the pancreas needs assistance with food digestion because the pancreas can no longer do it on its own. Creon is prescribed to help replace the enzymes in your body, including lipases, proteases, and amylases since your body can no longer produce enough. These enzymes are important as they are essential for the breakdown and digestion of proteins, starches, and fats.
Directions
Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Creon exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.
This medication is best taken with a light snack or meal. Creon should be swallowed whole with full glass of water; avoid breaking, chewing, or crushing this tablet. When you take this capsule, ensure to swallow it right away and avoid keeping it in your mouth too long (it may cause irriation).
Alternate method: If you have a hard time swallowing pills, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce without chewing.
Do not mix this medication with infant formula or breast milk; give the dose right after feeding.
Avoid getting the medication on your skin or inhaled through your nose or mouth.
This medication is most effective if it is taken regularly. Take this medication at the same time every day to develop a routine to ensure you don’t forget.
Cautions
Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also be sure to mention any drug allergies you may have.
In rare cases, Creon has caused a serious bowel disorder. If you develop symptoms such as severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, tell your doctor right away.
This medication can cause irritation in your mouth if the capsule is kept in your mouth for too long.
It is not yet known if pancrelipase (Creon) will harm an unborn baby or travel into a mothers breast milk. If you are pregnant or plan to be, discuss the risks with your doctor before taking Creon.
To determine if Creon is right for you, make sure you tell your doctor about any of the following if they apply to you;
kidney disease; gout; high blood uric acid levels (called hyperuricemia); diabetes; a blockage or scarring in your intestines; trouble swallowing pills; lactose intolerance; or or pork protein allergy.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Creon may include:
stomach pain, gas, upset stomach; diarrhea, frequent or abnormal bowel movements; cough; dizziness or headache; or weight loss.
Serious side effects of Creon may include:
Cough; difficulty with swallowing; dizziness; fast heartbeat; itching; or noisy breathing
Signs to watch for:
Serious bowel disorder - severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation.
FAQs
What is Creon?
Creon, also known as MiniMicrospheres, is a prescription medication that comes in the form of an oral capsule. Each capsule contains a fixed amount of Pancrelipase; it belongs to the class of digestive enzymes. Pancrelipase, which may also be known as pancreatic enzymes, pancreases, or pancreatin, is a commercial mixture of proteins. These proteins are known as amylase, lipase, and protease. Pancrelipase has been used in medicine for many years; it is thought to have been used since at least the 1800’s and can be found on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. Pancrelipase can be purchased as the brand-name Creon in two strengths at My Drug Center; 10000 and 25000 units. You will require a valid prescription to obtain this medication.
What is Creon used for?
Creon is made up of digestive enzymes which make it effective in treating conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, cancer of the pancreas, post-pancreatectomy, and post-gastrointestinal bypass surgery. In other words, Creon is effective against conditions where the pancreas cannot make digestive enzymes on their own, or if they can produce them, they cannot produce a sufficient amount into the small intestines. In either of these two circumstances, food cannot be properly digested as a sufficient amount of digestive enzymes are needed in order to do so. This may result in upper abdominal pain, fever, rapid pulse, or abdominal pain that radiates to your back or gets worse after eating (pancreatitis). It may also cause symptoms such as persistent coughing, frequent lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, or poor growth or weight gain regardless of good appetite (cystic fibrosis). There are many other symptoms that may occur, but can be avoided by using Creon (Pancrelipase).
What does Creon do?
As mentioned previously, Creon is effective against conditions where the pancreas cannot make digestive enzymes or cannot produce a sufficient amount of them resulting in undigested food and unpleasant symptoms. Creon is able to help fix this by directly supplying the body with the missing enzymes. When you take a Creon (Pancrelipase) capsule, tiny coated spheres containing the enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) are released into the body, which then dissolve in the duodenum located in the small intestine. Once they are in the small intestine, the enzymes will then break down the digestive fats, starch, and proteins in food.
How much does Creon cost without insurance?
Creon is an expensive medication and even more expensive for those who are not covered by insurance. However, depending on the pharmacy, prices may vary. This is especially true when comparing local United States pharmacies to internationally pharmacies. Internationally, the price of most medication – including Creon – can be found for significantly lower. For example, when you order internationally at My Drug Center, Creon can be purchased for $60.00 when you buy a supply of 100 capsules containing 10000 units. In the United States, the average retail cost for the closest similar supply (100 capsules containing 6000 units), would not only cost you close to 7 times as much, but also contains a lesser dose. If you are interested in saving money on your medication, you may want to consider purchasing internationally through My Drug Center. You can call our toll-free number of 1-877-385-8998 to place an order; keep in mind, you will require a valid prescription.
How to take Creon?
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor, including how and when to take Creon. Do not take more or less of a dose than prescribed or for longer than recommended. Creon should be taken with food and a glass of water to help swallow it, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break open the capsule before swallowing it. If you have troubles with swallowing capsules, speak with your health care professional.
Who makes Creon?
AbbVie Inc. is the American publicly traded biopharmaceutical company that makes Creon. It was founded in 2013 as a spin-off of Abbott Laboratories. In 2011, Abbott Laboratories announced that it would be separating into two publicly traded companies; Abbott Laboratories specializing in diversified products while AbbVie operates as a research-based pharmaceutical manufacturer.
What are the side effects of Creon?
The most commonly reported side effects of Creon include stomach pain, gas, upset stomach, diarrhea, frequent or abnormal bowel movements, cough, dizziness, headache, or weight loss. You likely will not experience all of listed side effects but you may experience one or a select few of them; if so, they should not alarm you. Side effects are a normal response of the body when taking a new medication and often subside on their own with time. If side effects begin to bother you, become worse, or do not go away, you should speak with your health care professional. Keep in mind, not all side effects have been listed here.
How long does Creon last?
Creon should generally be effective for up to one hour. This means if you take your dose and an hour later want to eat a meal, you would need to take another dose. It is important to always take your dose at the same time that you eat your meal. Keep in mind, due to many personal factors, the exact length of time Creon remains effective for may vary.
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