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Creon vs. Zenpep

Creon (pancrelipase) is a prescription medication that contains pancreatic enzymes to help you digest food if your body doesn't make enough of them. It's used in both children and adults to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). The medication comes as a pill that you take by mouth with every meal and snack to help break down food. The dose depends on your weight, age, and how much fat you eat, and it might be adjusted over time. Common side effects include cough, stomach pain, and vomiting.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Adults and children 7 years and older with cystic fibrosis:

• Vomiting (6%)
• Dizziness (4%)
• Cough (4%)

Children ages 4 months to 6 years old with cystic fibrosis:

• Vomiting (6%)
• Irritability (6%)
• Reduced appetite (6%)

Adults with chronic pancreatitis or pancreas removal surgery:

• High blood sugar (8%)
• Low blood sugar (4%)
• Stomach pain (4%)
• Abnormal stool (4%)
• Passing gas (4%)
• Frequent bowel movements (4%)
• Common cold symptoms (4%)

• Scarring in the colon (fibrosing colonopathy)
• Mouth irritation
• High uric acid levels
• Possible risk of infection
• Severe allergic reactions

Zenpep (pancrelipase) is a prescription medication used for children and adults with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas doesn’t make enough enzymes to digest food. It contains pancreatic enzymes that help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins so your body can absorb nutrients. You take the capsule by mouth with every meal and snack, and your dose is based on your weight, age, and diet. Common side effects include cough, headache, and feeling full quickly. Right now, there isn’t a generic version of Zenpep (pancrelipase) available.

• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Adults and children 7 years and older with cystic fibrosis:

• Headache (15%)
• Bruising (6%)
• Cough (6%)
• Feeling full soon after eating (6%)

Children 1 to 6 years old with cystic fibrosis:

• Stomach pain
• Fatty stools

• Scarring in the colon (fibrosing colonopathy)
• Mouth irritation
• High uric acid levels
• Possible risk of infection
• Severe allergic reaction