Creon Capsules (Pancreatic Extract)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Creon Capsules Used For?
Creon capsules contain pancreatic extract and are used to help your body digest food when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes naturally.
Primary Uses
Creon treats pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, a condition that occurs in patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or those who have had upper gastrointestinal surgery. Without enough pancreatic enzymes, people experience diarrhea, foul-smelling fatty stools that float, bloating, and weight loss.
How It Works
The enzymes in Creon are extracted from pig pancreas and help restore normal digestive function in your body. This relieves abdominal symptoms and improves your nutritional status by helping your body absorb important nutrients from food.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Creon capsules are addictive.
How to Take Creon Capsules
Your doctor will determine the right number of capsules for your specific needs. Always follow their instructions carefully and don’t increase the dose on your own.
Dosage Instructions
Take Creon capsules with every meal and snack. For adults starting treatment, the usual dose is 25,000 to 40,000 units of lipase with each meal and half this amount with snacks. The dose can be increased up to 80,000 units of lipase with meals if needed. For children with cystic fibrosis, the maximum recommended dose is 10,000 units per kilogram of body weight in 24 hours. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water, or open them and mix the granules with soft food – swallow immediately without chewing.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose at your usual time, wait until your next meal or snack and take your usual number of capsules. Don’t take extra capsules to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Don’t chew the capsules or granules as they have a special coating.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abnormal stools
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Skin reactions
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or prolonged abdominal pain
- Narrowing of the bowel (especially in children with cystic fibrosis taking high doses)
- High levels of uric acid in blood and urine (with very high doses)
- Irritation or inflammation in the anal region (if taking too much)
Important Warnings
Before taking Creon, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications.
Who Should Not Take Creon Capsules
Don’t use Creon if you’re allergic to pork, other pig products, or any ingredients in the capsules. Don’t use if the packaging is damaged or if the capsules have passed their expiry date.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, or if you take any other medications for any condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will discuss whether you should take Creon.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Creon works. Always tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- Antacids (medicines for heartburn and indigestion) – avoid taking with Creon as they may break down the special coating that protects the enzymes
- If antacids are necessary, take them at least one hour before taking Creon capsules
Alcohol & Driving
Creon doesn’t affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should inform your doctor about alcohol consumption.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking Creon.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Creon has no influence on your ability to drive and use machinery safely.
Storage
Keep Creon capsules in their original bottle in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. In warmer climates, you may need to store them in the refrigerator. Use within 6 months after opening. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight, and store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Creon, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Drink plenty of water and contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Creon works during digestion, so you should take it with every meal and snack. The enzymes help digest food as it passes through your digestive system.
Yes, you must take Creon with every meal and snack. You can swallow the capsules whole with water or open them and mix the granules with soft food, but swallow the mixture immediately without chewing.
No, there is no evidence that Creon capsules are addictive.
Don’t stop taking Creon unless your doctor tells you to. Your body needs these enzymes to digest food properly, so stopping could bring back symptoms like fatty stools, bloating, and poor nutrition.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking Creon, but the medication itself doesn’t interact directly with alcohol.
If you miss a dose, wait until your next meal or snack and take your usual number of capsules. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
No, don’t increase the number of capsules yourself without informing your doctor. If you’re still having problems with fatty stools or abdominal pain, call your doctor straight away for dose adjustment.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.