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pancrelipase

Generic Creon
Used for Cystic Fibrosis, Pancreatic Insufficiency
Used for Cystic Fibrosis, Pancreatic Insufficiency

Pancrelipase (Creon) contains different digestive enzymes (proteins) that are made by your pancreas. This medications helps you break down food when your pancreas isn't working well. Typically, you take pancrelipase (Creon) by mouth 3 times a day with meals, and up to 2 times a day in between meal times with snacks. You'll need to work with your healthcare provider to find a dose that works best for you. Common side effects of pancrelipase (Creon) include headache, cough, and stomach pain.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Dalga Surofchy, PharmD, APh
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 7, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Pancrelipase (Creon)?

What is Pancrelipase (Creon) used for?

  • Pancreatic insufficiency (not enough digestive enzymes)

How Pancrelipase (Creon) works

Pancrelipase (Creon) replaces three important digestive or pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) that are normally made in the pancreas and help to break down food.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPertzye, Zenpep, Creon, Pancreaze, Viokace
Drug Class Enzyme
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Pancrelipase (Creon)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Please note: Side effects can differ depending on which brand of pancrelipase your provider prescribes. In general, some common side effects include:
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Cough
  • Changes in your blood sugar (it can go up or down)
  • Stomach pain
  • Passing gas
  • Changes in your stool or bowel movement

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: feeling lightheaded, confused, trouble breathing, skin rash, swollen lips, nausea, vomiting

Source: DailyMed

More on Pancrelipase (Creon) side effects

Medication Education: Side Effects: patient cough check up 1313503813

8 Pancrelipase Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Cassandra Pardini, PharmD, MS

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Skin rash or hives

With high doses

Bowel blockage

diarrhea

nausea

stomach cramps or pain

With very high doses

Blood in the urine

joint pain

swelling of the feet or lower legs

With powder dosage form or powder from opened capsules

if breathed in

Stuffy nose

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

With tablets

if held in the mouth

Irritation of the mouth

Incidence not known

Cough

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

itching

noisy breathing

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

severe stomach pain

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Blurred vision

dry mouth

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

headache

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

sweating

unexplained weight loss

vomiting

Less common

Abnormal feces

anxiety

bloated feeling

chills

cold sweats

confusion

cool, pale skin

depression

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

feeling of fullness

fever

frequent bowel movements

loss of consciousness

muscle aches

nightmares

passing gas

runny nose

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

sore throat

Incidence not known

Difficulty having a bowel movement

difficulty with moving

muscle aching or cramping

muscle pains or stiffness

muscle spasm

swollen joints

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Pancrelipase (Creon)

thumbs-up

Pros

Capsules can be opened up and mixed with apple sauce

Can be used in children and infants

No known interactions with other medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Should be taken with every meal and snack

Might not be safe to take for people with pork allergy

Can cause stomach pain and bloating

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Pancrelipase (Creon)

pharmacist

  • Pancrelipase (Creon) must be taken with every meal and snack to help digest your food. Follow your provider's instructions carefully so you know how much you should take.

    • Drink enough water or juice after taking pancrelipase (Creon) to make sure you swallow the capsules completely. The capsules can cause mouth irritation if they're crushed or chewed, or if you hold them in your mouth for too long.

      • If you miss a dose of pancrelipase (Creon), skip it and continue with your dose at your next meal or snack. You don't need to make up for missed doses.

        • Keep track of what you're eating and how you feel when you take pancrelipase (Creon). This can help your healthcare provider decide if your dose needs to be changed.

          • Viokace tablets can contain lactose, so let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know if you're lactose intolerant.

            • Some brands of pancrelipase, such as Creon and Zenpep, can be sprinkled on foods like applesauce, so check with your pharmacist for more information. If the medication is mixed with food, don't store the food; it must be eaten right away.

              More on Pancrelipase (Creon) tips

              Medication Education: man looking inside of refrigerator 1357735060

              5 Foods to Limit or Avoid When Taking Creon: High-Fiber Foods, Hot Drinks, and More

              Written by Mandeep Sohal, PharmD
              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Pancrelipase (Creon)

              How long does it take for pancrelipase (Creon) to work?
              When pancrelipase (Creon) reaches your gut (small intestines), it starts working in your gut to help you break down fats, proteins, and starches right away. That's why you should take it with meals or snacks.
              When should I take pancrelipase (Creon)?
              You should take pancrelipase (Creon) together with your meals and snacks, since this medication provides enzymes that help break down your food. Your provider will help determine your dose of pancrelipase (Creon) based on what you eat and your body weight. Follow the instructions your provider gave you closely to make sure pancrelipase (Creon) works the best for you. Let your provider know if you plan to make any changes in your diet because they might need to adjust your dose of pancrelipase (Creon).
              Can I take pancrelipase (Creon) with alcohol?
              There isn't enough information to know if and how pancrelipase (Creon) interacts with alcohol. Because of this, it's best to avoid alcohol if you're taking pancrelipase (Creon). Alcohol can cause your pancreas to become inflamed and worsen your condition. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns related to drinking alcohol.
              Will I gain weight while taking pancrelipase (Creon)?
              How pancrelipase might affect body weight isn't too clear and more research is need in this area. Based on information from clinical trials, weight gain isn't a reported side effect of many brands of pancrelipase, including Creon and Pancreaze. Some people taking certain brands, such as Zenpep, actually reported weight loss. On the other hand, a small study suggests that Creon can cause weight gain. Ask your provider if you've questions about pancrelipase (Creon) and body weight.
              Why do I have to take pancrelipase (Creon) with food?
              The purpose of taking pancrelipase (Creon) is to help you break down the food you eat. If you take this medication too far away from your snack or meal, it won't work as well to help break the food down and treat your condition.
              What other brands of pancrelipase (Creon) are available?
              Pancreatic enzymes are available in the following brands: Zenpep, Pertzye, Pancreaze, Creon, and Viokace. All of these versions are very similar, but they're not the same. This means you can't take one in place of another and expect the same results. These medications are specially coated so that they don't break down in the acidic environment of your stomach. Viokace is the only one without this special coating so it has to also be taken with an acid-lowering medication (i.e., a proton pump inhibitor), such as omeprazole (Prilosec).
              Does pancrelipase (Creon) contain pork?
              All of the pancreatic enzymes come from pork (pig) pancreas. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're allergic to pork or pig products.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Pancrelipase (Creon)?

              Pancrelipase (Creon) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Scarring of the colon (fibrosing colonopathy)

              • Risk factors: High dose | Long-term use | Children with cystic fibrosis

                Pancrelipase (Creon) can sometimes cause serious scarring of the colon, especially when used in high doses or for a long time. This problem was most commonly reported in children with a lung condition called cystic fibrosis. You should take pancrelipase (Creon) only as directed, and not more than or longer than your healthcare provider recommends.

                risk-warning

                Mouth irritation

                Pancrelipase (Creon) can cause mouth irritation. It's important that you swallow pancrelipase (Creon) whole. Don't chew, crush, or hold it in your mouth. Swallow it right away and drink some water or juice with it to make sure nothing stays in your mouth. You can also sprinkle the contents of the capsule on apple sauce and swallow it right away. Make sure to drink water or juice afterwards to make sure all of the medication gets swallowed.

                risk-warning

                High uric acid levels

                • Risk factors: Gout | Kidney problems | High uric acid levels

                  Pancrelipase (Creon) can raise your uric acid levels. This might put you at risk for gout. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have gout, kidney problems, or high uric acid levels.

                  risk-warning

                  Possible risk of infection

                  Though the risk is extremely low, there's a rare chance that pancrelipase (Creon) can risk the risk of a viral infection. This is because pancrelipase (Creon) is made from pigs and some pigs might carry infections. Keep in mind that the possibility of getting sick from pancrelipase (Creon) is very low because this medication goes through strict manufacturing processes that are intended to kill viruses. Speak with your healthcare provider if this risk is concerning to you.

                  risk-warning

                  Allergic reaction

                  • Risk factors: Allergy to pork products

                    Pancrelipase (Creon) is made from pork tissue. If you have an allergy to pork products, ask your healthcare provider if pancrelipase (Creon) is right for you. If you experience trouble breathing, rash, or swelling in your face or throat, get medical help right away.

                    dosage

                    Pancrelipase (Creon) dosage forms

                    Typical dosing for Pancrelipase (Creon)

                    Your provider will help determine your dose of pancrelipase (Creon) based on different factors such as your symptoms, your weight, and the fat content of your meals.

                    The dose of pancrelipase (Creon) is based on units of the digestive enzymes. The typical dosing range is 500 lipase units/kg of body weight to 2,500 lipase units/kg of body weight by mouth with each meal. Your provider might ask you to take a smaller dose of pancrelipase (Creon) when you eat snacks in between meals.

                    The maximum total daily dose is less than or equal to 10,000 lipase units/kg of body weight. The daily dose assumes you eat 3 meals per day and have 2 to 3 snacks per day.

                    More on Pancrelipase (Creon) dosage forms

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                    Creon Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                    Written by Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS
                    interactions

                    Interactions between Pancrelipase (Creon) and other drugs

                    Pancrelipase (Creon) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Pancrelipase (Creon). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    AbbVie Inc. (2022). CREON- pancrelipase capsule, delayed release pellets; CREON- pancrelipase capsule, delayed release. DailyMed. 

                    Digestive Care, Inc. (2022). PERTZYE- pancrelipase capsule, delayed release. DailyMed. 

                    FitzSimmons, S. C., et al. (1997). High-dose pancreatic-enzyme supplements and fibrosing colonopathy in children with cystic fibrosis. The New England Journal of Medicine. 

                    View All References (8)

                    Ghodeif, A. O., et al. (2023). Pancreatic insufficiency. StatPearls. 

                    Gubergrits, N., et al. (2011). A 6-month, open-label clinical trial of pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon) in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 

                    Nestle Healthcare Nutrition, Inc. (2021). ZENPEP- pancrelipase lipase, pancrelipase protease, pancrelipase amylase capsule, delayed release. DailyMed. 

                    Nestle Healthcare Nutrition, Inc. (2020). VIOKACE- pancrelipase tablet. DailyMed. 

                    Pezzilli, R., et al. (2019). Alcohol-related chronic exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: diagnosis and therapeutic management. A proposal for treatment by the Italian Association for the Study of the Pancreas (AISP) and the Italian Society of Alcohology (SIA). Minerva Medica. 

                    Sayed, S. A., et al. (2023). Physiology, pancreas. StatPearls. 

                    VIVUS LLC. (2022). PANCREAZE- pancrelipase lipase, pancrelipase amylase, and pancrelipase protease capsule, delayed release. DailyMed. 

                    You and Your Hormones. (2021). Pancreas.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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