Finding the Right Doctor for a Creon Prescription

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), you may already know that Creon (Pancrelipase) is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments. But getting a prescription isn't always straightforward — especially if you're not sure which type of doctor to see.

This guide walks you through the types of providers who prescribe Creon, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first visit.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Creon?

Creon is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) used to help your body digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates when your pancreas can't produce enough enzymes on its own. Several types of doctors can prescribe it:

• Gastroenterologists — These are the most common prescribers. They specialize in digestive system disorders including chronic pancreatitis and EPI.
• Pulmonologists — If your EPI is related to cystic fibrosis, a pulmonologist or CF specialist is often the one managing your Creon prescription.
• Pediatricians — Children with cystic fibrosis or other causes of EPI may receive their Creon prescription from a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist.
• Primary care doctors — Your regular doctor or internist can prescribe Creon, especially if the diagnosis is already established.
• Oncologists — Patients with pancreatic cancer often develop EPI and may get Creon prescribed by their oncologist.
• Surgeons — After procedures like a pancreatectomy or Whipple procedure, a surgeon may initiate the prescription.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Creon in your area:

1. Ask Your Current Doctor for a Referral

If your primary care doctor suspects EPI, they can refer you to a gastroenterologist. This is often the fastest path to getting the right diagnosis and prescription.

2. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Check your health insurance company's website for in-network gastroenterologists or specialists near you. This helps keep costs down.

3. Try Telehealth

Good news — Creon is not a controlled substance, which means many telehealth providers can evaluate you and write a prescription remotely. This can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area or have limited mobility.

4. Check with Local Hospitals and Medical Centers

Large hospital systems often have digestive health or gastroenterology departments that specialize in conditions requiring Creon.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you visit a doctor about Creon, here's what usually happens:

• Medical history review — Your doctor will ask about your symptoms (greasy stools, unexplained weight loss, bloating, gas) and any conditions like chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or prior surgery.
• Diagnostic tests — You may need a fecal elastase test or other lab work to confirm EPI.
• Dosing discussion — Creon comes in several strengths (3,000 to 36,000 lipase units). Your doctor will choose a starting dose based on your weight and meals. The typical adult dose is around 500 lipase units per kilogram per meal.
• Instructions on how to take it — You'll need to take Creon with every meal and snack. Capsules should be swallowed whole — not crushed or chewed. If you can't swallow capsules, your doctor may advise opening them and sprinkling the contents on acidic soft food like applesauce.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Creon prescription, the next step is filling it. Because Creon can sometimes be hard to find at pharmacies, you may want to check stock before heading out. Tools like MedFinder can help you locate pharmacies with Creon in stock without having to call around.

You should also ask your doctor or pharmacist about savings programs. Creon can cost $700 to $1,500 per month without insurance, but AbbVie offers a savings card for commercially insured patients and a patient assistance program for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Creon prescription starts with finding the right doctor. Whether that's a gastroenterologist, your primary care physician, or a telehealth provider, the process doesn't have to be complicated. Once you have your diagnosis and prescription, use MedFinder to find Creon in stock near you and get the treatment you need.

Want to learn more about Creon? Read our full guide: What Is Creon? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026.