Any comments on Creon?

[Guest guest]

Hi,

About 10 days ago, after a Endoscopic Ultrasound, I was told that I

have Chronic Pancreatitis. This test followed several acute attacks

over the last three months. Most recent acute attack was triggered

by a ERCP. Prior to this I had a single acute attack in the Fall of

2002.

I have some discomfort and pain almost every day over the last 30

days. Pain for the most part is bearable, as I can go to work and

function somewhat normally. Pain does seem to flare when I am not

very careful with diet.

The doc now wants me to start Creon 10mg, 4 pills at meal time.

Would anyone care to share thier experience with this drug? Did it

help? Side effects?

Thanks for any input that you might have and thanks for being here.

It was a relief to find this support group!!

C

[Guest guest]

mushkeekiwinun wrote:

> About 10 days ago, after a Endoscopic Ultrasound, I was told that I

have Chronic Pancreatitis. This test followed several acute attacks

over the last three months.

The doc now wants me to start Creon 10mg, 4 pills at meal time.

Would anyone care to share thier experience with this drug? Did it

help? Side effects?

Hi,

I've taken Creon, as well as several other pancreatic enzymes. The

type I use now is called Viokase 16. Without question, I've found

that each of the pancreatic enzymes that I've taken have had an

excellent effect on my digestion, has eliminated the pain I used to

encounter after a meal, and has rid me of diarrhea, which used to be a

common complaint with my CP.

One side effect that you may notice when you initiate enzyme therapy

is an abundance of flatulence, and a bloated feeling. I found that

this increased during the first few weeks after I started on the

enzymes, then it eventually receded. I seldom have problems with it

now, but when I do I've found that Beano or other OTC anti-gas

medications solve it. I found that drinking a glass of water prior to

my meal helped considerably to reduce both the gas and bloated

feeling, and have heard of others who say the same thing. We should

be drinking at LEAST eight 8 ounces of water each day to keep the

pancreas well hydrated, anyway, so if you have one glass before each

meal, that means you only have five more to go!!

I'm sure your doctor has advised you to follow a low fat, low protein

diet already. The purpose of the supplemental pancreatic enzymes is

to replace the natural enzymes that woud normally be produced in a

healthy pancreas to digest fats and proteins. Since the natural

enzymes are damaged by our chronic pancreatitis, the supplemental ones

do the work instead, thus allowing the pancreas to rest, and not cause

us pain.

Give the enzymes several days to work their charm. Within a week or

so, you should notice a comfortable and beneficial difference. If you

have any weight loss problems as a result of your CP, the enzymes will

help you to absorb the essential vitamins and other nutrients

necessary to gain and maintain your weight. We don't really consider

them as a " drug " , per se, since enzyme supplements are available OTC

in less concentrated form, and they are considered by the FDA as food

supplements. Their " side effects " , if any, effect our digestive

system only.

Feel free to post again with any other questions you may have. You're

probably feeling like you're walking into unchartered territory, and

this is definitely the right place to come to learn and be among other

friends who want to help you adjust to this new journey.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

Bluffton, SC

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep., PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Note: All comments or advice are from personal experiences or opinion

only, and should not be a substitute for consultation with a medical

professional.