Pancrealipase (Creon) is a medicine that contains pancreatic enzymes needed to digest fats, proteins and sugars. Creon is used to replace these enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic firbrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, or blockage of the pancreatic ducts.
How should it be used?
This medication is available in capsule form.
- Take the medicine with meals.
- Do not hold the capsule in your mouth because the medicine may irritate the inside of your mouth.
- You can open the capsule up and put the medicine into 1 teaspoon of pudding or applesauce to make it easy to swallow. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Throw away the empty capsule.
- Do not inhale the powder from the capsule or allow it to touch your skin because it may cause an irritation, especially to your nose and lungs.
- If you miss taking the regular dose, wait until it is time for the next dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Special Precautions/Instructions
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines (including over the counter), vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking before you start taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have a problem (hypersensitivity) to anything in this medicine.
- Are allergic to pork proteins.
- Have acute pancreatitis or worsening of chronic pancreatic disease.
- Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Avoid using antacids because they may destroy the coating of the capsule and affect the enzymes in this medicine.
Side Effects
The most common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction including:
- Diarrhea
- Feeling sick
- Fever, shivering/chills, rash
- Muscle and bone pain
- Kidney problems (changes in the amount of urine or color of urine)
- Tiredness, dizziness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
Additional side effects may be found on the drug’s website or by calling the manufacturer (contact information is listed below).
Storage Conditions
This medication should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep out of reach of children. Protect from sunlight and moisture. Do not change brands without asking your doctor first.
Emergency/Overdose
Call the national poison control center 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the event of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection.
Creon Ingredients
Inactive Ingredients: cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, gelatin, hypromellose phthalate, polyethylene, glycol, red iron oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxice, riethyl citrate, and yellow iron oxide.
- The 6,000 strength contains FD&C Blue No. 2
- The 12,000 strength contains black iron oxide
- The imprinting on the capsule contains dimethicone, 2-ethoxyethanol, shellac, soya lecithin, and titanium dioxide
Special Note: as of July 7, 2009 mineral oil has been removed as an inactive ingredient; this may lead to increased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the patient’s vitamin levels should be assessed and doses adjusted as needed.
Additional Information
For complete information, please visit: http://www.solvaypharmaceuticals.com/Products/group/product/0,,30632-2-0,00.htmand/or call 1-770-579-9000