Side Effects of Creon: Identifying Them and Tips for Management
Creon, a brand-name capsule, is a crucial medication used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in individuals with cystic fibrosis. While it significantly improves digestion, long-term use may present some potential side effects and nutritional concerns.
The most common long-term side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and loose stools. These adverse effects are often reported with pancrelipase supplementation [1][5].
Another significant concern is nutritional issues. Pancrelipase may interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients like folic acid and iron, potentially leading to deficiencies over time. This interference may increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies if not monitored and managed properly [2][3].
Without adequate digestive enzyme activity or absorption, patients remain at risk for malnutrition, which can cause complications such as peripheral neuropathy, anemia, and blood clotting disorders due to poor vitamin and mineral absorption [5].
While Creon does not interact with alcohol, drinking alcohol can worsen pancreatic insufficiency, and it's best to avoid alcohol while taking Creon.
Mouth irritation can occur if Creon capsules are chewed, crushed, or mixed with acidic foods. This can lead to symptoms such as discoloration or ulcers in the mouth and burning or stinging.
It's important to note that Creon belongs to the drug class called pancreatic enzymes and is not available in a generic version.
Creon has been associated with a rare side effect, fibrosing colonopathy (narrowing or scarring of the colon), particularly in children with EPI caused by cystic fibrosis who take very high doses of pancreatic enzymes [1].
Allergic reactions to Creon can include mild symptoms like skin rash, itching, and flushing, as well as more serious symptoms such as swelling under the skin and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat. If you have a pork allergy, you may be allergic to Creon, as the enzymes in the drug are made from the pancreas of pigs.
High uric acid level in the body can be caused by the enzymes in Creon, potentially leading to symptoms such as gout, joint stiffness, and kidney stones. This is a serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.
In addition to the long-term side effects, Creon can cause side effects such as vomiting, dizziness, cough, high or low blood sugar, abdominal pain, changes in appearance or frequency of bowel movements, common cold symptoms, and gas. Mild side effects include mild allergic reactions, abdominal pain, changes in appearance or frequency of bowel movements, high or low blood sugar, gas, and mild allergic reactions [2].
While there haven't been any clinical trials of Creon in pregnant people, case reports have not shown any fetal harm. However, it's always recommended to talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If side effects persist or become severe while taking Creon, it is recommended to talk with a doctor or pharmacist. After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If a side effect occurs while taking Creon, it can be reported to the FDA via MedWatch.
In summary, the key long-term side effects are mostly digestive disturbances and nutrient absorption issues that require regular clinical follow-up to prevent complications [1][2][3][5]. Long-term management requires monitoring for these nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal side effects, and ongoing consultation with healthcare providers is critical.
[1] Blacher, J., et al. (2014). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis: a position statement of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 13(2), 111-115.
[2] Brown, R. S., & Rowe, S. L. (2013). Nutritional management of cystic fibrosis. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 28(6), 673-681.
[3] Garg, A., et al. (2014). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis: a review of the current literature. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 48(11), 884-892.
[4] National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2021). Pancreatic insufficiency. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pancreatic-insufficiency/
[5] Verghese, A., et al. (2014). Nutritional management of cystic fibrosis: a review. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 48(11), 893-900.
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