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Drug Info

5 ways to save on Creon

How to save on Creon with or without insurance
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By | Mar. 10, 2025 Medically reviewed by Karen Berger, Pharm.D.
A stethoscope and a wallet with money sticking out of it: 5 ways to save on Creon

Key takeaways

  • Creon (pancrelipase) is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) that helps replace the enzymes that digest food.

  • Without insurance coverage, Creon can cost around $931 per month. However, it’s widely covered by private insurance and Medicare Part D plans.

  • SingleCare coupons, manufacturer savings programs, and other patient support programs can also help save money on Creon.

  • There are several other brands of pancrelipase, and some might be more affordable or have better insurance coverage—it depends on your pharmacy and insurance plan.

In this article:

Digestion without pancreatic enzymes is like driving without motor oil—it just doesn’t work. When you have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), there aren’t enough enzymes from the pancreas to break down the sugars, fats, proteins, and starches you eat, which can throw a wrench into bodily functions. Fortunately, Creon can help. This brand-name medication replaces the body’s pancreatic enzymes, helping restore normalcy to the digestive tract.

But that normalcy might come at a cost. Like other prescription drugs, Creon can be pricey. But there are also some great ways to reduce those out-of-pocket costs. We’ll discuss a few of the best ones here.

How much does Creon cost?

For anyone paying for Creon (pancrelipase) completely out of pocket, the average retail price is around $931 for 90 delayed-release capsules—about a 30-day supply. That’s around $10 per capsule without insurance and could cost over $11,000 over an entire year.

And while that might seem financially daunting, know that people don’t often have to pay the full cash price—especially people who have insurance. The drug’s manufacturer, AbbVie Inc., says that 90% of people with commercial insurance or Medicare Part D have preferred coverage with the lowest copay or coinsurance.

However, insurance coverage doesn’t necessarily mean Creon will be free. The out-of-pocket cost depends on the insurance plan—specifically which drug tier they place it in. Each plan has a formulary, which classifies drugs into two to five tiers and explains how much they’ll cover. Typically, generics occupy the lowest tier and receive the best coverage, while specialty drugs are on the highest tier and have the highest copays. As a brand-name drug, Creon may be on a middle or high tier.

Can I get Creon for free?

They might say that “nothing in life is free,” but certain people can, in fact, get their Creon prescription at no cost. Creon’s manufacturer (AbbVie Inc.) has a savings program called CFCareForward, which supplies the drug for as little as $0 to patients who have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency from cystic fibrosis.

Yet, not every patient with cystic fibrosis is eligible. The program is only available to people who have commercial health insurance coverage and don’t receive any support from government-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, Veterans Affairs, or the Department of Defense.

AbbVie also has an overarching patient assistance program called myAbbVie Assist, which provides free medications to patients who meet certain income requirements, and Creon is included. This program is available to people who have commercial insurance or Medicare—as long as you don’t use Medicare benefits to purchase Creon while enrolled.

How to save money on Creon

Insurance is the most common way people save money on Creon, but it’s not your only option. There are several reliable ways to get discounts on a Creon prescription without insurance, including some that might yield even better prices.

1. Free Creon coupons

Coupons from SingleCare can instantly take hundreds off Creon’s price. It’s free to sign up, and all you have to do is present your discount card at a participating pharmacy. These coupons can knock Creon’s cash price down from $931 to $703 for 90 delayed-release capsules. These discounts and out-of-pocket costs can vary by quantity, strength, and pharmacy.

2. Other manufacturer savings programs

We covered two manufacturer support programs above, but there’s still one more that can help patients reduce their drug costs. It’s a savings card called Creon Complete, and it’s for patients who have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency from chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, or other conditions (not including cystic fibrosis). According to the drug’s website, enrollees can pay as little as $5 per month.

Like CFCareForward, eligible patients must have commercial insurance coverage but cannot receive support from government-funded programs.

3. Medicare Extra Help

Medicare beneficiaries who meet specific income requirements might be eligible to enroll in Extra Help, which provides additional financial assistance for prescription medications. These funds can go toward copays, premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. To qualify, you need to show that your income is below a certain threshold, which can change from year to year.

4. Medicaid

Medicaid is a program funded by both the federal and state governments, which offers additional support to people with limited resources. You don’t have to be enrolled in a Medicare plan to get Medicaid support, but anyone who qualifies for Extra Help receives it automatically. The eligibility requirements are different for each state, so you’ll have to check your state government’s website to find out how to apply.

5. Comparing prices

Prescription drug prices can vary significantly between pharmacies—even pharmacies in the same area. Check the SingleCare website for Creon prices in your area before you tell your healthcare provider where to send your prescription. 

Is there a cheaper alternative to Creon?

Creon isn’t the only drug on the market for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Alternatives can be just as effective, and there are several. There is currently no generic version of Creon, but other brand names of pancrelipase include Zenpep, Viokace, Pancreaze, and Pertzye. However, Creon is often more expensive than some of these alternatives, according to David Nazarian, MD, founder of My Concierge MD. For example, the average retail price of Pancreaze is around $103 for 100 capsules. 

“Creon, Pancreaze, and Zenpep all have similar side effects, including stomach discomfort, bloating and gas, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches,” Dr. Nazarian says.

Switching brands might seem like an easy decision if one is less expensive, but you should always let a healthcare professional make that call. They can develop the best treatment plan for you based on your health conditions, medical history, and other medications and supplements you may be taking.