Key takeaways:
Without insurance, 100 capsules of Creon (pancrelipase) 36,000 units cost an average of $1605.80.
How much you’ll pay for Creon depends on factors such as the dose, the quantity, and where you fill your prescription.
Savings options, including manufacturer copay savings cards and patient assistance programs, could help lower your costs.
Save on related medications
Creon (pancrelipase) is a prescription-only medication used to help people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) digest food properly. It replaces digestive enzymes that the body isn’t making enough of.
But what if you don’t have insurance, your plan doesn’t cover Creon, or your copay is still high? There are several ways to potentially reduce what you pay. Understanding the typical price of Creon and what affects it can help you find the most affordable option.
How much does Creon cost without insurance?
Without insurance or discounts, 100 capsules of Creon 36,000 units cost an average of $1605.80. But you could pay more or less for your prescription, depending on your prescribed dose and quantity.
Creon is available in multiple doses, and most people need to take it with every meal and snack. Factors that determine your dose include your body weight, age, and medical history.
The recommended initial Creon dosage ranges from 500 units per kilogram of body weight to 1,000 units per kilogram of body weight per meal. For children who are 12 months old and under, the dosage is 3,000 units per 120 mL of formula or per breastfeeding session.
From there, dosages may be adjusted based on symptoms, amount of fat in the stool, and diet.
What factors affect the cost of Creon?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for Creon, especially if you don’t have insurance.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Creon is only available as a reference (“brand-name”) medication. It’s considered a biologic, which is a complex medication made using living systems. Like brand-name medications and generics, biologics have highly similar versions called biosimilars that often cost less. But Creon doesn’t currently have any FDA-approved biosimilars.
Other pancrelipase products exist, such as Zenpep, Pancreaze, and Pertzye. But these are also brand-name medications and may have similar costs.
Dose and quantity
As mentioned, Creon comes in different doses. Your dose is based on factors such as your body weight, age, and medical history. Because Creon is taken with meals and snacks, people often need multiple capsules per day. Higher doses and larger quantities will increase your monthly costs.
Location
Prescription medication prices can vary by geographic location. Costs may differ between states, cities, and even neighborhoods. For example, according to GoodRx research, medications are typically more affordable in Denver than in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Pharmacy
Different pharmacies may charge different prices for the same medications. Using cost comparison tools, like GoodRx, to view prices at multiple pharmacies can help you find the best deal.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance, what you pay for Creon will depend on your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) and coverage rules. These help determine your out-of-pocket costs, like your deductible, copays, and coinsurance.
Your plan may also require prior authorization, where your prescriber submits documentation showing that Creon is medically necessary. Or you may need to try other medications (step therapy) before your plan will cover Creon.
What to do if Creon isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover Creon, try these options:
See if you qualify for a patient assistance program. If you’re eligible, Creon’s manufacturer has a patient assistance program that provides the medication at no charge.
Check if your plan covers a different pancrelipase product. An alternative like Zenpep or Pancreaze may be preferred in your plan’s formulary.
Have your prescriber request an exception. Your prescriber can submit a letter of medical necessity to your insurance to see if your plan will grant an exception. You can file an appeal if the exception isn’t approved.
Compare plans during open enrollment. If possible, look for a plan that offers better coverage for Creon or similar medications.
Ways to save on Creon
Without insurance or discounts, Creon can cost thousands of dollars per month. But there are several savings tactics that you can explore to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Here are five to consider.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
GoodRx may be able to help you save on Creon at participating pharmacies. Prices can vary widely, so it’s worth comparing options in your area. For example, the price of 100 capsules of Creon 36,000 units may be as low as $1288.21 with a GoodRx coupon at certain pharmacies.
To access a free GoodRx coupon:
Go to the GoodRx website or open the app and type “Creon” into the search bar.
Select your dose and quantity.
Pick your preferred pharmacy and click “get free coupon.”
Choose if you want to receive the discount information by text or email. You can also take a screenshot of it on your phone or save it to your phone’s digital wallet.
To help make the process as smooth as possible, tell the pharmacy that you’re using a GoodRx coupon ahead of time.
2. See if you qualify for a copay savings card or rebate
Creon’s manufacturer offers a copay savings card for eligible people with commercial insurance that covers the medication.
If you’ve been prescribed Creon for EPI from cystic fibrosis, you could pay as little as $0 for a 30- or 90-day supply with the CFCareForward card. If you have EPI from another cause, you could pay as little as $5 for a 30- or 90-day supply with Creon Complete. Maximum annual benefits apply.
To be eligible, you must:
Have commercial insurance that covers Creon
Not have government-funded insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid
Have a valid prescription for Creon
You can apply for either of these copay cards online. For assistance with Creon Complete, call 1-844-662-7366. For assistance with CFCareForward, call 1-855-227-3493.
If you’ve already paid out of pocket for Creon, you may be able to request a rebate.
3. Check if you’re eligible for a patient assistance program
If you’re eligible, Creon’s manufacturer offers a patient assistance program that provides the medication at no charge. To qualify, you must:
Be treated by a licensed U.S. healthcare professional
Be uninsured or underinsured
Live in the U.S.
Meet income requirements
You can register and apply for the program online. Or you can print the application and fax or mail it in with your supporting documents. Keep in mind your prescriber will also need to submit application documents. If you have any questions or need assistance, call 1-800-222-6885.
4. Ask about 90-day supplies
If Creon has been working well for you and your dose is stable, consider filling a 90-day supply. This can reduce how often you need to refill your prescription and, if you have insurance, may lower your overall costs by decreasing the number of copays. Your plan may also provide additional discounts if you use a preferred pharmacy.
5. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
You can use funds from a health savings account (HSA), a flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to pay for Creon. This can help make your treatment more affordable through tax savings. You may need to show proof of eligible expenses, so it’s recommended to keep your receipts.
If you have an FSA, keep in mind that these funds don’t roll over, so you typically need to use them by the end of the year. If you have an HSA, you can use your funds at any time. How long HRA funds last depends on your employer’s rules.
The bottom line
Without insurance, 100 capsules of Creon (pancrelipase) 36,000 units cost an average of $1605.80. What you pay for Creon will depend on factors such as your prescribed dose and quantity and where you fill your prescription.
GoodRx coupons, manufacturer copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs can help you save money on your prescription. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to find the best strategy for your situation.
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References
AbbVie. (n.d.). Online application overview.
AbbVie. (n.d.). Patient assistance.
AbbVie. (2024). Creon - pancrelipase capsule, delayed release, Creon - pancrelipase capsule, delayed release pellets [package insert]. DailyMed.
Creon. (n.d.). Creon (pancrelipase) cost savings information. AbbVie.
