{"id":49232,"date":"2022-03-04T08:41:15","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T13:41:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=49232"},"modified":"2025-10-07T15:11:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T19:11:19","slug":"creon-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/creon-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Creon alternatives for digestive health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creon<\/span><\/a> is a <\/span>prescription drug<\/span> product that contains a combination of <\/span>pancreatic enzymes<\/span>. <\/span>Pancreatic enzymes<\/span> are also referred to as <\/span>digestive enzymes,<\/span> as they are <\/span>proteins<\/span> that assist with the breakdown of food we eat. Patients who have <\/span>cystic fibrosis<\/span>, certain other medical conditions, or certain types of surgical history may not produce the proper amount of enzymes for healthy digestion. This is known as <\/span>exocrine pancreatic insufficiency<\/span> (<\/span>EPI<\/span>). This can lead to symptoms such as persistent indigestion, nausea, <\/span>flatulence<\/span>, <\/span>cramping<\/span>, and diarrhea. In more serious cases, it can lead to <\/span>malabsorption<\/span> and severe <\/span>weight loss.<\/span> Creon<\/span> is a specific formulation known as <\/span>pancrelipase,<\/span> which consists of <\/span>lipase<\/span>, <\/span>amylase<\/span>, and <\/span>protease. These enzymes<\/span> are actually derived from the porcine (pig) <\/span>pancreas<\/span>. It is available in delayed-<\/span>release capsules<\/span> in various strengths, which are expressed in units of the <\/span>lipase enzyme.<\/span><\/p>\n

Creon<\/span> can be expensive, depending on your insurance coverage. Even with insurance such as a Medicare drug plan, <\/span>Creon<\/span> prescriptions can be over $1,000. This leaves many patients who are struggling with <\/span>digestive issues<\/span><\/a> looking for alternatives to <\/span>Creon<\/span>. There are other <\/span>pancreatic enzyme preparations<\/span> that contain the <\/span>pancrelipase<\/span> combination, though they are not considered the same as the <\/span>brand name<\/span> product of <\/span>Creon<\/span>. This means your pharmacist can not substitute a prescription for one for the other. Using a <\/span>SingleCare prescription savings card <\/span><\/a>can create savings of up to 80% off of prescription drugs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What can I take in place of <\/span>Creon<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Not only are there multiple different versions of pancreatic enzymes similar to Creon, but there are also other products that can help with the symptoms of EPI. Read on to learn the different options available for those with this condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Compare Creon alternatives<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nUses<\/b><\/td>\nSide Effects<\/b><\/td>\nDosage<\/b><\/td>\nGet Coupon<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Creon<\/a> (pancrelipase)<\/span><\/td>\nPancreatic insufficiency<\/span><\/td>\nAbdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea, vomiting<\/span><\/td>\n500-2,500 lipase units\/kg\/meal<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zenpep (pancrelipase)<\/span><\/td>\nPancreatic insufficiency<\/span><\/td>\nAbdominal pain, flatulence, headache<\/span><\/td>\n500-2,500 lipase units\/kg\/meal<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Viokace (pancrelipase)<\/span><\/td>\nPancreatic insufficiency<\/span><\/td>\nBiliary tract stones, anal pruritis<\/span><\/td>\n500-2,500 lipase units\/kg\/meal<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pancreaze (pancrelipase)<\/span><\/td>\nPancreatic insufficiency<\/span><\/td>\nAbdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence<\/span><\/td>\n500-2,500 lipase units\/kg\/meal<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pancreatin (pancrelipase)<\/span><\/td>\nPancreatic insufficiency<\/span><\/td>\nAbdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea, vomiting<\/span><\/td>\n500-2,500 lipase units\/kg\/meal<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pertzye (pancrelipase)<\/span><\/td>\nPancreatic insufficiency<\/span><\/td>\nDiarrhea, dyspepsia, and cough<\/span><\/td>\n500-2,500 lipase units\/kg\/meal<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lactaid (lactase)<\/span><\/td>\nLactose intolerance<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n3,000-9,000 FCC units before lactose meal or drink<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Beano (alpha-d-galactosidase)<\/span><\/td>\nGas\/flatulence prevention<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n800-1,200 galactosidase units before meals<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Other alternatives to <\/span>Creon<\/span><\/h3>\n