Creon Shortage UK: Pharmacy Crisis
- A severe shortage of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is affecting nearly all pharmacies across the United Kingdom, according to the national Pharmacy Association (NPA).
- The ongoing scarcity of Creon has led to desperate measures by patients,the NPA reports.
- Creon is vital for treating pancreatic exocrine insufficiency resulting from conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatitis.
UK pharmacies are facing a critical Creon shortage, leaving patients, especially those with pancreatic cancer, struggling to access life-saving pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). News Directory 3 reports that this medication crisis forces patients to ration doses and skip meals. Teh scarcity, impacting conditions like cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis, stems from European-wide supply issues. While Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) are in place, pharmacists say they are inadequate to meet the growing need. The National Pharmacy Association and Pancreatic Cancer UK are demanding urgent government action to resolve this worrying shortage. Discover the details of the crisis, and learn what measures are being taken to ensure the supply of these crucial pancreatic enzymes.
UK Pharmacies Grapple with Creon Shortage; Patients Ration Pancreatic Enzymes
A severe shortage of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is affecting nearly all pharmacies across the United Kingdom, according to the national Pharmacy Association (NPA). A survey revealed that 96% of pharmacies are struggling to source Creon (pancrelipase), a critical medication for those with pancreatic enzyme insufficiency. Furthermore, 89% are having difficulty obtaining choice PERT medications.
The ongoing scarcity of Creon has led to desperate measures by patients,the NPA reports. Some are rationing their existing supplies or forgoing meals altogether to conserve medication. One pharmacist described the situation as the “worst stock shortage” they had ever seen, with patients contacting numerous pharmacies and traveling notable distances in search of the drug. This shortage of pancreatic enzymes is impacting quality of life.
Creon is vital for treating pancreatic exocrine insufficiency resulting from conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatitis. The medication contains lipase,protease,and amylase,which aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Without adequate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, patients can experience severe symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and steatorrhea.
Olivier Picard, NPA chair, warned the shortage has “profound effects” on patients who depend on the medication to survive and lead normal lives. “It simply cannot be right that in the 21st century patients are skipping meals in order to ration their medication,” he saeid.
The government has extended the Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for Creon until Nov. 21, 2025, allowing pharmacists to substitute prescriptions or provide reduced quantities. However, 81% of pharmacies find the current arrangements inadequate, as they still must refer patients back to prescribers for PERT alternatives. Supplies of alternative PERT formulations, such as Nutrizym and Pancrex, are also dwindling.
The NPA and Pancreatic Cancer UK have jointly called for a national plan to address the shortages and support affected patients. they are urging the government to take action to resolve the crisis. The shortage of pancreatic enzymes is a serious issue.
Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, head of influencing and health improvement at Pancreatic cancer UK, said that the findings were “deeply worrying.” It was “totally unacceptable” that cancer patients were still taking desperate measures that put their health, wellbeing, and eligibility for treatment at risk.
A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson stated that the Creon supply issues are Europe-wide,stemming from limited raw ingredient availability and manufacturing constraints. The DHSC says it is indeed collaborating with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact on patients and resolve the issues.
What’s next
The NPA and Pancreatic Cancer UK continue to press for a long-term solution to ensure consistent access to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for all patients who need it. They advocate for regulatory changes that would allow pharmacists to use their professional judgment in supplying alternative medicines when the prescribed version is unavailable, ensuring patients receive the critical pancreatic enzymes they require.