Creon⁤ Shortage Forces Pancreatic Cancer patients to Ration ⁣Medication

​ Updated ‌June 03,​ 2025
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A critical ⁢shortage​ of Creon, a pancreatic enzyme replacement⁢ therapy (PERT), is​ forcing many pancreatic‍ cancer patients to drastically reduce their intake, with some eating⁣ only one meal per day. The medication, vital for digestion, is also used ‍by individuals with cystic ‌fibrosis and pancreatitis.

The scarcity has led patients to take desperate measures, including reducing dosages and traveling long distances to​ find pharmacies with available⁤ supplies. A recent survey ⁢by the⁣ national Pharmacy Association (NPA) revealed ⁤that 96% of‌ pharmacies ‌are struggling to meet‍ the demand for this essential medication.

Pancreatic Cancer UK reports that the shortage is⁤ causing significant “distress and frustration” among patients who rely​ on PERT tablets to digest food ​and ⁤absorb nutrients. Without adequate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, patients may become to ill for surgery, the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, and may‍ struggle to tolerate chemotherapy.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) attributes the Creon shortage to a Europe-wide issue stemming ‍from limited availability of raw ingredients and‍ manufacturing constraints. Serious shortage protocols, allowing‍ pharmacists to dispense smaller quantities, have been extended‍ until November 21.

“As this distressing survey shows, ongoing supply problems with Creon have had a profound effect⁢ on the patients who⁣ depend⁢ on it to survive and lead a normal life,” said Olivier Picard, chair of the⁤ NPA.
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⁤ “It simply cannot be right that in the 21st-century patients are skipping meals to ration their medication.”
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Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, ⁢head of influencing and ⁤health improvement⁣ at ⁤pancreatic Cancer UK, ​described the situation as “totally unacceptable,” adding that patients are taking “desperate measures ⁣which put their health,‍ wellbeing and their eligibility for treatment at risk.”

Pancreatic Cancer ⁢UK is calling on government ministers to ​directly purchase ⁢Creon supplies⁣ from countries with ‌surpluses⁣ to alleviate the shortage⁢ in Britain.

A DHSC spokesperson stated that they are “working closely with industry and the NHS to mitigate the impact‌ on patients and resolve the issues as quickly as possible.”

What’s next

The DHSC continues to work with manufacturers and the NHS to resolve the‌ Creon supply issues and minimize disruption ​for patients. Patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare ‌providers​ about ⁤managing their pancreatic enzyme replacement⁣ therapy during the shortage.