Creon (pancrelipase) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency that’s caused by:

For more information about Creon’s uses, refer to this article.

Drug details

Here are some details about Creon:

  • Drug forms: oral capsule
  • Generic version: not available

Read on to learn about Creon and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

As with all medications, the cost of Creon can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Creon has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Creon will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Creon. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Creon in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Creon requires prior authorization.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Creon.

Is there a manufacturer coupon available for Creon?

Yes, there are several savings programs available from the manufacturer of Creon.

A program called Creon On Course is available for people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) that’s due to pancreatitis, surgery to remove the pancreas, or other conditions. The CFCareForward program is available for people with EPI that’s due to cystic fibrosis. There’s also a patient assistance program called myAbbVie Assist.

For more information, see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What does Creon cost with Medicare?

Your cost for Creon may vary depending on your individual plan coverage and benefits. Your cost also varies based on your copays and your Medicare deductible.

To find out the cost of Creon based on the Medicare plan you have, call your plan provider for details. You can also learn more about Medicare plans in the “Next steps” section below.

Creon is only available as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Creon long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Creon. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Creon may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Creon, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and Creon, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Creon. However, if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for Creon.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.