Every day, hundreds of thousands of people in the world face pancreatic insufficiency. If this body does not secrete enough enzymes to ensure that the digestion process is normal, then patients are prescribed special medications to facilitate the digestion of food. One of them is Creon. Instructions for use "Creon 10000", reviews, analogues and dosage regimens you can find in this article.
Composition and shape
"Creon" is an enzyme that helps the body quickly and efficiently break down food that enters the small intestine. "Creon" prevents a number of serious diseases and improves the digestibility of food. This effect gives pancreatitis, which is the main active substance in the medicine. In addition to it, in the composition you can meet the following auxiliary components:
- macrogol;
- methyl alcohol;
- hypromellose;
- triethyl citrate.
In pharmacies, "Creon" is sold in the form of capsules with granules, inside which there are three digestive enzymes:
Capsules of "Creon" are dissolved directly in the intestine, which allows enzymes to not lose their properties along the way. The pharmacokinetics of the drug has not been studied, but it begins to act immediately after administration. Therefore, taking capsules is recommended with meals. Small patients can dissolve the capsules in water, but then their effectiveness is significantly reduced.
On sale you can find capsules "Creon", packaged in blisters of 10 and 25 pieces, as well as the drug in opaque bottles of 25, 50 and 100 pieces. The instructions for use of "Creon" say that the drug should be stored in a place inaccessible to sunlight, at a temperature of no more than +25 degrees.
How does "Creon" on the body
The effect of "Creon" on the body is based on the action of digestive enzymes, which are part of the drug. Amylase, lipase and protease partially replace the body's own enzymes, which for some reason are not produced in the right amount. A special form of the drug allows you to convey the active substance to the small intestine. In it, the gelatin shell dissolves and the contents of "Creon" begins its work. The medicine contains a double shell, which allows it to reach the desired organ unchanged.
This property of Creon explains the effectiveness of the drug. Due to its bioavailability, it begins to act immediately after it enters the intestines. But "Creon" has not only a stimulating effect on digestion. It contains trypsin, which affects the secretory function of the pancreas. The use of the drug after injuries or surgeries helps not only support the body, but also restore the normal functioning of the pancreas.
Indications
It is important to understand that digestive enzymes cannot be taken without indications, since in this case the pancreas can decrease its activity and stop producing the necessary elements. What diseases do I recommend taking the drug for?
- Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease in which the digestion of certain substances, in particular gluten, is disrupted. Patients are prescribed maintenance therapy throughout their lives.
- Inflammation of the pancreas - significantly affects the body: the body ceases to produce the right amount of enzymes, because it needs to fight its own inflammation.
- Surgical operations on the stomach or intestines temporarily disrupt the body’s natural processes, the digestion of food is difficult, so the body needs additional support.
- Dyspepsia.
- Oncological diseases of the pancreas.
- Chronic pancreatitis.
- Cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis, which is accompanied by disorders of digestion of food.
- Blockage or obstruction of the pancreatic ducts.
- Symptomatic digestive disorders in elderly patients.
- Cholestatic hepatitis.
- Gastroectomy
In the instructions and reviews for the use of "Creon 25000" you can find the same indications for children. But the use of pancreatitis for babies up to 4 years old should take place under the careful supervision of the attending physician.
Instructions for use "Creon"
Doctors recommend drinking Creon during or immediately after a meal with a small amount of water. This time was not chosen by chance, because taking enzymes with food can help digestion. You need to take the drug every time you eat, that is, 5-6 times a day. In no case should the integrity of the membrane of the medicine be damaged, since in this case its effectiveness will decrease. If taking a whole capsule is not possible due to a violation of swallowing (or it is a child), then experts advise to carefully open the shell and pour the microspheres into water or liquid food. Swallowing them is not difficult.
The dosage of "Creon" is selected by a specialist on the basis of analyzes and the severity of the patient's condition. It is important to prescribe exactly the amount of enzymes that the body lacks. The average daily dose for adults is 150 thousand units of medicine. On average, this is 15 tablets of the drug for 10,000 units. There are situations in which the pancreas does not produce enzymes at all. In this case, the body needs maximum support, and the daily dosage of the drug is 400,000 units. This figure fully satisfies the adult body's need for lipase and protease. You can calculate the dosage based on the weight of the patient. In this case, the maximum amount of "Creon" should not exceed 15,000 units per kilogram. In pharmacies you can find a drug with a dosage of 10,000, 40,000 and 25,000. Reviews of "Creon" and instructions for use prove that it is better to choose 25 thousand units for treating adult patients, and 10 thousand units for children.
If Creon was prescribed to a child for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, the dosage should be approximately 1000 units / kg. If the baby is not yet 4 years old, then this dose should be halved. Instructions for use "Creon" for children recommends starting with a small amount of medicine and gradually increasing it, observing the patient's condition. If he feels better, then the optimal dose is selected. The course of admission "Creon" can be different: from a week to several months and even years. But if the patient does not show a complete deficiency in the production of enzymes, experts recommend taking a break after a few months of therapy in order to allow the body to independently establish the digestion process.
Side effects
In the reviews and in the instructions for use of "Creon" you can find various side effects that can begin after taking the medicine. Basically, they relate to the digestive tract:
- Stomach ache.
- Stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea).
- Nausea, bloating.
- Allergic reactions (extremely rare).
- An increase in uric acid in terms of blood (at too high doses).
- Individual intolerance to the drug.
Most side effects can be avoided if you take the medicine, strictly following the instructions and observing the dosage recommended by your doctor.
Who should not take Creon?
Despite the fact that "Creon" is prescribed for many serious diseases, there are a number of contraindications for its use. Although there are not many of them, this imposes certain restrictions on taking the medicine. According to the instructions for use of "Creon" for adults, pregnant women, it is extremely undesirable to take it. The fact is that the effect of the active substance on the fetus has not yet been studied, so doctors usually refrain from using this drug. It can be registered only if the intended benefit exceeds the possible harm. As for women who have a baby, there are no contraindications, since enzymes are not transmitted through mother's milk.
In no case should Creon be taken during acute pancreatitis or an exacerbation of a chronic disease. The fact is that during the acute form of this disease, inflammatory processes develop in the body. Enzyme intake can worsen the situation and cause a number of unpleasant reactions:
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach pains;
- allergic reactions.
Cost
The cost of "Creon" in pharmacies depends on the dosage of the active substance in the drug. The lowest cost drug has a minimum dosage of 10,000 units. For a package with 20 capsules, you will need to pay about 300 rubles. If you are constantly taking the drug, or you have been prescribed a long course, then you can purchase "Creon" 25,000 units. In this case, a similar package of 20 pcs. will cost you 520 rubles. In pharmacies, you can also find enzymes with a maximum dosage of 40,000 units, but they also cost an order of magnitude more expensive: about 1800 rubles for 50 capsules. For children and in uncomplicated cases, patients usually choose Creon 10,000 units. For long-term treatment, it is better to choose the maximum dosage of the drug - it is the most economical. If there are certain indications (for example, with cystic fibrosis), the drug is given free of charge. For a prescription, you should contact your local GP.
Analogs
Some patients are prescribed lifelong administration of Creon. This means that every month patients have to lay out a considerable amount of funds from their own pocket to pharmacies. This puts many people in a difficult position, so they are looking for analogues of "Creon". The instructions for use say that the drug contains protease, amylase and lipase. A similar composition can "boast" a few more drugs:
- Mezim Forte is a well-known digestion drug made in Germany. The price for it is more than democratic: 20 pcs can be bought for 72 rubles, and 80 pcs. - for 300 rubles. In pharmacies, you can find medicine with a dosage of 10,000 and 20,000 units. Due to the fact that Mezima capsules cannot be divided in order to avoid violation of the integrity of the membrane, the medicine is contraindicated in children under three years of age.
- "Pangrol" contains the same active substance as "Creon" - pancreatitis. On sale you can find capsules of 10,000 and 25,000 units. Due to the fact that these two drugs have practically the same composition and indications, Pangrol is often prescribed as an analogue of Creon 25,000. The instructions for use of Pangrol include diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. The cost of 50 tablets with a dosage of 10,000 units is 600 rubles.
- Hermitage contains high-quality pancreatitis synthesized from pig pancreas. The medicine is produced in Germany, has high quality and the most positive reviews about it. The drug is sold in the form of capsules, so the Hermitage can be taken from birth, dissolving the granules in water. Packing "Hermital" of 50 tablets with a dosage of 25,000 units will cost the patient 600 rubles, and the maximum dose (36000 units) of 1000 rubles. But a significant advantage of the drug is that an adult needs 1-2 capsules per day to meet the daily need for enzymes. With long-term use, this allows you to seriously save the budget.
- Panzinorm - this medicine also compensates for pancreatic insufficiency. It is produced in Slovenia in the form of capsules and tablets with a large dosage. The price of 21 capsules of 10,000 units starts at 120 rubles.
- Penzital is also an analogue of Creon. It is often used in pediatrics and has received many positive reviews. The cost, depending on the dosage, ranges from 80 to 150 rubles.
- Mikrazim is a Russian generic that has been successfully used to treat pancreatitis and other diseases associated with the production of enzymes. According to the instructions for use, the analogue of Creon 10000 can be used from several days to a couple of months to maintain digestive function. The price for packing 50 tablets is 450 rubles.
Pancreatin is one of the cheapest analogues of Creon. This is an enzyme product similar in composition to Creon, but it is several times cheaper. In a pharmacy it can be purchased for 50 rubles.
There are many analogues of Creon. In the instructions for use, the composition of the drug and the dosage of the enzymes are written. Guided by this information, you can easily find a replacement for the drug if it does not suit you. The main thing is to do this under the supervision of a doctor.
Customer reviews
For the use of enzymes, there are many indications that can be found in the instructions for use of "Creon". Reviews about the drug confirm that the drug is very effective and instantly eliminates discomfort in the intestines. If you take the medicine according to the instructions, your condition will quickly improve and return to normal. But there are also negative reviews. Mostly people complain about the high cost of the drug. Few can afford to lay out large amounts for the constant intake of medication. Although “Creon” can be obtained for free, you need to go through a lot of bureaucratic steps, and not everyone can afford it. What other pros and cons of this drug?
- The medicine is easy to dose. Even small children can easily swallow small microspheres.
- "Creon" is presented in a large number of dosages. Any person can choose the most convenient for themselves. For example, if Creon is prescribed for a child, then it is better to opt for a dosage of 10,000 units, and if an enzyme is prescribed for an adult with chronic pancreatitis, then you can safely purchase a medicine with a dosage of 40,000 units.
- He has no taste or smell. The medicine does not cause discomfort, so it can be given to children without fear.
- "Creon" is of high quality, it quickly has an effect and has few contraindications and side effects.
At first glance, Creon is an excellent drug. But why are so many people looking for its analogues? Consider its negative sides:
- The most important minus is its high cost;
- Short shelf life - according to the instructions for use of "Creon" tablets, it is only possible to store an open package for a month, when used in children, a large amount of the medicine remains unused, and this badly affects the economy of the family budget.
Summary
"Creon" is a drug that basically contains pancreatin. He has helped thousands of patients establish digestive processes and significantly improve their quality of life. Reception of "Creon" promotes well-being and complete assimilation of all nutrients, which means that the medicine improves the health of the body as a whole. With proper use, side effects of Creon are extremely rare, and you can use it (if indicated) almost from birth. But before that, you should definitely consult a doctor.