Creon (pancrelipase) is a prescription drug used to treat pancreatic insufficiency. Creon can cause mild to serious side effects, including dizziness, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Specifically, Creon is used in adults and certain children to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

Creon contains the active ingredient pancrelipase and comes as an oral delayed-release capsule. (This type of capsule resists stomach acid, so it can release the drug in your intestines instead.)

Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects Creon can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

What are the more common side effects of Creon?

Below are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people taking Creon in studies. Side effects can vary depending on what condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects in people taking Creon for EPI due to cystic fibrosis include:

• dizziness
• vomiting
• cough

Note: In children ages 4 months to 6 years, the more commonly reported side effects when taking Creon for EPI due to cystic fibrosis were vomiting, irritability, and low appetite.

More common side effects in people taking Creon for EPI due to long-lasting pancreatitis or pancreatectomy include:

• abdominal pain
• changes in bowel movement appearance and frequency
• excessive gas
• low or high blood sugar
• stuffy or runny nose

What are the mild side effects of Creon?

Below are just a few of the mild side effects reported by people taking Creon in studies. Side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.

Mild side effects in people taking Creon for EPI due to cystic fibrosis include:

• vomiting
• dizziness
• cough
• irritability
• low appetite

Mild side effects in people taking Creon for EPI due to long-lasting pancreatitis or pancreatectomy include:

• low or high blood sugar
• abdominal pain
• excessive gas
• changes in bowel movement appearance and frequency
• runny or stuffy nose

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Creon unless your doctor recommends it.

Creon may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

What are the serious side effects of Creon?

Serious side effects have been reported with Creon. These can include:

• fibrosing colonopathy*
• high uric acid level*
• viral infection
• mouth irritation

If you develop serious side effects while taking Creon, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Creon, visit MedWatch.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Creon can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies but has been reported since Creon was approved for use.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Creon.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Creon, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

FAQ about Creon’s side effects

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Creon’s side effects.

Can taking different strengths of Creon cause different side effects? What are the side effects of too much Creon?

Creon studies did not compare different strengths to determine whether side effects would be different. So, it’s not known whether side effects of various strengths differ.

However, taking too much Creon may increase your risk of developing serious side effects. These can include:

• high uric acid level
• fibrosing colonopathy (colon narrowing and scarring)

See the “Side effects explained” section for more information on these conditions. Talk with your doctor right away if you have symptoms of either of them.

What are the side effects of stopping Creon?

Creon is usually taken long term. This is because the drug helps to reduce symptoms of EPI, which is typically a long-term condition. Creon works by helping your body better absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Your body won’t be able to process these nutrients if you stop taking Creon. You may experience a return or worsening of your EPI symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you’ll need to take Creon. They can also tell you about potential side effects you might have if you need to stop taking it.

Can Creon cause weight gain, fatigue, or kidney damage?

It’s unlikely. Weight gain, fatigue, and kidney damage were not side effects reported in studies of Creon.

However, the pancreas produces enzymes that help your body absorb nutrients. Many pancreatic conditions cause these enzymes to become depleted, which may cause weight loss. Taking Creon helps replace digestive enzymes, enabling your body to get the nutrients it needs from your food. And this change may cause you to gain some weight.

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your weight while taking Creon.

Creon can also cause a high level of uric acid in your blood which can sometimes lead to kidney stones. See the “Side effects explained” section for more information on high uric acid levels.

Side effects explained

Learn more about some of the side effects Creon may cause.

Fibrosing colonopathy

Fibrosing colonopathy (colon narrowing and scarring) is a rare side effect of taking Creon. This side effect didn’t occur in the drug’s studies. But there have been reports of it happening since Creon and other pancreatic enzyme products were approved for use.

Fibrosing colonopathy can be serious. It may cause symptoms such as:

• abdominal pain, which can be severe
• bloating
• difficulty passing stool
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Taking more than 6,000 pancreatic lipase units per kilogram (kg) of body weight per meal increases your risk of fibrosing colonopathy. (1 kg equals approximately 2.2 pounds.) However, this side effect has only been seen in patients under the age of 12 years.

What might help

Take your medications exactly as directed. Your doctor will regularly monitor you for fibrosing colonopathy symptoms if you need to take higher doses of Creon. If you experience any of the above symptoms, talk with your doctor right away.

High uric acid level

High uric acid level is a rare side effect that can occur from taking this medication. While it didn’t happen in studies of Creon, it has been reported with high doses of other pancreatic enzyme products. A high uric acid level can lead to other conditions, such as gout and kidney stones.

Gout may cause symptoms such as severe pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints.

Kidney stones may cause symptoms such as nausea and problems with urination. These can include trouble urinating, painful urination, and blood in your urine.

What might help

If you have gout, kidney problems, or high uric acid levels, your doctor will likely monitor your uric acid levels closely during your Creon treatment. Contact them right away if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Keeping track of side effects

During Creon treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

• what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
• how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
• what your symptoms were
• how your symptoms affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were taking
• any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Creon affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Warnings for Creon

Creon can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Creon is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Creon. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

• gout or high uric acid level
• kidney disease
• fibrosing colonopathy
• difficulty swallowing capsules (see this article for tips that might help)
• pork allergy
• previous allergic reaction to Creon
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• alcohol consumption

Frequently‌ Asked Questions: Creon ​Side Effects

What is Creon used for?

Creon is⁣ a prescription medication that⁣ contains digestive enzymes. It’s primarily used to help individuals ‍who‍ have conditions like cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatic surgery manage digestion by ​breaking down‌ fats, proteins,‍ and carbohydrates in food.

What are the common side effects of Creon?

The common side effects of ⁢Creon⁢ may include stomach pain,⁢ bloating, gas,‍ diarrhea, constipation, and changes in ‌stool. These are⁢ generally mild but should be discussed with‌ a healthcare provider if they persist.

Are there any serious side effects⁢ associated with Creon?

Yes, although rare, some serious side effects can occur, such as severe abdominal pain, frequent urination, joint pain, or swelling of the hands and feet. Immediate medical attention is ⁤recommended if⁤ these occur.

⁤ How can I manage mild side effects of Creon?

To manage mild side effects like ⁢stomach discomfort or bloating, it’s helpful to take Creon with ‌water and during ‌meals to ⁤aid digestion. Staying hydrated and ‍maintaining⁢ a balanced diet can also mitigate‍ some side ⁢effects.

Can Creon cause allergic reactions?

Although rare,​ Creon can‍ cause allergic reactions in ​some individuals. Signs include rash, itching, dizziness, ​trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or⁢ throat. ​If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Creon?

If you miss a dose of Creon, take it as soon as you remember, but⁣ only with a meal or snack. If it’s⁤ almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do​ not double the dose to catch up.

Who should‍ avoid taking Creon?

People with allergies⁤ to pork proteins should avoid Creon as the enzymes⁤ are derived from pork. Additionally, those with specific digestive ⁢conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using Creon.

Can ‌diet impact the ⁤side effects of Creon?

Yes, diet ‌can ⁣influence how Creon‌ works. Consuming a balanced diet with adequate fiber and staying hydrated can help minimize digestive side effects.⁢ Always consult with a⁤ healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.