Pancrelipase for Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction User Reviews

• Wil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 27, 2020

"After Whipple surgery, my GI doc and my oncologist both recommended that I take 75,000 IU of Creon per major meal and 25,000 per snack. It works to control diarrhea, though it's very expensive. But, if I take it with the meal, it causes gas bloating. So, now I'm experimenting with taking it before meals, 30-60 minutes, which seems to work, except that I always have to know exactly when I'll eat next, so I can take pills at the right time in advance. Does anyone else have this bloating problem and if so, how do you deal with it?"

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

"I have pancreatic cancer and have been dealing with digestive problems since the diagnosis. I've lost 45 pounds and I haven't been able to eliminate diarrhea in the 2 months of chemo. My potassium has dropped to a point where the doctors are considering stopping treatments until I can get blood counts under control. I've been taking the Creon enzymes for 3 days. Total difference. I have an appetite, slept 7 hours straight, less gassiness, no pain and I've gained 2 pounds. I feel great. Absolutely a miracle drug for me as I watched myself waste away."

• Peg...
• August 19, 2019

"When I first started using this medication, after one day of use my next bowel movement was long, fully formed with no appearance of undigested food. Extreme urgency gone after about five years of very disruptive diarrhea."

• Lui...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2020

"After I got my diagnosis (adenocarcinoma in the head of the pancreas) by the end of December 2019. My oncologist recommended that I start Creon in January 2020. Two capsules with meals and 1 capsule with a snack. That really helped me with my digestion, and I’m able to eat fat and proteins again (only chicken and fish). I don’t eat red meat! I had a Whipple surgery in the middle of April 2020. I continued taking my Creon till now (August 2020). And it works great. Giving me the chance to enjoy my favorite food at any time every day. My oncologist told me that I have to use Creon for the rest of my life because my pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes due to my health condition and after my Whipple surgery. Now, a week ago, the oncologist sent me for another control CT scan, and thankfully everything is clear. I have to continue with my chemotherapy and with my Creon."

• tac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2019

"This medication did absolutely nothing to resolve my EPI disorder (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), even with a recommended increase in dosage. I continued to have frequent explosive diarrhea problems. I have had many medical problems during my 76 years of life and recovered, but EPI is the worst medical problem I have ever had. It will not go away."

• GZK...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 21, 2020

"Like my mother, I have had a duodenal ulcer, heartburn, and symptoms of EFI and steatorrhea for many years. Otherwise, I don't have pains, and I don't know if I have pancreatitis or CF. Without medicines, I would have 3-5 bowel movements every day, and it is extremely painful when I travel, which I do very often. So I started to take Zenpep, which is very effective without any obvious side effects. When I travel, 3-4 capsules of 20,000 units (the green capsules) with a meal will keep me safe for most of the day. But the worry about the side effects of long periods of usage pushes me to find alternative medicine. Luckily, I found that by chance, the non-prescription 300-400 mg capsules of Nattokinase (3-4 x 2000 FUs) with a meal have the same, if not better, effect to keep me dry for most of the day. Hope it helps anyone who may need it."

• gir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2016

"I was prescribed Creon for EPI. While on this medication, I experienced very little, if any, relief from my symptoms. The side effects were horrendous - headache, hot flashes, coughing, memory issues (straining to remember words), and joint pain in my upper leg and tailbone. Within 24 hours of stopping the medication, all side effects disappeared."

• J R...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2020

"I was diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) after about 3 months of diarrhea. At first, the Creon didn't do anything, but eventually, the diarrhea slowed and stomach pain decreased. Watching my diet to avoid fatty foods as best I can has also helped. Still have completely loose stool, but not as often as before. I have developed a cough and sore throat, along with a raspiness in my voice that continues to get worse. (Not good for a singer). I have found no remedies for that and have not been advised of any help. I don't know what I'll do if the pain continues to increase. I can live without singing (not a professional), but the throat pain is really getting bad."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2020

"I've been taking 36,000 units of Creon per meal for almost five months now after having the Whipple procedure. Just two weeks ago, I started vomiting occasionally and, sorry this sounds so gross, the food upchucked was undigested. Has anyone experienced this problem? I have an appointment scheduled with my doctor and will find out more then. Just wondering if anyone else experienced delayed side effects, or is it possible I have developed a sensitivity to it. Worked great at first."

• lg0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2023

"I was told to take this as lipase was not enough (was discovered through diarrhea/loose stool, greasy). This has made me feel worse! Abdominal cramps, sometimes bad, and inability to empty bowels enough to safely leave the house for 3 hours. Huge all-over body bloat. I quit it, and in 2 days a friend asked me if I had lost weight, even my face looked slimmer, and I thought, bam! Water retention, oh! The pain from this is not worth it. Are the others on here mentioning anxiety? Yes!! So bizarre this could cause it, but I've had some pretty bad days, had to even take Benzo, no reason why... but perhaps this! What a shame. So many bad reviews here, what can help us??"

• Gri...
• April 3, 2021

"I am 56 years old with pancreatic cancer. After 3 days of taking Creon, I thought I was going to die. Except for diarrhea, I experienced every side effect on the list. Excruciating abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, headache, etc. On a scale of 10, my pain was at 10. My husband, who is a nurse, was puzzled, and I realized that the only thing I had changed was that medication. I stopped taking it immediately, and it took me a week to recover. Not blaming anybody, but if it happens to you, stop taking it immediately and talk to your doctor."

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2017

"I was diagnosed 2 years ago with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I have had chemo and radiation, and I am doing very well. When first diagnosed, I was on Creon. I had no side effects, but wanted something a little less expensive, so my oncologist suggested I try Zenpep. It works great, as long as I don't forget and skip a dose. When I skip a dose, all my symptoms come roaring back: gas, pain, cramps, and loose bowels."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 29, 2020

"I take Creon 25000 (2 with meals, 1 with snacks) because I take Somatulin for NET tumors, and it upsets pancreatic function. Originally wasn't impressed, so after 4 months, with my doctor's OK, I suspended it... but the symptoms came back in spades. I'm now more religious about dosage and timing and find it helps immensely (back on it 8 months). Helps with gas, bloating, diarrhea, greasy stools, smell. Not always totally effective, but I haven't restricted what I eat or drink and suppose if I were better at that, I'd have more success. Good luck to others!"

• Wal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2022

"I had unpleasant side effects with Creon, and an abdominal tenderness that lasted almost three years, so I quit taking it. My specialist suggested I try Zenpep. It works for me better, and the abdominal tenderness subsided quickly. I have experienced no side effects so far."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2020

"Within 2 days of taking Creon, I felt horrible. Doc told me to keep taking them. I went into the worst anaphylactic shock. I'm surprised I didn't die. Now taking OTC, not enough lipase. My LDL is climbing with BP. I'm a woman under 100 lbs, my BP went to 196/164."

• BBl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 20, 2024

"I was diagnosed with pancreatic enzyme deficiency 5 years ago and took Creon since. I stopped taking it 7 weeks ago and have discovered that I am cured. The lab results say my enzymes are now normal and my stools are normal, too. Doctors told me I would have to take Creon for the rest of my life, so I am very excited to learn I've been cured. Maybe I could have stopped taking Creon earlier."

• Dik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2018

"Creon is great for my exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), taken almost three years. Without Creon, I have explosive diarrhea. But my dosage is tiny compared to many, one 3,000 lipase capsule with all meals or snacks."

• Nig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2016

"Side effects kicked in were worse than my condition. Already take Zofran for nausea and vomiting. This drug actually started me vomiting again. If you have depression and anxiety issues and pain issues in joints, etc., it can make it worse and override medication. Thank goodness my doctor gave me samples because it's extremely expensive even with insurance. Do not take if you are allergic or don't take/eat pork ingredients... I'm not - but it's a warning I wasn't told about."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2023

"I was experiencing diarrhea 6 or 7 times a day, had cramps, and a rock-hard stomach and bowels. I had sleeve surgery 8 years ago, and my gallbladder was removed about 30 years ago. I was prescribed Zenpep one month ago and feel like a new person. Bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea are gone as long as I take it with every meal. If I eat without taking it, the symptoms return. I am glad I have good insurance, as this medication costs $1,500 monthly, and I pay $30 for 2 months. It really does work well for me."

• Pen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 3, 2024

"Was advised to start with 1 capsule for a snack and 2 for a meal and to increase until stools were normal. I am now up to 8 x 2500 for a meal, 6 for a sandwich (not cheese). When I expressed my concern to my surgeon, he said to take as many as I need. Things are fairly normal now, although flatulence is still a problem. My advice is to keep increasing the dose until you get it right. Also, keep a diary so that when your stools are not properly formed, look back a couple of days to see where you should have taken more."

• Edw...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 15, 2023

"I've been on Creon 3 x 36,000 lipase units every meal for three years without any issues until recently. About 5 months ago, I started having explosive diarrhea, up to 6 times a day. I stopped taking it for a few weeks and got better. I started back slowly with 1 x 36,000 lipase units, and over the course of 2 weeks, I increased back to 3 pills with meals. Everything was fine for about 3 weeks, now my diarrhea is back. Yesterday, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, and I am going to stop again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2023

"Just been diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency. Was prescribed Zenpep two weeks ago. Started on 1 before every meal and snack. Just increased to two before meals and one before snack. Have seen a big improvement. Praying that it continues. Would like to find a diet program specifically for this condition."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2023

"I've taken Creon 36,000 units per meal for almost 2 years. It's overall good, but like all meds, there are side effects (headache, blurred vision, sore throat). I have an autoimmune condition, and my sore throat and dry mouth worsened (so not sure if caused by Creon or the AI condition). For me, it works best to take it in the middle of the meal. If I take it before eating, it causes irritation on my throat. I also think it works best to get the lower dose and use it according to the size of the meal; so a single one for snacks, and can double if full meal. I hope my review helps someone. Wishing good health to everyone here!"

• mot...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2019

"Whether it was the medicine or not, I had abdominal pain after taking Creon for 2 months. I cut the dosage back, had more tests run on my abdomen, which showed nothing. I have been taking a dosing capsule of 24,000 units with each meal since February and have had no side effects. No more runny stools or frequent trips to the restroom. I have an appointment and lab work later this month."

• way...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2023

"Creon has done nothing to relieve my symptoms. I am still suffering from bloating, feeling like vomiting all day, headache, and I have lost 30 lbs in three months. I am going to ask the doctor to switch me to Zenpep. Creon has a 50% approval, whereas Zenpep is 74%, so I'm hoping it will work for me."