Creon

[Ilfc2022]

There appears to be a national shortage of Creon, which I have been taking for around 3 months, prescribed because I am struggling to maintain my weight which is around 20% down from my pre-op weight. I am not convinced that it’s doing anything but maybe it’s a bit early to tell. Does anyone have any experience positive or negative of taking Creon, and has anyone been prescribed a substitute due to non-availability?

[Golf1910]

I have been taking Creon for 12 years now since stomach cancer and having my stomach removed, its a substitute for my pancreas that cant produce the enzymes that help digest food because of no stomach (as I understand it) I can only assume it helps me as I am still going

Rob

[Golf1910 in reply to Golf1910]

Just to add I lost 5 stone after my op and over a 2 year period that has been maintained still cant put it back, not that I want to now

[Popsic]

Hi there,I have been on creon for around 6 yrs. I really can't go without it. My food doesn't stay put if I don't take it. Great for losing weight, haha, only kidding. Seriously though, I was like you , thought it was doing no good, until I stopped it! I've been lucky so far that a substitute hasn't had to be subscribed, but I'm dreading it if it does happen.

[Julieanne60]

Hi Llfc2022. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but why are you taking Creon? Since April this year (5 months after my Oesophagotomy) I have been having more problems with my bowels. I’m seeing the Upper GI Nurses next week and I’m hoping they’ll do some tests. I just wondered if you had similar problems too. Best wishes, Julie

[grandylynda]

I take Creon and it has helped me gain weight and have more regular bowel movements. It replaces the pancreatic enzymes which don't help a lot after oesophageal cancer surgery. The pancreas doesn't know the food is arriving quicker so releases it too late (I think)

As for getting creon at the moment it's a nightmare. Local pharmasists tell me substitutes are also a problem. Gp made me collect a paper prescription to be sourced from abroad. Pharmacy said can't do that. Ten days ago I got 100 capsules, about 10 days worth, pharmacy rationing them. Have just sent off another request so the saga begins again. I am trying to eke them out by not always having one with a snack or milk drink but can't do it too much or may end up where I was before. For me Creon has been the greatest single change maker in my progress. Haven't run out yet and dreading the possibility but keep reminding myself that it isn't life and death and other medicines are also hard to get at present. Let's hope the issue is sorted soon.

[sperrygw]

I took vanilla protein powder in shakes to gain my weight back