Creon (pancrelipase) is a brand-name capsule that’s prescribed to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. As with other drugs, Creon can cause side effects, such as vomiting and dizziness.

Creon belongs to a drug class called pancreatic enzymes. The drug is not available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Creon. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Creon can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Creon in clinical trials. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being taken to treat.

More common side effects in people taking Creon for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by cystic fibrosis include:

  • vomiting
  • cough
  • dizziness*

More common side effects in people taking Creon for EPI caused by pancreatitis or pancreatectomy include:

  • high or low blood sugar
  • abdominal pain
  • changes in appearance or frequency of bowel movements
  • common cold symptoms
  • gas*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Creon use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Creon’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported in people taking Creon for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by cystic fibrosis include:

Mild side effects that have been reported in people taking Creon for EPI caused by pancreatitis or pancreatectomy include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Creon and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Creon. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Creon may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Creon’s prescribing information.

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.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Creon. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Creon may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Creon cause weight gain or weight loss?

No, weight changes were not a reported side effect in Creon’s clinical trials.

However, many conditions affecting the pancreas can cause weight loss. This is because the enzymes in the pancreas help your body absorb nutrients. If you’re missing these enzymes, your body may not be able to get the nutrients it needs from the food you eat.

Creon helps to replace digestive enzymes, which can help your body absorb nutrients. So after you start taking Creon, you may gain some weight.

Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about changes in weight while taking Creon. They can recommend ways to maintain a weight that is healthy for you.

Is fatigue a side effect of Creon?

No, fatigue wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Creon.

However, certain conditions affecting the pancreas can make it difficult for your body to digest food. This means you may not be getting all of the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. And that can make you feel tired.

If you experience fatigue while taking Creon, talk with your doctor.

Can the different strengths of Creon cause different side effects?

It’s not known. Clinical trials of Creon did not compare different strengths to determine whether the side effects would be different.

If you’ve been taking a certain dose and your doctor increases or decreases it, keep track of any change in side effects. If the side effects don’t ease over time, let your doctor know.

Do Creon’s side effects go away?

It’s possible. After you’ve taken Creon for a while, your body may adjust to the drug, and you may have fewer side effects than when you first started taking it.

If you’ve been taking Creon for a long time and experience side effects that are bothersome, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Creon may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Creon.

Gas

In Creon’s clinical trials, gas was commonly reported by people who took the drug for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) caused by pancreatitis or pancreatectomy. Symptoms can include:

  • pain or pressure in your abdomen
  • bloating

What you can do

To help relieve gas, you can try:

  • exercising, such as walking or yoga
  • gently massaging your abdominal area
  • avoiding carbonated beverages, such as soda
  • avoiding sugar-free gum, drinks, and candy
  • eating and drinking slowly to avoid taking in too much air

For gas that is painful or doesn’t go away, talk with your doctor. They may recommend other remedies, including over-the-counter medications.

High uric acid level

The enzymes in Creon come from the pancreas of pigs, and they contain a substance known as purines. Purines can increase the uric acid level in the body. Too much uric acid can cause crystals to form in the joints and kidneys. Symptoms can include:

  • gout (pain, swelling, and discoloration in a joint, such as your big toe)
  • joint stiffness
  • kidney stones

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above. They’ll likely do a blood test to determine whether your uric acid level is too high. If your level is high, your doctor can recommend treatments for gout, arthritis, or kidney stones.

Fibrosing colonopathy

Fibrosing colonopathy (narrowing or scarring of the colon) was a rare side effect in Creon’s clinical trials. It has happened in children with EPI caused by cystic fibrosis who’ve taken very high doses of pancreatic enzymes. Symptoms can include:

  • sudden, severe abdominal pain
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • blood in the stool

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you notice any blood in your or your child’s stools or any change in bowel habits after starting Creon. They may recommend surgery if this side effect occurs. The doctor will also likely reduce the dose of Creon.

Mouth irritation

Creon capsules should not be chewed, crushed, or mixed with acidic foods. Doing so can break down the protective coating on the capsule, leading to irritation in your mouth. Symptoms can include:

  • discoloration or ulcers in your mouth
  • burning or stinging in your mouth

What you can do

It is recommended that you swallow Creon capsules whole. If you have problems swallowing capsules, you can open them and mix the contents with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away and drink water to make sure that all of the drug has been taken.

If you notice any irritation in your mouth while taking Creon, talk with your doctor.

Dizziness

Dizziness was a common side effect in Creon’s clinical trials in people who took the drug for EPI caused by cystic fibrosis. Symptoms can include:

  • feeling as though the room is spinning
  • losing your balance
  • feeling woozy

What you can do

Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Creon will affect you. If you feel dizzy, try moving slowly, especially when changing positions. Lay down and rest until the dizziness passes.

Talk with your doctor if you experience dizziness that is bothersome or does not ease.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Creon can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Creon. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Creon. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are known as drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

High uric acid level. Creon can cause an increased uric acid level in the blood. (See the “Side effect specifics” section above for details.) This may cause gout or kidney stones. If you already have these conditions, taking Creon may make them worse. Talk with your doctor if you have had kidney stones or other problems with your kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease. They’ll decide whether Creon is safe for you to take.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Creon or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Creon. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pork allergy. The enzymes in Creon are made from the pancreas of pigs. If you have a pork allergy, you may be allergic to Creon. Let your doctor know about any allergies before starting treatment with Creon.

Fibrosing colonopathy. Creon can cause fibrosing colonopathy (narrowing or scarring of the colon). (See the “Side effect specifics” section above for details.) If you already have this condition, Creon may make it worse. Let your doctor know if you have any problems with blockages in your colon before starting Creon.

Alcohol with Creon

While Creon does not interact with alcohol, drinking alcohol can worsen pancreatic insufficiency. It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Creon.

Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol, if any, is safe to consume while taking Creon.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Creon

There haven’t been any clinical trials of Creon in pregnant people. However, case reports of pregnant people taking Creon have not shown any fetal harm.

When you take Creon, most of the drug stays in your digestive tract. Very little of it is absorbed. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. They can recommend whether Creon is safe for you.

Creon’s effects on children who are breastfed have not been clinically trialed. It’s not known whether enough drug is absorbed to pass into breast milk. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about breastfeeding while taking Creon. They can recommend safe ways to feed your child while taking Creon.

Creon, as with other drugs, can cause side effects. Most are mild and will ease over time. However, some are serious and may require medical attention.

If you’d like to learn more about Creon, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

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.