What Is Creon?

Creon (Pancrelipase) is a prescription pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) used to help people digest food when their pancreas doesn't make enough digestive enzymes. It contains three enzymes — lipase, protease, and amylase — that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Creon is made by AbbVie and is derived from porcine (pig) pancreas tissue.

Creon comes as delayed-release capsules filled with tiny enteric-coated microspheres that protect the enzymes from stomach acid and release them in the small intestine, where digestion happens.

What Is Creon Used For?

Creon is FDA-approved for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by:

• Cystic fibrosis — The most common cause of EPI in children and young adults
• Chronic pancreatitis — Long-term inflammation of the pancreas that damages enzyme-producing cells
• Pancreatectomy — Surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas
• Other conditions that impair the pancreas's ability to produce enzymes

Doctors may also prescribe Creon off-label for EPI related to pancreatic cancer or after gastrointestinal surgeries like the Whipple procedure.

Common signs of EPI include greasy or foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea), unexplained weight loss, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort after eating.

How Is Creon Taken?

Creon should be taken with every meal and snack. Here's what you need to know about taking it correctly:

• Swallow capsules whole with enough liquid. Do not crush or chew them.
• If you can't swallow capsules, you can open them and sprinkle the microspheres onto a small amount of acidic soft food like applesauce. Swallow immediately without chewing.
• Do not mix capsule contents with alkaline foods like milk — this can dissolve the enteric coating too early.
• Do not hold the microspheres in your mouth — the enzymes can irritate your mouth and tongue.
• Take half your dose at the beginning of the meal and the other half during the meal, or as your doctor directs.

Creon Dosage Strengths

Creon comes in five strengths, measured by lipase units:

• Creon 3,000 (3,000 lipase units)
• Creon 6,000 (6,000 lipase units)
• Creon 12,000 (12,000 lipase units)
• Creon 24,000 (24,000 lipase units)
• Creon 36,000 (36,000 lipase units)

The typical adult starting dose is 500 lipase units per kilogram of body weight per meal, with a range of 500 to 2,500 units/kg/meal. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 10,000 lipase units per kilogram per day or 4,000 lipase units per gram of fat consumed per day.

Your doctor will adjust the dose based on your symptoms, diet, and how well you're absorbing nutrients. For more on how Creon works in your body, see How Does Creon Work?

Who Should Not Take Creon?

Creon is not safe for everyone. You should not take Creon if you have:

• A known allergy to pork (porcine) proteins — Creon is derived from pig pancreas tissue
• A known hypersensitivity to Pancrelipase or any ingredient in Creon

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have a history of gout or high uric acid levels
• Are taking any other medications, including supplements (see Creon drug interactions)

How Much Does Creon Cost?

Creon is a brand-name medication with no generic equivalent. The retail cash price ranges from $700 to $1,500 per month depending on the strength and quantity.

With insurance, most patients pay between $30 and $100 per month, though Creon is often placed on higher formulary tiers (Tier 3 or specialty tier) and may require prior authorization.

Ways to Save

• AbbVie Creon Savings Card — Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per prescription, up to a maximum annual benefit. Not valid for Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare.
• AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation — Provides Creon at no cost to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients. Income threshold is typically below 600% of the federal poverty level. Apply at abbviepaf.org or call 1-800-222-6885.
• Discount cards and coupons — For more options, read our full guide on how to save money on Creon.

Final Thoughts

Creon is an essential medication for people living with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It helps your body properly digest food and absorb the nutrients you need. If you've been prescribed Creon and are having trouble finding it, MedFinder can help you locate a pharmacy with Creon in stock.

For information on side effects, read Creon Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor.