Creon shortage and Pancrex V 125

[Nomojo56]

Hi all, I was prescribed Creon 25000 about 3 months ago. Not great difference to how I was before since taking them but I have continued. However, due to the shortage/availability of Creon I have now been given Pancrex V 125 mg because that's all the pharmacy can obtain.

Pancrex is 8 x weaker than Creon 25000. I was taking 3 Creon with a main meal so that means I now have to try and gulp down 24 capsules with dinner. Not fun ! Quite apart from this, since starting Pancrex about 10 days ago, my guts are churning and unpredictable, I'm belching (TMI - sorry) and I've had a few days when it's been impossible to leave the house - if you get my drift.

Given that many of us might be in similar situation re. alternative meds. , wondering if anyone else has noticed difference since taking something new - especially if it's Pancrex V

(I have spoken to my dietician about all this but not much help really)

Hope you're all doing as well as possible

Thanks for any advice

J

[Jackie1947]

I've mentioned before I can't take any brand of epi as I'm intolerant to pork. Instead I have on prescription immoduim twice daily and it's made a huge difference.

[Nomojo56 in reply to Jackie1947]

Ah yes. Thanks for responding Jackie. I've had IBS for years before EPI and despite EPI I alternate between IBS/D and IBS/C so I'm afraid Immodium wouldn't always be helpful. Enterosgel is also helpful when IBS/D - don't know if you've tried that ? I don't have a diagnosis/reason for my EPI - could be the years of IBS, M.E. or result of pelvic radiotherapy

[Jackie1947 in reply to Nomojo56]

Apart from Pancreatitis I've got Diverticular disease,unspecified colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

[Nomojo56 in reply to Jackie1947]

Sorry to hear you have so much to deal with Jackie

[Jackie1947 in reply to Nomojo56]

I manage and accept the challenge 😁

[itfe]

I have four different doses of Creon, 3000, 6000, 12,000, and 36,000. If I feel that I can eat a full meal, which isn't very often, then I take the 36,000. Otherwise, I will start with a 6000 or 12,000. I actually use the 6000, and the 12,000 most of all. Sometimes I use a combination of the 3000, 6000, and or the 6000 and the 12,000 depending on how much I end up eating. It seems to be helping me to control the symptoms.

Also, there is a card you can get to help with the cost of Creon on the Creon website. I only pay $5 for each of my prescriptions of Creon after using my insurance and then applying the discount card from the manufacturer which may be found on their website creoninfo.com.

I hope this helps.