Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)
PERT can help you digest food and manage problems with diet and digestion caused by pancreatic cancer, like weight loss. Brands include Creon®, Nutrizym® and Pancrex®.
Pancreatic cancer can cause problems with diet, digestion, eating and nutrition. We explain how to manage these problems and the symptoms they cause, including taking pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) such as Creon®.
The pancreas plays an important part in digestion. Find out how the cancer affects this.
Symptoms include weight loss, appetite loss, indigestion and changes to your poo.
You should see a dietitian who is an expert diet. Your doctor or nurse can also help.
PERT can help you digest food and manage problems with diet and digestion caused by pancreatic cancer, like weight loss. Brands include Creon®, Nutrizym® and Pancrex®.
PERT is taken as capsules that you take when you eat. Find out more about how to take PERT.
There are currently supply problems with some brands of PERT, including Creon, Nutrizym and Pancrex. We explain what to do if you are having problems getting your PERT.
If you are taking enough, your symptoms should improve. But sometimes symptoms can be caused by other things.
If you have lost weight or are struggling to eat, nutritional supplements may be helpful.
Digestion problems can be hard to deal with. Find out about the support available.
People often ask about food to eat and avoid. Read our tips.
Get tips to help if you have lost weight, are sick, have taste changes or a dry mouth, or have diarrhoea.
In our webinar, our specialist nurses and specialist dietitians talk about PERT and changes you can make to your diet.
Download our information:
Email us at publications@pancreaticcancer.org.uk for references to the sources of information used to write this information.
We would like to thank the following people who reviewed our information on Diet and pancreatic cancer.
Updated March 2025
Review date March 2028
20 May 2025
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