Creon 40000 Capsule (10 Cap)
Pancreatin (400mg)
Source ID: 243065
Description
CREON 40000 CAPSULE
CREON 40000 CAPSULE by ABBOTT INDIA LIMITED is a pancreatic enzyme supplement designed to assist in digestion for individuals with enzyme deficiencies.
- Name:
- Brand Name: CREON 40000 CAPSULE
- Common Name: Pancreatin (Pancreatic Enzyme Supplement)
- Composition: Each capsule contains 400 mg of Pancreatic Extract (Pancreatin) derived from pig pancreas. This extract provides not less than 40,000 Ph. Eur. (BP) units of lipase, 25,000 Ph. Eur. (BP) units of amylase, and 1,600 Ph. Eur. (BP) units of protease.
- Uses: CREON 40000 CAPSULE is prescribed for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). This condition occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient digestive enzymes. It is commonly associated with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal bypass surgery, or surgical removal of the pancreas. The enzymes help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, alleviating symptoms like fatty stools (steatorrhea), bloating, abdominal discomfort, and malabsorption.
- Dosage and Administration:
- Take capsules whole, during or immediately after meals or snacks, with plenty of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or hold the capsules or their contents in the mouth, as this can irritate the mouth and affect the medicine's efficacy due to a special enteric coating.
- If swallowing is difficult, the capsules may be opened and the minimicrospheres mixed with acidic soft food (e.g., applesauce, yogurt) or an acidic liquid (e.g., apple, orange, or pineapple juice) and consumed immediately.
- Dosage is individualized by a physician based on the patient's condition, diet, and response. The usual starting dose for adults and children is one capsule with each meal and snack. Do not exceed 2,500 lipase units/kg/meal or 10,000 lipase units/kg/day without further medical investigation.
- Side Effects:
- Common: Stomach pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and mild skin rash.
- Serious: Severe or prolonged abdominal pain may indicate fibrosing colonopathy, especially in cystic fibrosis patients on high doses. Allergic reactions such as rash, wheezing, breathlessness, or swollen face/lips can occur. High doses may also increase uric acid levels in the blood and urine.
- Precautions:
- Avoid if allergic to pork, other pig products, or any of the capsule's ingredients.
- Do not use during acute pancreatitis.
- Inform your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting, or constipation, especially if you have cystic fibrosis, as these could be symptoms of fibrosing colonopathy.
- Avoid taking antacids within one hour of CREON 40000 CAPSULE, as they may interfere with the enteric coating.
- Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water daily.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have gout, asthma, or kidney/liver problems.
- Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery if dizziness occurs.
- Storage: Store the capsules in their original container, tightly closed, in a cool, dry place below 25°C (or 30°C). In warmer climates, refrigeration might be necessary. Use within 6 months after opening. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CREON 40000 CAPSULE used for?
CREON 40000 CAPSULE is a pancreatic enzyme supplement used to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). This condition occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. It is commonly prescribed for individuals with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, those who have undergone pancreas removal or gastrointestinal bypass surgery, or who suffer from ductal obstruction. The medicine helps to improve digestion, reduce symptoms like fatty stools (steatorrhea), bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, and enhance nutrient absorption.
How does CREON 40000 CAPSULE work?
CREON 40000 CAPSULE contains pancreatin, a mixture of digestive enzymes including lipase, protease, and amylase, which are extracted from pig pancreas. These enzymes are crucial for breaking down fats, proteins, and sugars from food in the small intestine. The capsules are designed with a special enteric coating (minimicrospheres) that protects the enzymes from stomach acid, allowing them to be released and become active in the intestines, where they can effectively aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
What is the usual dosage for CREON 40000 CAPSULE?
The dosage of CREON 40000 CAPSULE is highly individualized and determined by your doctor based on your specific condition, weight, diet, and the amount of fat in your stools. For adults and children, a common starting dose is one capsule with every meal and snack. Adult patients beginning treatment may start with 25,000 to 40,000 units of lipase with each main meal and half this dose with snacks. It is important not to increase the dose yourself without consulting your doctor, as a rapid increase can lead to constipation. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. If swallowing whole is difficult, the capsule can be opened, and the granules mixed with a small amount of soft, acidic food (like applesauce or yogurt) and swallowed immediately without chewing. Ensure to drink plenty of liquids daily.
What are the possible side effects of CREON 40000 CAPSULE?
While many people tolerate CREON 40000 CAPSULE well, some common side effects can occur, including stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, dizziness, cough, sore throat, and mild skin rash. These symptoms may also be related to the underlying condition being treated. More serious, though rare, side effects can include fibrosing colonopathy (a condition involving the narrowing or blockage of the large intestine, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients taking high doses), elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), and severe allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, skin rashes, or swelling of the lips, face, or eyelids. If you experience severe or prolonged abdominal pain or any unusual or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Is CREON 40000 CAPSULE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: CREON 40000 CAPSULE falls under pregnancy category C. There are limited studies in humans, and animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby. Therefore, it is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of complete safety information. Your doctor will assess the benefits against potential risks before prescribing it if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding: CREON 40000 CAPSULE is considered probably safe for use during breastfeeding if prescribed by a doctor. Limited human data suggests that the active ingredients do not significantly pass into breast milk. However, it is always best to consult your doctor, who will determine if it is appropriate for you to take this medicine while breastfeeding.
Can CREON 40000 CAPSULE be taken with other medications?
You should inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are currently taking, as CREON 40000 CAPSULE can interact with certain medications. It is generally advised to avoid taking antacids at the same time as CREON 40000 CAPSULE, as antacids can break down the special coating of the capsules, reducing their effectiveness. If an antacid is necessary, it should be taken at least one hour before CREON 40000 CAPSULE. Additionally, CREON 40000 CAPSULE may decrease the absorption of folic acid and iron, so concurrent use with multivitamins or folic acid supplements should be discussed with your doctor. If you have diabetes, be aware that this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels.
What precautions should be taken when using CREON 40000 CAPSULE?
Do not take CREON 40000 CAPSULE if you are allergic to pork, other pig products, or any of the capsule's ingredients. It should also be avoided if you have acute pancreatitis. It is crucial not to crush, chew, or hold the capsules or their granules in your mouth, as this can cause irritation and sores. Always drink plenty of liquids every day when taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you have cystic fibrosis and experience any new or worsening abdominal symptoms, as there's a rare risk of fibrosing colonopathy. Also, disclose any history of gout, asthma, high uric acid levels, kidney problems, or liver impairment to your doctor before starting treatment. Do not adjust your dose without your doctor's guidance.
What happens if a dose of CREON 40000 CAPSULE is missed?
If you forget to take a dose, do not take a double dose to compensate. Instead, wait until your next scheduled meal or snack and take your usual number of capsules at that time. If you frequently have trouble remembering to take your medicine, speak to your pharmacist for tips.
How should CREON 40000 CAPSULE be stored?
CREON 40000 CAPSULE should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ideally below 25°C. In warmer climates, refrigeration may be necessary. Keep the capsules in their original bottle, tightly closed, and if a desiccant packet is included, leave it inside. After opening, the medicine should be used within six months. Always keep CREON 40000 CAPSULE out of the sight and reach of children, and avoid storing it in damp areas like the bathroom or near a sink.