Information about the supply of Creon, Nutrizym and Pancrex

Hello, I am Lynne, a specialist pancreatic cancer nurse. This blog explains problems with the supply of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). We know that there are currently problems with the supply of Creon^®, and also Nutrizym^® and Pancrex^®. These are all brands of PERT.

PERT is a capsule you take with food that helps to replace the enzymes your pancreas would normally make. They help you to digest your food and absorb all the calories and nutrients from it.

This information is for people with pancreatic cancer. If you have cystic fibrosis, please contact the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as some of the information will be different for you. If you have pancreatitis, Guts UK have information.

Why is there a supply problem?

The company that produces Creon has warned of a temporary shortage of Creon. The companies that make Nutrizym and Pancrex have also had shortages as people have switched to these brands, and they can’t keep up with demand. The company that makes Creon is called Viatris, Zentiva makes Nutrizym, and Essential Pharmaceuticals Ltd makes Pancrex. Viatris have told us that they are working hard to sort out these issues.

Supplies are being regularly restocked, so shortages may only last for a short time. The shortages are a problem across the UK, and we know other countries in Europe are also affected. There may be some areas in the UK not affected by this shortage, so it may be that you aren’t affected at all.

What can I do?

There are different doses of Creon capsules, and you can use these to safely make up your dose. For example, if you take Creon 25,000 and are struggling to get this, there are also Creon 10,000 capsules. You would need to take more capsules to make up your normal dose. For example, if you normally take 75,000 with your meals (so three 25,000 capsules) you may need to take eight 10,000 capsules. Spread them out during your meal. You can also use a mixture of 25,000 and 10,000 if you have both capsules.

You can also switch to one of the other brands, and use different brands to make up your dose. You will need to speak to your GP to get a prescription for these. Your GP may be able to include different types of PERT on the prescription, in case your usual type isn’t available.

Read more detailed information about using different brands of PERT.

Speaking to your pharmacy

It is a good idea to put in your prescription requests 2 weeks earlier than usual to give the pharmacist time to get your PERT. Be aware that pharmacies can only supply a maximum of one month’s supply at  time, so that supplies last longer.

If your normal pharmacy doesn’t have your PERT, you could ask them to call the wholesaler that supplies it, to have more stock sent. Check back in a couple of days as we understand pharmacies are restocking with fresh supplies regularly. You might find it helps to speak directly to the pharmacist. You could ask what they are doing to help get your PERT, and if there’s anything you can do.

You could also try calling other pharmacies in the area to see if they have supplies. Make sure you try several different chains of pharmacy. One chain might be out of stock, but others might be able to get it.

Ask your GP to give you a separate prescription for PERT, without any other medicines included on it. This will make it easier for you to get PERT at other pharmacies, if your usual one does not have it.

If your pharmacist can not get the usual brands of PERT, they may be able to get other brands from overseas. These include PANCREAZE^® and Zenpep^®. Be aware that it may a bit of time for these to be delivered. You would need to get your prescription changed for this. Speak to your GP or oncologist about this.

You may find you need to be persistent in trying to get your PERT. We know this can be frustrating, time consuming and tiring.

Read more about the supply problems, and what to do if you are struggling to get your PERT.

Get support with your PERT

If you are having problems getting PERT, get in touch with your dietitian, hospital team or GP for advice. You can also contact our specialist nurses on the Support Line for information and support if you are running low on PERT. We can help with managing symptoms linked to a lack of enzymes. Please be aware though that we can’t help you access PERT – we can only provide information.

We understand that you might feel worried by the thought of not being able to get your usual PERT prescription. Please don’t stockpile by getting extra supplies, as this this will cause further shortages. Supplies are being regularly restocked, so shortages should only last for a short time.

Action we’re taking on access to PERT

We know that access to PERT is very important for people with pancreatic cancer. And we know that problems accessing PERT is very stressful and worrying.

We have met with the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, as well as the main PERT supplier to discuss the supply issues and understand what plans are in place to address these. We will continue to raise this with the government.

Remember, you can get information on taking PERT from our specialist nurses on our Support Line. You can get in touch by email or call us free on 0808 801 0707.

Read more detailed information about the supply problems and things you can do if you are affected.

Thanks for reading the blog, I hope you’ve found it helpful.

Lynne