Pancrelipase and Bloating: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2020

Pancrelipase for Chronic Pancreatitis "First, this drug is EXPENSIVE. My regular insurance denied paying for it 3 times. I had to have my doctor fight with them on the phone, saying this is the ONLY current viable drug for Pancreatic insufficiency. They still complained. My stomach was in very bad pain, loose stool, and extreme bloating. After ONE day of use (5 pills of 12000 units), my bloating reduced by 50%. The frequency of loose stool is down to only once a day vs 3-4 times a day pre-Creon. The pain is beginning to improve. HOWEVER, this drug has given me one of the RARE side effects listed in warnings, 'HIVES'. My back won't stop itching. UGHH. So now I have to decide between abdominal pain all day or having itching all day. I have to ask the doctor for anti-itch pills now. ANYONE ELSE GET ITCHING?"

• Gri...
• April 3, 2021

Pancrelipase for Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction "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."

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

Pancrelipase for Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction "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!"

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

Pancrelipase for Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction "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."

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

Pancrelipase for Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction "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."

• CJa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2021

Pancrelipase for Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction "I have been taking 24,000 units of Creon 3x for meals and 1x for snacks for about a year. Initially, Creon seemed to work without noticeable side effects. Now, I have developed functional dyspepsia, including weight loss, bloating, and a hard stomach. The dosage was increased, however, I still am not able to gain weight. I am very disappointed with this medication."

• use...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 25, 2023

Pancrelipase "I had an ileostomy/colostomy operation 40 years ago (stoma bag) at age 21 and recently had the Whipple procedure operation (now 59) due to pancreatic cancer, all linked to ulcerative colitis. It was the first time my surgeon had done a Whipple on top of an ileostomy. I was told to take three Creon tabs with a meal or each course and two with a snack. Creon has made ZERO difference for me that I can tell. I know my body, I know what it does, why, and the results (waste, bloating, pain, and discomfort), and I question how or do they help me and in what way. I don't believe they do anything for me, others might be different, but I experience no difference and would NEVER suggest anyone stops using them, down to the individual experience."

• Jer...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2024

For Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction "I took this medication for about 1 year. During which time I developed pre-gout symptoms. My uric acid levels went very high. Then we cut back the dose because I must take another medication that also contains porcine. I also have ongoing stomach bloating, and the doctor didn't know anything about it. Been having lots of trouble sleeping also then discovered that is another side effect of this medication. I've discontinued using it and switched to a plant-based digestive enzyme that just depends on that also helps me digest foods with wheat since I am celiac. In my humble opinion, the side effects make this medication not usable for me. It did its job in terms of digesting food, I will give it that."