Kreon (Pancreatic Enzyme)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

Top brand choice

Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
150mg (10000IU)
Pack Size
Qty
Strength
300mg (25000IU)
Pack Size
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What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Kreon, also known as Creon in the U.S., is a prescription pancreatic enzyme replacement treatment. It contains pancrelipase, a blend of digestive enzymes including lipases, proteases, and amylases, which are key for breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The drug helps individuals who have enzyme deficiencies due to conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis by supporting digestion. Taken orally, Kreon releases enzymes into the small intestine to improve nutrient absorption.

Fact Table

Formula

Varies (Contains Amylase, Lipase, Protease)

License

US FDA, EMA

Bioavailability

Not systemically absorbed (acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract)

Legal status

Prescription only (Rx)

Chemical Name

Pancrelipase (Porcine-derived pancreatic enzymes: Lipase, Amylase, Protease)

Elimination half-life

Not applicable (enzymatic degradation in the gut)

Dosage (Strength)

6,000, 12,000, 24,000, and 36,000 USP Lipase Units per capsule

Pregnancy

Category C (Risk not ruled out; consult a doctor)

Brands

Kreon, Creon, Pancrease, Zenpep

Protein binding

Not applicable

PubChem CID

Not available (Mixture of enzymes)

MedlinePlus

a604034

ChEBI

CHEBI:134185

ATC code

A09AA02

DrugBank

DB00085

KEGG

D06588

Routes of administration

Oral (capsules)

Directions

Kreon should be taken with food, with the dosage based on lipase units. For children over 12 months, those aged 4 and older should start with 500 lipase units per kilogram of body weight per meal, while adults with chronic pancreatitis or after pancreas removal can begin with 500 to 1,000 units per kilogram. Children under 4 years old should start with 1,000 lipase units per kilogram per meal. Dosages can be adjusted up to a maximum of 2,500 units per kilogram per meal or 10,000 units per kilogram per day. Capsules should be swallowed whole or sprinkled on acidic foods and eaten right away.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Kreon is Pancrelipase.

Contraindications

There are no known contraindications for Kreon. However, those with a history of allergic reactions to pancrelipase products should avoid taking Kreon.

Cautions

  • Before using Kreon, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
    • Any existing health conditions
    • Any allergies
    • A list of all medications you are currently taking
    • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Taking high doses of Kreon for long periods, especially in children with cystic fibrosis, has been linked to a rare but serious condition called fibrosing colonopathy, which can cause colon damage and strictures. People taking high doses should be monitored for symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits. Do not exceed recommended doses without consulting a doctor.
  • Kreon capsules should be swallowed whole to prevent irritation of the mouth and throat. If swallowing is difficult, the capsules can be opened and mixed with a small amount of soft, acidic food like applesauce or yogurt. Do not chew or crush the capsule contents, as this may cause irritation and reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
  • Kreon contains purines, which can raise uric acid levels in the blood and urine, potentially leading to gout or kidney problems. People with gout, kidney disease, or high uric acid levels should be monitored while taking this medication.
  • Kreon is made from enzymes derived from pigs. While the manufacturing process includes safety measures to reduce the risk of infection, there is a theoretical chance that unknown viruses could be present. No cases of illness from Kreon have been reported.
  • Those with a known allergy to pork or pork-derived products should use this medication with caution and seek medical help if any allergic symptoms develop.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Kreon include stomach pain, gas, and changes in bowel movements. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or a sore throat. Blood sugar levels may also fluctuate, leading to either high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia) readings. These side effects are generally mild and may improve with continued use.

Kreon may cause irritation in the mouth if not swallowed properly. In some cases, it can increase uric acid levels, which may lead to joint pain or gout-like symptoms, especially in those with kidney problems or high-dose use. Rare but severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, or skin rashes, have been reported. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

References

  1. Creon (Pancreatic Enzyme) Product Monograph. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.; 2024.
  2. Creon (Pancreatic Enzyme) Drug Label Information. Abbott Park, IL: Abbott Laboratories GmbH; 2024.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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