Can’t seem to locate Creon - 36000 units

Posted by robertf-1956 @robertf0741, Sep 28, 2023

All of my local pharmacies in New Mexico are unable to get Creon in 36000 units. They can get it in 6000 units. I’m supposed to take 2 capsules of 36000 units 3X daily with meals. I really don’t want to have to take 12 capsules for each meal (36/day). Is anyone else having this problem?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

howleegirl | @howleegirl | Oct 12, 2023

In reply to @scalettasandy "They want so much info on the AbbVie website that I can’t dig it all up..." + (show)

It's well worth it....they don't ask that much!!!!

howleegirl | @howleegirl | Oct 13, 2023

In reply to @howleegirl "It's well worth it....they don't ask that much!!!!" + (show)

also....your doc should be able to get it for you through AbbVie!

robertf-1956 | @robertf0741 | Oct 13, 2023

In reply to @markymarkfl "My CVS pharmacy in Florida now takes more than a week to get it on most..." + (show)

Thank-you for your reply. My pharmacy (Walgreens) finally got some in stock, but I’m not confident that they will have it next month. I will keep your suggestion in mind.

marienewland | @mnewland99 | Oct 14, 2023

I live in California and had no problem getting Creon; my only problem was the cost since I have a Medicare HMO. Abbvie has a free program if your income is under 150k per year which is pretty generous I think. I got mine originally through cvs so maybe you can order online? I tried papaya pills for about 1 month after taking Creon for about 6 months. I no longer need to take any digestive aids which I hear can happen. I hope the same for you and best of luck in your journey! I was a stage 2 and am told I’m cancer free now and am living my best life! God bless.

stageivsurvivor | @stageivsurvivor | Oct 15, 2023

In reply to @mnewland99 "I live in California and had no problem getting Creon; my only problem was the cost..." + (show)

The income eligibility for obtaining Creon through the Abbvie patient assistance is a tiered system based on household size and income. For a one person household, the maximum amount of income is $87,480 for 2023. For a two person household, it is $118.320. The link below lists maximum income level by household size
https://www.abbvie.com/patients/patient-support/patient-assistance/income-criteria.html
With respect to the shortage of Creon, the higher dosage Creon (36,000-40,000 lipase units) has been in short supply in North America and Europe for several weeks now. The higher dosage is manufactured in a production facility in Germany. I take the 24,000 lipase unit concentration obtained directly from Abbvie through their patient assistance program and have not had an issue having my Rx filled.

marienewland | @mnewland99 | Oct 15, 2023

I have a 4 person household. They take into consideration your bills when looking at gross income. I haven’t seen any other programs relative to cancer that allow such a high income, so it’s generous. Sorry to hear about shortages. You might try papaya pills which you can purchase at a health food store.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 22, 2023

In reply to @scalettasandy "They want so much info on the AbbVie website that I can’t dig it all up..." + (show)

Being a patient or caregiver is a lot of work. The burden of filling out forms can just be too much sometimes.

@scalettasandy, often times an oncology nurse or social worker can help with applying for pharmaceutical assistance programs. Do you have an oncology social worker or nurse you could ask for help?

scalettasandy | @scalettasandy | Oct 22, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "Being a patient or caregiver is a lot of work. The burden of filling out forms..." + (show)

I live in Eau Claire, WI. I need a pancreatic Dr and there isn’t one I can transfer to from Fairview in Minneapolis. They said to make an appointment for a 2nd opinion I’d have to have my oncologist refer me and I didn’t want him knowing I’m looking closer to home. I’m also afraid to see someone that doesn’t specialize in pancreatic cancer. I’m stage 4 so need someone who knows what they’re doing

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 23, 2023

In reply to @scalettasandy "I live in Eau Claire, WI. I need a pancreatic Dr and there isn’t one I..." + (show)

Is Mayo Clinic in Rochester an option for you? You can self refer. Click this link if you would like to inquire about getting a second opinion: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

scalettasandy | @scalettasandy | Oct 24, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "Is Mayo Clinic in Rochester an option for you? You can self refer. Click this link..." + (show)

Unfortunately no. I go to Minneapolis to Fairview. They even want me to change because of the problems of getting rides and they no longer do virtual appointments across state lines. I’m REALLY in a bind with who can care for my pancreatic cancer.
Pretty much just signing death papers if I don’t see a pancreatic cancer specialist. Oncologist said oh, you can just go see anyone but I know I need to see a pancreatic specialist, especially for stage 4!