How should I take CREON?

CREON should be taken with every meal and snack

Take CREON every time you eat to replace the enzymes your pancreas isn't making if you have EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). CREON works only when taken with food.

How much CREON should I take?

Your doctor will let you know how much CREON you need to take during each meal. Usually, half of your prescribed CREON dose should be taken with each snack.

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Every meal

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Every snack

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Every day

Key points to remember when taking CREON:

  1. Swallow CREON capsules whole
    Swallow CREON capsules whole and take them with enough liquid to swallow them right away. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, open the capsules and sprinkle the contents on a small amount of room-temperature, acidic food, such as applesauce. Drink enough liquid to make sure the medicine is swallowed completely. Ask your doctor about other foods you can mix with CREON.
  2. Do not crush or chew CREON
    Swallow CREON whole. Crushing, chewing, or holding the CREON capsules in your mouth may irritate your mouth or change the way CREON works in your body.
  3. Do not store food mixed with CREON
    If you sprinkle CREON on food, swallow it right after you mix it. Do not store CREON that has been mixed with food.
  4. Do not make up for missed doses
    If you forget to take your dose of CREON, call your doctor or wait until your next meal or snack and take your usual number of capsules. Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not make up for missed doses.

Safety Considerations:
CREON may increase your chance of fibrosing colonopathy, a rare bowel disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of intestinal blockage or scarring or thickening of your bowel wall; if you are allergic to pork; or if you have gout, kidney problems, or worsening of painful, swollen joints. Call your doctor if you have any unusual or severe gastrointestinal symptoms or allergic reactions. Take CREON as directed by your doctor and always with food. Do not chew capsules as this may cause mouth irritation. Other side effects may include blood sugar changes, gas, dizziness, sore throat, and cough. These are not all the side effects of CREON.

Your CREON dose is tailored for you

Find out how you and your doctor can work together to find a CREON dose that works for you.

Record your treatment experience and daily routine using the Treatment Tracker.

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Keep a record of your symptoms after you begin CREON treatment

While you’re taking CREON, keep track of any symptoms you’re experiencing with the

, and share this information with your doctor at your next in-person or telehealth appointment. It will help your doctor determine if your dose needs to be adjusted.

Answer this question so we can help you find what you're looking for:

How long have you been taking CREON?

You answered Less than 1 month

Get tools and tips to help you start and stay on track with your CREON treatment plan.

Discover what CREON is doing inside your body after you take it.

You answered 1 – 3 months

Record your treatment progress and daily routine using the Treatment Tracker.

CREON On Course offers support and resources for your treatment journey.

You answered over 3 months

CREON On Course offers support and resources for your treatment journey.

Learn how healthy eating, vitamins and supplements, and lifestyle changes can help you manage your EPI.

You answered Not currently prescribed CREON

Take the EPI Symptom Quiz or download a discussion guide to help track your symptoms.

EPI is a condition that occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes.

Answers to frequently asked questions

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Making healthy choices with EPI

There are certain changes you may need to make to your diet and lifestyle if you have EPI, even if you're taking CREON.