Pancreatic enzymes: pancreatin / Creon
Content date: 11 November 2026
These replace missing digestive enzymes in pancreatic insufficiency. They are not a general bloating remedy; the prescription and dose must fit your meals.
Your next step
Confirm your capsule strength and meal-specific dose, and carry it when eating out.
Get urgent help: Breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat, or new severe abdominal pain with vomiting or marked distension: seek urgent care.
How do I take them?
- Take them with meals and snacks requiring enzymes under your plan, starting with the first food. Several prescribed capsules may be spread through the meal. Strength is measured in lipase units; do not change the strength or number yourself.
- Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew the granules. If swallowing is difficult, ask the pharmacist how to open your specific product and mix it with suitable food. Do not use hot food or store the mixture for later.
If I miss a dose
- Do not double the next dose. Resume with the next meal as prescribed; ask your team if missed doses recur or your plan is unclear.
Storage and follow-up
- Follow the temperature and after-opening expiry on your supplied package; products differ. Protect from heat and moisture, and do not leave it in a car.
- Weight, stools, nutrition and vitamins are monitored as needed. Persistent oily stools do not automatically mean you should increase the dose; timing, strength and other causes need review.
Possible side effects: what to expect
- Not everyone gets side effects. Abdominal discomfort, nausea or bowel changes are usually mild or moderate; pancreatic disease itself can contribute. Persistent symptoms need review of timing and response.
- Bowel narrowing is reported particularly with high doses in cystic fibrosis; severe allergy is also reported, with frequency unknown. Do not increase doses yourself. New severe pain, vomiting or distension needs urgent assessment; breathing difficulty or facial swelling needs emergency care.
Before starting
- Do not start it with a known allergy to its ingredients. Tell the team about pregnancy, breastfeeding, immunosuppression or pork-product allergy; many preparations come from pig pancreas. Discuss any concerns to agree a suitable plan. Creon is registered with the Saudi regulator, but pharmacy stock and available strengths vary.
My prescribed plan - complete with the team
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
When to get help
Breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat, or new severe abdominal pain with vomiting or marked distension: seek urgent care.
Persistent oily stools, weight loss, increasing pain or an unavailable medicine: contact your team to review the plan.