What You Should Know About Creon Side Effects

If your doctor has prescribed Creon (Pancrelipase) to help with digestion, you're probably wondering what side effects to expect. Like all medications, Creon can cause side effects — but most people tolerate it well, and the benefits of properly digesting your food usually outweigh the risks.

This guide covers the most common side effects, the serious ones to watch for, and when you should contact your doctor.

What Is Creon?

Creon is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). It contains a mix of three digestive enzymes — lipase, protease, and amylase — derived from porcine (pig) pancreas tissue. These enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates when your own pancreas can't make enough.

Creon is FDA-approved for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, and other conditions. To learn more about how it works, see our guide on Creon's mechanism of action.

Common Side Effects of Creon

The following side effects are reported most often during clinical trials and generally don't require emergency medical attention. However, let your doctor know if they persist or get worse:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort — Some cramping or stomach pain is common, especially when starting treatment or adjusting your dose.
• Bloating and gas (flatulence) — Your digestive system is adjusting to the enzyme supplementation.
• Diarrhea — While Creon is meant to help with stool consistency, some people experience loose stools initially.
• Nausea — Usually mild and tends to improve over time.
• Headache — Reported in clinical trials at a low rate.
• Neck pain — An uncommon but documented side effect.
• Nasal congestion — Some patients report stuffy nose or sinus symptoms.

Many of these side effects improve as your body adjusts to the medication, or when your doctor fine-tunes the dose.

Serious Side Effects — When to Call Your Doctor

While rare, some side effects of Creon are serious and need prompt medical attention. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency care if you experience:

• Fibrosing colonopathy — This is a narrowing of the large intestine that can occur with very high doses of pancreatic enzymes. It's most common in children with cystic fibrosis taking doses above 6,000 lipase units per kilogram per meal. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty having a bowel movement, or bloody stools.
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — Because Creon is made from porcine (pig) tissue, people with a pork allergy should not take it. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and dizziness.
• High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) — At very high doses, Creon can raise uric acid levels in the blood and urine. This may worsen gout or cause kidney problems. Your doctor may monitor your uric acid if you're on a high dose.
• Intestinal stricture — Rare narrowing of the intestines that may cause pain and bowel changes.

Side Effects in Specific Populations

Children

Creon is approved for use in infants and children, including those with cystic fibrosis. The most important concern in pediatric patients is fibrosing colonopathy, which is why doctors carefully limit doses to no more than 2,500 lipase units per kilogram per meal (or 10,000 lipase units per kilogram per day).

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Creon is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have not shown harm, but there aren't enough studies in pregnant women. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

People with Gout

Because high-dose Creon can increase uric acid levels, patients with a history of gout or hyperuricemia should be monitored more closely.

How to Manage Common Side Effects

Here are some practical tips:

• Take Creon exactly as directed — with meals and snacks, swallowed whole with plenty of liquid. Don't crush or chew the capsules.
• Don't change your dose without talking to your doctor. Taking too much or too little can cause digestive problems.
• Stay hydrated — Drinking enough water can help with bloating and digestive discomfort.
• Keep a symptom log — Track what you eat, your Creon dose, and any symptoms. This helps your doctor adjust your treatment.
• Avoid holding capsule contents in your mouth — If you open capsules to sprinkle on food, swallow immediately. The enzymes can irritate your mouth and tongue.

For more on how to take Creon properly, read What Is Creon? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

Final Thoughts

Most people taking Creon experience mild side effects — if any at all. The key is taking the right dose with every meal, following your doctor's instructions, and reporting any unusual symptoms early. If you're having trouble finding Creon at your pharmacy, MedFinder can help you locate it in stock near you.

Be sure to also review Creon drug interactions to make sure nothing else you're taking could cause problems.