Creon dosage, forms, and strengths

Creon (pancrelipase) is a brand-name prescription medication taken with meals that contains pancreas enzymes necessary for the digestion of food. These include enzymes that break down fats (lipases), proteins (proteases), and starches (amylases). Healthcare professionals prescribe Creon to people whose pancreas is unable to secrete pancreatic enzymes due to cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or other medical conditions such as genetic disorders or surgical removal of the pancreas (pancreatectomy). Doses are measured in the number of lipase units because fat absorption is the most critical component of pancreatic enzyme treatment, so dosages will be based on the fat content of the diet.

Check our best Creon prices

Personalized dosing considerations

Dosage considerations based on kidney function, liver disease, or age are not necessary for Creon. Instead, dosage is based on age and body weight in kilograms. Pancreatic enzymes mostly pass through the digestive system without being absorbed into the bloodstream. People with kidney or liver impairment do not require modified doses, and no dosage reductions are necessary for older adults.

Creon safety info

Creon is a relatively safe drug to take since the ingredients are naturally produced by the body. Because only very tiny amounts of pancreatic enzymes are absorbed into the bloodstream, most adverse reactions are digestive system problems like flatulence, frequent bowel movements, nausea, and constipation. 

People with chronic pancreatitis or who have had their pancreas removed might experience high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Other possible serious side effects include fibrosing colonopathy, intestinal strictures, intestinal obstruction, buildup of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), and severe allergic reactions. These are rare.

Creon has no contraindications, but people who have had an allergic reaction to pig-sourced proteins or pancreatic enzyme products should talk to the prescriber about alternatives. Creon is sourced from pigs.

How to take Creon

Creon doses are taken before each meal or snack. They contain the digestive enzymes needed to break down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in that particular meal or snack.

• Take this medicine as directed. The healthcare provider may give special instructions on how to take this medicine.

• Always take this medicine with a meal or snack. 

• Half of a mealtime dose is typically used with a snack.

• Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water to make sure the capsule is completely swallowed.

• If the capsule can’t be swallowed, it can be opened, and the capsule contents mixed with an acidic soft food such as applesauce, bananas, or plain Greek yogurt.

• Do not hold the capsule in your mouth.

• Do not crush or chew the capsule. Chewing or crushing the capsule could irritate the mouth and decrease the drug's effectiveness.

Infants

• Give the infant a dose immediately before breastfeeding or formula feeding.

• Do not mix the capsule's contents with formula or breast milk, as doing so will decrease its effectiveness.

• Open the capsule and either sprinkle the contents in the baby’s mouth, or if the baby is taking solids, mix the contents with a small amount of acidic food like applesauce. Feed the mixture immediately to the baby. 

• Immediately give the child some liquid to ensure the full dose is swallowed.

• Check the baby’s mouth to make sure the medicine has been swallowed.

Creon dosage FAQs

What happens if I miss a dose of Creon?

Pancreatic enzymes only work if they’re taken with a meal or snack. If a dose is missed and food is eaten, the food won’t be well absorbed. You will probably experience pain, gas, and bloating. It does not help to take the missed dose. Instead, take the next dose with the next meal or snack. 

How long can you take Creon?

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is usually a lifelong need, especially in people who have had part or all of their pancreas removed. Still, long-term use of digestive enzymes can cause serious side effects, including fibrosing colonopathy, usually in cystic fibrosis patients treated with high doses.

What is the maximum dosage for Creon?

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Clinical Care Guidelines advise healthcare professionals not to prescribe more than 2,500 lipase units per kilogram of body weight per meal or more than 4,000 lipase units per gram of fat in a meal. Clinicians titrate to higher dosages if the current dose is not fixing oily stools (steatorrhea). 

What is the difference between Creon 25000 and 10,000?

Creon 25000 and Creon 10000 are not sold in the United States. These products use British measurements of lipase units instead of U.S. lipase units. Europeans use an entirely different system. In the U.S., people are prescribed Creon with 3,000, 6,000, 12,000, 24,000, or 36,000 lipase units. If they need a prescription refill while traveling, people who travel between the US and either Britain, Australia, or Israel will need new prescriptions. 

Can too much Creon be harmful?

Gastrointestinal symptoms or elevated uric acid levels may occur when taking too much Creon. In cases of overdose, get medical advice from a healthcare professional or call a poison helpline.

Sources

• Creon drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR) (2024)

• Creon HCP, AbbVie Inc (2024)

• Creon pancrelipase capsule, delayed release prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2024)

• Pancreatic enzymes clinical care guidelines, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2021)

• Pancrelipase, StatPearls (2023)