Creon (pancrelipase) contains a combination of three enzymes (proteins): lipase, protease, and amylase. These enzymes are normally produced by the pancreas and are important in the digestion of fats, proteins, and sugars.

Creon is used to replace these enzymes when the body does not have enough of its own. Certain medical conditions can cause this lack of enzymes, including cystic fibrosis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, or blockage of the pancreatic ducts.

Creon may also be used following surgical removal of the pancreas.

Take Creon exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not switch brands of this medicine without your doctor's advice.

Creon should be taken with a meal or snack.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Be especially careful to follow all directions about giving this medicine to a child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not crush, chew, or break open a capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you or your child should continue to take it.

For patients taking the capsules containing the powder:

- If the capsules are opened to mix with food, be careful not to breathe in the powder. To do so may cause harmful effects, such as stuffy nose, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, or tightness in the chest.

For patients taking the powder form of this medicine:

- Avoid breathing in the powder. To do so may cause harmful effects such as stuffy nose, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, or tightness in the chest.

Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have unusual or severe abdominal or stomach pain, trouble passing stool, nausea, or vomiting. These may be symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder, called fibrosing colonopathy.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Creon: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Joint pain or swelling; or

Symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder - severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation.

Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Creon

Common Creon side effects may include

Stomach pain, gas, upset stomach

Diarrhea, frequent or abnormal bowel movements

Cough

Dizziness or headache

Weight loss.

What is this medicine?

Creon helps to improve digestion of food by replacing digestive enzymes. This medicine is used to treat health conditions that cause your body to produce less of these enzymes.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.