From the Guidelines
Creon (Pancrelipase) is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Key Characteristics of Creon
- It is an enteric-coated microsphere formulation, which means it is designed to release the enzymes in the small intestine, where they can help digest food [ 1 ].
- Creon contains a mixture of enzymes, including lipase, amylase, and proteases, which help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, respectively.
- The available lipase strengths of Creon range from 3,000 to 36,000 USP units per dose [ 1 ].
Use of Creon in Clinical Practice
- Creon should be taken during meals to maximize the digestion of nutrients [ 1 ].
- The initial treatment dose is at least 40,000 USP units of lipase per meal in adults, with adjustments based on meal size and fat content [ 1 ].
- Routine monitoring of fat-soluble vitamin levels and nutritional status is recommended to ensure adequate treatment and prevent complications [ 1 ].
Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
- EPI should be suspected in patients with high-risk clinical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis, and diagnosed using fecal elastase testing or other methods [ 1 ].
- Response to a therapeutic trial of pancreatic enzymes is unreliable for EPI diagnosis, and appropriate testing should be performed before initiating therapy with PERT [ 1 ].
From the Research
What is Creon (Pancrelipase)?
- Creon (Pancrelipase) is a porcine pancreatic extract that contains the digestive enzymes lipases, proteases, and amylases 2.
- It is used as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) from conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, and cystic fibrosis 2, 3.
- Creon can reverse steatorrhea, prevent weight loss, control pain, and correct other nutritional deficiencies resulting from exocrine insufficiency 2.
Forms and Approval
- Creon is a delayed-release, enteric-coated formulation of pancrelipase that has been approved by the FDA as an effective treatment for PEI 2, 3.
- It is one of three FDA-approved pancrelipase formulations, along with Zenpep and Pancreaze 2, 3.
Safety and Efficacy
- Creon has been shown to be safe and effective in patients with PEI due to cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatectomy 2, 4, 3, 5.
- It has been demonstrated to improve fat and nitrogen absorption, clinical symptoms, stool frequency, and body weight in patients with PEI 5.
- The most commonly reported adverse events with Creon are gastrointestinal disorders and allergic skin reactions, but it is generally well-tolerated with a low frequency of treatment-related adverse events 5.