Indications
Creon is a prescription medication used to aid digestion in people who have a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). EPI occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food in the small intestine.
Creon helps people who cannot digest food normally because their pancreas does not make enough enzymes due to cystic fibrosis, swelling of the pancreas that lasts a long time (chronic pancreatitis), removal of some, or all, of the pancreas (pancreatectomy), or other conditions.
Creon contains a combination of three enzymes: lipase, protease, and amylase, which help to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, respectively. It is a delayed-release pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) that works by replacing the three main pancreatic enzymes that are normally made by a healthy pancreas.
Use and Dosage
Creon 10 comes in the form of delayed-release capsules to be taken orally, usually once a day. The capsules should be swallowed whole with enough liquid to ensure they are fully swallowed and should not be crushed or chewed. Follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional, and the recommended dose varies depending on the individual's needs and the severity of their EPI.
Creon 10 should be stored at room temperature and in a dry place and kept out of reach of children. Like all medications, Creon 10 may interact with certain other medications, and inform a healthcare professional of all medications that are currently being taken.
Note that Creon 10 may interact with other medications and inform a healthcare professional of all medications that are currently being taken. Overall, a healthcare professional should closely monitor the use of Creon 10, and it should only be used as prescribed.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Creon 10 (Pancreatic enzyme):
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating or gas
- Constipation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Greasy stools
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rectal irritation
- Stomach pain or upset
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Serious Side Effects of Creon 10 (Pancreatic enzyme):
- Mouth irritation. Symptoms can include:
- Sores or ulcers in your mouth or on your tongue
- Burning or stinging in your mouth
- High uric acid level in the blood. Symptoms can include:
- Swollen or painful joints
- Swelling, pain, or discoloration in your big toe
- kidney stones
- Viral infection
- Fibrosing colonopathy (scarring or narrowing in your colon)
- Allergic reaction
Forms and Strength
Creon 10 (Pancreatic enzyme) is available in the following forms and strength:
Creon 10: DR Capsule
- 150 mg
- 10000/11200/730 units
Cautions
- Allergic reactions, including rash, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
- Bowel obstruction or inflammation of the colon (colitis).
- Increase in blood levels of uric acid, which may lead to gout attacks.
- Hyperuricosuria, a condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, may lead to kidney stones.
- Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, in people with diabetes.
- Interference with vitamin absorption, especially fat-soluble vitamins.
- Interference with absorption of other medications that are taken at the same time as Creon 10.
- CREON may increase your chance of having a rare bowel disorder called fibrosing colonopathy. Tell your doctor if you have a history of intestinal blockage or scarring or thickening of your bowel wall (fibrosing colonopathy). The risk of having this condition may be reduced by following the dosing instructions that your doctor gave you.
- Do not crush or chew CREON capsules or their contents, and do not hold the capsule or capsule contents in your mouth. Crushing, chewing, or holding the CREON capsules in your mouth may cause irritation in your mouth. Talk to your doctor or consult the CREON Medication Guide for how to take CREON if you have trouble swallowing capsules. Always take CREON with a meal or snack and enough liquid to swallow CREON completely. Take CREON exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual or severe: stomach (abdominal) pain, bloating, trouble passing stool, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, worsening of painful, swollen joints (gout), or allergic reactions, including trouble with breathing, skin rashes, or swollen lips.
- The most common side effects include increased (hyperglycemia) or decreased (hypoglycemia) blood sugars, pain in your stomach area (abdominal area), frequent or abnormal bowel movements, gas, vomiting, dizziness, or sore throat and cough.
- CREON and other pancreatic enzyme products are made from the pancreas of pigs, the same pigs people eat as pork. These pigs may carry viruses. Although it has never been reported, it may be possible for a person to get a viral infection from taking pancreatic enzyme products that come from pigs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for Creon 10 to work?
Creon 10 starts working immediately after you take it, but it may take a few days to see improvement in your symptoms. If you do not see improvement after a week or two, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or trying a different medication.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Creon 10?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally okay while taking Creon 10 but talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. Alcohol can affect the digestive system and may worsen some symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Do I need to take Creon 10 with every meal and snack?
Yes, Creon 10 should be taken with every meal and snack to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on the size and content of your meals.
Resources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/creon
- https://www.rxlist.com/creon-10-drug.htm
- https://journals.lww.com/pancreasjournal/Abstract/2006/08000/The_Effects_of_Oral_Pancreatic_Enzymes__Creon_10.8.aspx
- https://www.creoninfo.com/
- http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/nutrition-site/Documents/Patient%20Education/Pancreatic-enzymes.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020725s000lbl.pdf
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