CREON (Pancrelipase) - Ships From Canada

What is this medication?

CREON (Pancrelipase)
Digestive Enzymes

CREON (Pancrelipase) is officially indicated as supplementation for pancreatic insufficiency secondary to various conditions. There is some evidence for its anti-fibrotic properties, and it is sometimes used off-label for acute injury in sports medicine.

How does this medication work? 

CREON (Pancrelipase) is a combination of lipase, amylase, and protease; enzymes that are formulated to reach the small intestine and disintegrate at a basic pH > 5.5.  Pancrelipase catalyzes the breakdown of fats, proteins and starch in the duodenum and proximal small intestine, thereby acting like the digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas.  Systemic enzyme therapy such as Pancrelipase also has been shown to be reduce inflammation while allowing full functional recovery of muscle following an injury.  Uncontrolled inflammation contributes to fibrosis and causes both pain and impaired muscle function.  Pancrelipase allows the inflammatory process to progress attenuating muscle damage and fibrosis.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Adjust dose based on body weight, clinical symptoms, stool fat content, and the fat content of the diet. Allow several days between dose adjustments. 

How to Take: Administer with meals or snacks and swallow whole with a generous amount of liquid. Do not crush or chew; retention in the mouth before swallowing may cause mucosal irritation. Usually half the prescribed dose for an individualized full meal should be given with each snack. The total daily dose should reflect ~3 meals plus 2 or 3 snacks per day.  Capsules may be opened and sprinkled on acidic food (pH ≤4.5), such as applesauce; do not crush microspheres when mixing. The food should be swallowed immediately after mixing; do not chew. The food should be at room temperature. 

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting CREON (Pancrelipase), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have liver disease, kidney disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not use Pancrelipase in patients with a known hypersensitivity to pork. Use Pancrelipase with caution in patients with gout or hyperuricemia, and renal impairment.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Headache, abdominal pain, lymphadenopathy, streptococcal infection, neck pain, otalgia, nasal congestion.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for CREON (Pancrelipase), only common ones.