Frequently Asked Questions

EPI is a condition that affects your pancreas. Your pancreas makes natural proteins called enzymes that help break down food so it can be absorbed by the body. If you have EPI, you do not produce and/or secrete enough pancreatic enzymes to break down food.

CF is a genetic disease that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus. This mucus clogs the lungs and leads to infections in the body. The mucus also affects the digestive system by clogging the pancreas. Most people with CF also have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

CREON^® is used for patients who have EPI due to medical conditions affecting their pancreatic enzyme function that can lead to poor digestion of food. CREON^® contains a mixture of digestive enzymes. Lipase breaks down fats, protease breaks down proteins, and amylase breaks down carbohydrates.

CREON^® contains digestive enzymes that help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. However, CREON^® does not cure exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Take CREON^® exactly as instructed by your healthcare professional. For more information on how to take CREON^®, click here.

On July 7, 2009, the availability of FDA-approved CREON^® was announced. If you were previously prescribed CREON^® 5, your doctor may now prescribe CREON^® 6,000 lipase unit capsules. If you were previously prescribed CREON^® 10, your doctor may now prescribe CREON^® 12,000 lipase unit capsules. If you were previously prescribed CREON^® 20, your doctor may now prescribe CREON^® 24,000 lipase unit capsules. Talk to your healthcare professional about your new prescription.

CREON^® is the first pancreatic enzyme to be approved by the FDA under the new guidelines. For more information, click here.

Yes, there have been side effects reported from some people who have taken CREON^®. These side effects are stomach pain, gassiness, headache, and dizziness. Always check with your healthcare professional and carefully discuss the risks and benefits before taking CREON^®.

CREON^® may increase your chance of having a rare bowel disorder called fibrosing colonopathy. This condition is serious and may require surgery. The risk of having this condition may be reduced by following the dosing instructions that your healthcare professional gave you. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have any unusual or severe stomach area (abdominal) pain. Take CREON^® exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less CREON^® than directed by your healthcare professional.

• Store CREON at room temperature below 77°F (25°C). Avoid heat.
• You may store CREON at a temperature between 77°F to 104°F (25°C to 40°C) for up to 30 days. Throw away any CREON stored at these temperatures for more than 30 days.
• Keep CREON in a dry place and in the original container.
• After opening the bottle, keep it closed tightly between uses to protect from moisture.
• Keep CREON and all medicine out of the reach of children.

CREON^® is often covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider to find out if CREON^® is covered under your
particular policy.

Yes. Abbott Laboratories offers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) through which certain patients can obtain CREON^® at no cost if they meet financial eligibility criteria. Physicians apply for the PAP program on the patient's behalf by submitting a completed application.

Yes. The program is called CFCareForward. For more information, click here.

No. CREON^® is not the same as other pancreatic enzyme products. Do not substitute any pancreatic enzyme product for CREON^®. If you have any questions about your prescription, talk to your healthcare professional.