Most common
More serious
Most common
More serious
You should not use Zenpep if you:
You should talk to your doctor before using Zenpep if you:
You should not use Creon if you:
You should talk to your doctor before using Creon if you:
Based on age and body weight
Based on age and body weight
100, lowest strength delay-released Zenpep capsules will cost around $200
90, high-strength Creon capsules will cost around $900
Zenpep and Creon are brand names for porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme products (PEP) used as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.
Zenpep is an FDA-approved (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) medication manufactured by Eurand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is a pancreatic enzyme product for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) associated with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that makes your body produce fluids, like mucus, sweat, and digestive juices that are too thick. Over time this disrupts and damages parts of your body, usually your lungs, liver and kidneys, pancreas, and your digestive system. The disorder can interfere with food digestion by affecting your pancreas and causing a condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Your pancreas produces digestive enzymes, which are substances that help your digestive system break down food. Thick mucus in your pancreas can block these enzymes from entering your digestive system, making it harder for you to digest food.
EPI can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach cramps, bloating, pain, flatulence, and diarrhea. Problems digesting food can also mean you don’t get the calories and the nutrition you need to be healthy. It can lead to weight loss and fatigue, as well as conditions caused by dietary deficiencies like anemia, bleeding disorders, or metabolic bone disease. Zenpep helps with EPI by improving your ability to digest food. The medication contains a mixture of digestive enzymes that can help top-up the enzymes you’re lacking, allowing you to digest food normally.
The active ingredient in Zenpep is called pancrelipase. Pancrelipase is a mixture of three groups of digestive enzymes called amylases, lipases, and proteases. These enzymes are derived from the pancreases of pigs, but they are safe and effective for children and adults to use. Once in your digestive system, they help your body break down and absorb the proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, and fats in your food.
Zenpep is available in a delayed-release capsule formulation, in the following doses:
Zenpep is not interchangeable with any other pancrelipase product.
Please see the full prescribing information and always speak with your healthcare provider about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.
Creon is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Creon is prescribed to children and adults whose pancreases don’t make enough enzymes to digest food (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency).
It’s a pancreatic enzyme supplement that contains a mix of amylase, lipase, and protease digestive enzymes derived from pig pancreases. You take Creon as you eat or just after you’ve eaten a meal. The granules inside the capsule release the digestive enzymes into your stomach, where they help you digest the food you’ve just eaten.
RELATED: What is Creon
Creon is available in delayed-release capsule dosage form, in the following doses:
CREON is not interchangeable with any other pancrelipase product.
Please see the full prescribing information and always speak with your healthcare provider about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.
RELATED: Creon Dosage
The most common side effects of Zenpep in clinical trials compared to placebo-controlled trials include:
More serious side effects of Zenpep include:
The most common side effects of Creon in clinical trials compared to placebo-controlled trials include:
More serious side effects of Creon include
These aren’t all the side effects Zenpep or Creon can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.
Zenpep can interact with other medications. These include:
Creon can interact with other medications. These include:
Zenpep and Creon can interact with other medications. This can change how Zenpep and Creon and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.
You should not use Zenpep if you:
Talk to your doctor before using Zenpep if you:
You should not use Creon if you:
Talk to your doctor before using Creon if you:
If you have any concerns about Zenpep or Creon side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
