1. < Pancreatic Cancer
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Creon - am I taking too much or too little?

Posted by stillaround @stillaround, Sep 27, 2025

Hi - pancreatic cancer person here. (Surgery 14 years ago removed tail, recurrence on head a year ago, currently in remission after treatment including hi-dose radiation.) Started Creon several weeks ago. I THINK I am taking enough as I am finally putting weight on, stools are proper color etc. But I am quite bloated with distended belly and a bit constipated. If everything else is good could this mean I'm not taking enough? Or does constipation with normal stools mean I'm already taking too much?

I take 36,000 with my smallish calorie-dense meals, my weight is 108. The PERT calculator indicates I need closer to 48,000 at breakfast but other meals I'm in range.

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margaretbannan1948 | @margaretbannan1948 | 4 days ago

Someone mentioned 'dumping' . Is that letting all the sheep out in one sitting. Like completely emptying the bowel after a compulsory 15 minute sit. Whipple and creon is a whole new world of pooping. Guess I just want to know what is normal after Whipple and creon. Thank you for sharing your experience 😊

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margaretbannan1948 | @margaretbannan1948 | 4 days ago

16 months creon taker after a Whipple. Yes, it is trial and error. I take 3 creon 25000 for a major meal and 1 if just a light meal eg a nut bar or toast. It has taken ages to get to the point of no urgency to go to the toilet. Slightly delayed now but hoping to negotiate a better regime for outing safety sake. If you don't take enough creon as I understand it, then valuable nutrients are not being absorbed for best health and subject to weight loss.

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valerina30 | @valerina30 | 5 days ago
In reply to @artistrose "@valerina30 According to Medline: If you are taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop..." + (show)
Profile picture for artistrose @artistrose

@valerina30 According to Medline: If you are taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop taking them for five days before the test. Don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

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@artistrose ok Thanks for the heads up!

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artistrose | @artistrose | 5 days ago
In reply to @valerina30 "@artistrose Thank You I’m gonna ask my doctor for one." + (show)
Profile picture for valerina30 @valerina30

@artistrose Thank You I’m gonna ask my doctor for one.

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@valerina30 According to Medline: If you are taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop taking them for five days before the test. Don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

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valerina30 | @valerina30 | 5 days ago
In reply to @artistrose "@valerina30 The fecal elastase test is a “stool” test. It is ordered by a doctor and..." + (show)
Profile picture for artistrose @artistrose

@valerina30 The fecal elastase test is a “stool” test. It is ordered by a doctor and done by a lab. It’s purpose is to test your stool for pancreatic insufficiency. Depending on the number you get for pancreatic insufficiency, depends on how much Creon (or other brand enzyme) you need. After the test my doctor prescribed me 2-24,000 units of Creon per meal. However, my EPI number is in the moderate, not severe range. Those in severe range would have higher doses. Your weight also figures into the calculation.Either a GI doctor or dietician should be able to help you. Hope this helps.

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@artistrose Thank You I’m gonna ask my doctor for one.

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valerina30 | @valerina30 | 5 days ago
In reply to @tomrennie "@valerina30 Good luck with the results of the cat scan. Any idea on when you might..." + (show)
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@valerina30 Good luck with the results of the cat scan. Any idea on when you might get them?

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@tomrennie tommrow I should.

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | 5 days ago
In reply to @valerina30 "@donnelly28 I have pancreatic cancer stage 3b. Had it since last June. It’s still contained in..." + (show)
Profile picture for valerina30 @valerina30

@donnelly28 I have pancreatic cancer stage 3b. Had it since last June. It’s still contained in pancreas as far as I know. Just had a cat scan so I will see.

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@valerina30 Good luck with the results of the cat scan. Any idea on when you might get them?

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | 5 days ago
In reply to @mhorowit "New to Creon. What do you use for a "snack"?" + (show)
Profile picture for mhorowit @mhorowit

New to Creon. What do you use for a "snack"?

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@mhorowit Hi and welcome to Mayo Connect. What caused you to start taking creon? Are you getting more familiar with it?

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artistrose | @artistrose | 6 days ago
In reply to @valerina30 "@artistrose thxs. Yes I am starting out at low dose because of weight. I’m on 25000..." + (show)
Profile picture for valerina30 @valerina30

@artistrose thxs. Yes I am starting out at low dose because of weight. I’m on 25000 an take 2. I never actually had that enzyme test. Is it a blood test?

Jump to this post

@valerina30 The fecal elastase test is a “stool” test. It is ordered by a doctor and done by a lab. It’s purpose is to test your stool for pancreatic insufficiency. Depending on the number you get for pancreatic insufficiency, depends on how much Creon (or other brand enzyme) you need. After the test my doctor prescribed me 2-24,000 units of Creon per meal. However, my EPI number is in the moderate, not severe range. Those in severe range would have higher doses. Your weight also figures into the calculation.Either a GI doctor or dietician should be able to help you. Hope this helps.

REPLY
1 reply
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valerina30 | @valerina30 | 6 days ago
In reply to @artistrose "@valerina30 Maybe look here to figure dosage: pertcalculator. org. Take one bite of food, then enzymes...." + (show)
Profile picture for artistrose @artistrose

@valerina30 Maybe look here to figure dosage: pertcalculator. org. Take one bite of food, then enzymes. Typically 2 with meals, one with snacks. But depends on your dosage and prescription. You may need more pills depending on that and your elastase test result.

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@artistrose thxs. Yes I am starting out at low dose because of weight. I’m on 25000 an take 2. I never actually had that enzyme test. Is it a blood test?

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