What are other survivors doing about pancreatic enzymes replacement?

Posted by marvinjsturing @marvinjsturing, Jul 13, 2018

I am a 4 year survivor of pancreatic cancer. I have been on creon since my Whipple. It is very expensive. I talked to someone who was using Pure Encapsulation instead of creon. The formula doesn't match my creon, but it is about 1/4 the cost of the co-play on creon. What are other survivors doing about pancreatic enzymes replacement?

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azsunshine7 | @azsunshine7 | Nov 22 2:17pm

Hello,

I had the whipple and chemo for 6 months.

I would suggest that you stay away from sugar and fatty foods. Also eat small portions. Heathy foods are easier to digest.

Your body will let you know what you can eat without the pain.

Best,

eei | @eei | Nov 23 9:33am

I am on Zenpep as my plan does not approve Creon. I understand that they are the same but manufactured by two different pharmaceutical companies.

Check directly with the pharmaceutal company as they have resources
Good luck

johnny1955 | @johnny1955 | Nov 25 2:40pm

In reply to @beachdog "Is this the product you were referring to? https://www.pureencapsulations.com/pancreatic-enzyme-formula.html I believe that my wife is allergic..." + (show)

@beachdog

johnny1955 | @johnny1955 | Nov 25 2:41pm

I have not had any problems with the creon. There is another drug called pancrease.

johnny1955 | @johnny1955 | Dec 1 6:56pm

You can get the creon free. Check with AbbVie/pas.com.
Check with your doctor. He can get it for you.

jjmacc | @jjmacc | Dec 2 12:16am

I also found Creon crazy expensive even with insurance covering it. Doctor said there really wasn’t a substitute that would be cheaper. I stayed on for a couple months post surgery but was able to wean off it. Weight stabilized shortly after that , and found I’d lost my taste for most fatty foods so was able to avoid digestive problems.

azsunshine7 | @azsunshine7 | Dec 2 9:55am

In reply to @jjmacc "I also found Creon crazy expensive even with insurance covering it. Doctor said there really wasn’t..." + (show)

@jjmacc I have lost my taste too for some foods.

I hope it comes back soon. I just posted a new topic for it.

💜

carlos322 | @carlos322 | Dec 6 9:44am

Starting 2nd year after diagnosis, chemo, rt and whipple. Use 1 creon before each meal. Plan to ask my oncologist at follow-up about cheaper, effective alternatives. Creon works well for me but I start my out of pocket copays again Jan 1.

jadees | @jadees | Dec 6 10:41am

When something is working at this point it’s very difficult to decide to change . I thank God we live in Canada where the cost of all the drugs and treatment is covered .

johnny1955 | @johnny1955 | Dec 7 12:36pm

Have your doctor get you creon free. Abbvie.com/pas.
You can ask for an application and have them send an application to your doctor.

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