Creon 3000 (Pancreatic enzyme)

Do’s

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions: Take Creon 3000 exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, including dosage, frequency (with meals and snacks), and whether to swallow whole or open the capsule.
• Swallow whole (preferred): If you can swallow the capsule comfortably, take it whole with meals and snacks.
• Open capsule for difficulty swallowing: If swallowing the capsule whole is difficult, open it carefully and mix the contents with a small amount of:
  • Soft, acidic food or liquid (applesauce, yogurt) at room temperature
• Drink fluids: Drink plenty of fluids while taking Creon 3000 unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• Take consistently: Take Creon 3000 with every meal and snack for optimal benefit.
• Follow special diet (if applicable): If your healthcare provider recommends a specific diet, follow it strictly to maximize the effectiveness of Creon 3000.
• Maintain consistent brand/dosage: Don't switch brands or dosage forms of pancrelipase medications without consulting your healthcare provider, as enzyme content can vary between products.

Don'ts

• Crush or chew capsules: Don't crush or chew the Creon 3000 capsules, whether swallowed whole or mixed with food. This can irritate your mouth and affect how the medication works. Swallow the mixture right away with a glass of water or juice to ensure you consume everything.
• Mix with certain foods/liquids: Don't mix Creon 3000 with alkaline foods or liquids like milk, ice cream, or tea, as it can affect how the medication works. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list.
• Save medication mixture: Don't store the medication mixture from opened capsules for later use. Prepare a fresh mixture each time you take Creon 3000.
• Exceed dosage: Don't take more Creon 3000 capsules than prescribed by your healthcare provider. Taking more won't improve your condition faster and can increase side effects.

Common side effects:

• Stomach pain
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Frequent or abnormal bowel movements
• Rectal itching
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Changes in blood sugar levels

Serious side effects (seek medical attention):

• Joint pain or swelling
• Symptoms of a rare but serious bowel disorder: severe or unusual stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation
• Skin rash or hives
• Bowel blockage
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Blood in the urine
• Joint pain
• Swelling of the feet or lower legs

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Creon 3000, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to pancrelipase, pork protein, or any ingredients in Creon 3000.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your healthcare provider before using Creon 3000, especially:

• Sudden/severe pancreatitis (acute pancreatitis)

• Worsening of long-term pancreatic disease
• Gout
• Kidney disease
• High blood uric acid (hyperuricemia)
• Intestinal problems (blockage)

Creon 3000 may affect blood sugar levels. Monitor blood sugar regularly and discuss it with your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust their diabetes medication, exercise regimen, or diet.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Creon 3000, before any surgery.

Use Creon 3000 only when clearly necessary during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

It is unknown if pancrelipase passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.