There are five Rx pancrealipase brands sold in the US- Creon, Zenpep, Viokace, Pertzye and Pancreaze. Each manufacturer has a patient assistance program offering reduced co-pay through discount coupons or free product based on meeting financial criteria. Below are links to websites of each program. After reading the eligibility criteria, call the number listed for the appropriate site to speak with a patient representative and they will answer specific questions you have regarding eligibility.

PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

There are also a number of non-profit organizations that collect unopened Rx medication and redistribute free of charge to individuals meeting financial qualifications. Contact your local pharmacist or a social worker at the hospital where you are treated and they can provide names of these organizations.

There are also OTC brands that cost significantly less. The two most common brands that registered dietitians recommend are Vital Nutrients and Digestive Gold.

When taking enzymes, it is important to take immediately before or after the first bite of food….not well in advance of the meal. This can cause irritation of the stomach. Dosing is another important aspect of taking pancrealipase. An on-line calculator makes the process of optimizing dosage easier.

My oncologist initially ordered Creon for me which would cost $190 for one month supply (90 capsules). This was the retail cost at CVS with my insurance (MEDICARE A and B) plus BCBS FEP106). I later found out I could order it by mail order (CVS Caremark) for a 3 month supply for $90 (with my Insurance). CVS Caremark mail order was out of stock and didn’t know when they would be getting new supply, so my oncologist ordered Zenpep via mail order which cost $90 for 200 capsules. I like Zenpep better than Creon because I can swallow the capsules vs having to break Creon capsule and mix with apple sauce (capsule too big for me to swallow whole). Also, I do not have any side effects with Zenpep, where I did experience some stomach issues with Creon.
Hope this helps!

@crickard70, in addition to the helpful information from @stageivsurvivor and @altc321, you may be interested in this related discussion:
-Is anyone taking Zenpep rather than Creon? If so what foods work?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-anyone-taking-zenpep-rather-than-creon-if-so-what-foods-work/