Can't find Creon at your pharmacy? Here are practical tools and tips to locate Creon in stock near you in 2026, including Medfinder and more.
If you rely on Creon (Pancrelipase) to manage exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), running into an out-of-stock situation at your pharmacy isn't just inconvenient — it can be medically serious. Without your pancreatic enzymes, you can't properly digest food or absorb the nutrients your body needs.
The good news? Even when Creon is hard to find at one pharmacy, it's often available at another nearby. The key is knowing where to look and how to look efficiently. This guide will walk you through the best tools and strategies for finding Creon in stock in 2026.
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand the problem. Creon has faced ongoing supply challenges due to its porcine-derived manufacturing process, increasing demand for pancreatic enzyme therapy, and a lack of generic alternatives. Some strengths — particularly the 12,000 and 24,000 unit capsules — have been harder to find than others. For the full picture, see our Creon shortage update for 2026.
The fastest way to find Creon in stock is to use Medfinder. Medfinder is a free tool that lets you search for medication availability at pharmacies near your location. Here's how it works:
This is far more efficient than calling pharmacies one by one. Medfinder checks a wide range of pharmacies — including chains, independents, and specialty pharmacies — so you get the most complete picture of what's available near you.
Creon comes in five strengths: 3,000, 6,000, 12,000, 24,000, and 36,000 lipase units. A pharmacy might have one strength but not another. When using Medfinder's stock checker, make sure you're searching for your specific prescribed strength.
When major chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens run out of a medication, many patients assume it's unavailable everywhere. That's often not the case.
Independent pharmacies — the locally owned ones in your community — sometimes have better access to hard-to-find medications. They often work with different wholesalers and distributors than the big chains, giving them access to inventory that chain pharmacies can't get. They may also be more willing to place a special order for you.
Specialty pharmacies are another excellent option for Creon. Because Creon is a higher-cost specialty medication, some specialty pharmacies actively keep it in stock and may even offer delivery services. Ask your doctor or insurance company for a list of in-network specialty pharmacies.
If you have a predictable monthly need for Creon, a mail-order pharmacy through your insurance plan can be a reliable option. Mail-order pharmacies typically order in bulk and may have fewer stock issues. Plus, they often provide a 90-day supply, which means less frequent refills and more peace of mind.
Pharmacy inventory is restocked on regular schedules, and certain times of the month tend to be busier than others. Here are some timing strategies:
If you've tried Medfinder, called multiple pharmacies, and still can't locate Creon, here are additional options:
Other FDA-approved pancreatic enzyme replacement products include Zenpep, Pancreaze, Pertzye, and Viokace. These contain the same types of enzymes as Creon and treat the same conditions. Your doctor can determine the right alternative and adjust your dosing accordingly. Read more about your options in our article on alternatives to Creon.
AbbVie, the manufacturer of Creon, has a patient support line that may be able to help you locate pharmacies with stock or connect you with their patient assistance program. You can reach them at 1-800-222-6885.
Sometimes a prescriber's office has connections to specialty pharmacy networks that can source hard-to-find medications more quickly. If you're stuck, ask your doctor's office to help facilitate the search. For prescribers looking for tools to help their patients, we have a provider's guide to finding Creon.
Finding Creon in 2026 takes a bit more effort than it should, but it's far from impossible. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, expand your search to independent and specialty pharmacies, and time your refills wisely. If Creon remains elusive, work with your doctor to explore alternative pancreatic enzyme products that can keep you on track.
Your digestion — and your health — depend on having consistent access to these enzymes. Don't give up the search.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
