Pancrelipase
Creon is the only pancrelipase product listed here, a 150 mg gastro-resistant capsule that replaces the digestive enzymes the pancreas cannot produce in Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.
Key points
- Pancrelipase breaks down fats, proteins, and starches into smaller molecules the intestine can absorb, reducing fatty stools and improving nutrition.
- It is derived from pig pancreas, so anyone allergic to pork products should tell their prescriber before starting.
- Different pancrelipase brands are not interchangeable; switching without medical guidance can change how much active enzyme you receive.
How does Pancrelipase work?
The pancreas releases enzymes into the small intestine to digest food. When it cannot produce enough, fats and proteins pass through undigested, causing bloating, greasy stools, and poor nutrient absorption.
Pancrelipase replaces those missing enzymes. The capsule dissolves in the intestine and releases three enzyme types: lipase for fat, protease for protein, and amylase for starch. The effect lasts while you take it. Stop, and digestion reverts to whatever the pancreas can manage alone. Pancrelipase sits in the Digestive Health range because it acts in the gut, not in the bloodstream.