Taking some types of medicine at the same time you eat can cause your body not to absorb the medicine. Or certain foods may delay or decrease the absorption of the drug.
Some medicines cannot be taken with certain types of food. The food can cause a reaction that changes the effect of the medicine. It also can create or heighten side effects.
What is Creon?
Creon (pancrelipase) is a prescription medicine used to treat people who cannot digest food normally because their pancreas does not make enough enzymes. This condition is called Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and may be due to cystic fibrosis, swelling of the pancreas that lasts a long time (chronic pancreatitis), removal of some or all of the pancreas (pancreatectomy), or other conditions.
If you have EPI due to one of these conditions, Creon can help break down food into fats, proteins, and carbohydrates1 that your body can use.
How to use Creon
Some brands of this medication have a Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If one is available, read the Medication Guide before your start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with meals and snacks as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules or keep the capsules in your mouth. Doing so can irritate the mouth and also change the way the medication works.
If swallowing is difficult, then the capsule may be opened and the contents mixed in a small amount of liquid or soft food that does not need to be chewed (such as room-temperature applesauce). Do not mix the contents of the capsule with alkaline food or liquid (such as milk, ice cream, tea). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information about what foods/liquids (such as infant formula, breast milk) to avoid when mixing. Swallow the food or liquid right away, making sure not to chew the medication. Drink a glass of water or juice after swallowing the food to make sure all the medication is swallowed. Do not save the medication mixture for later.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, diet, weight, and response to treatment. Do not take more capsules in a day than prescribed by your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it with every meal or snack.
If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet, it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication. Do not change brands or dosage forms of pancrelipase without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Different products may contain different amounts of the digestive enzymes.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Foods To Avoid When Taking Creon
Pancreatic enzymes like Creon only work when they are taken with food. There are some foods and drinks that you don’t need to take enzymes with. Foods to avoid when taking Creon include:
- Drinks with only a splash of milk: including tea or coffee), fruit squashes, or fizzy drinks.
- Alcoholic drinks: Including alcoholic tea and beverages.
- Fruits: With the exception bananas and avocados or dried fruit which should be consumed in small amounts.
- Vegetables: With the exception of potatoes, beans, and pulses such as lentils which should be consumed in small amounts
- Sugary sweets: For example, jelly babies, wine gums, fruit pastilles or marshmallows.
The foods that really give most people problems are the fatty, greasy ones and sometimes dairy. When Taking Creon, don’t take the capsules with hot drinks, as they won’t work properly. If you are eating hot food, make sure you swallow the capsules with a cold drink.
What Are Side Effects of Creon?
Side effects of Creon include:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- greasy stools,
- gas,
- bloating,
- constipation,
- stomach pain or upset,
- rectal irritation,
- headache,
- dizziness,
- cough, or
- weight loss.
- Tell your doctor if you have rare but very serious side effects of Creon including:
- severe constipation,
- severe stomach or abdominal discomfort,
- frequent or painful urination, or
- joint pain.
