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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I had an appointment with a different gastroenterologist and he told me to stop Ceron and I have day 2. I am a 23 month survivor after Whipple. Is anyone else not taking enzymes? The dr didn’t suggest any natural enzymes like Pure. Let you know how I do. My issues were so painful, could not take anymore. I did take a natural enzyme earlier and my CA-19-19 went over 500. Now is 42. Has anyone found the increase in ca19 on natural supplements?

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Profile picture for nonnie9153 @nonnie9153

Higher concentration of the enzymes. Much less $$ than Creon and ZenPep

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The manufacturer of Zenpep has a program that will help pay for it. 18339202178
http://www.zenpep.com

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Profile picture for crickard70 @crickard70

I would also like information on anyone taking pure enzymes I am on Freon and horrible stomachache and bowel trouble 2 year survivor Whipple

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My oncologist prescribed Creon. It has made all the difference in quality of life!

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I would also like information on anyone taking pure enzymes I am on Freon and horrible stomachache and bowel trouble 2 year survivor Whipple

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There are patient assistance programs for the Rx brands of pancrealipase. They are all close in price. Savings depends on the contracted price of your insurer. The only similarity of the Rx enzymes is they are sourced from porcine pancreas. They are not interchangeable meaning each brand may not perform identical. This is because of variations in extraction method, purification, concentration and coatings of the enzymes as well as binders and fillers used in the manufacturing process.

Here is the link to the Abbvie patient assistance program for Creon. It is based on income criteria. For those on private health insurance, a discount card is available resulting in significant reduction in co-pay. A pharmacist can help in obtaining the card. For those on Medicare meeting specific requirements, the product is offered gratis. Medicare patients can obtain free product as well.

PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
https://www.creon.com/creon-support-programs
https://www.creoninfo.com
There are OTC alternatives. Their formulation of the three enzymes vary. Often it contains less lipase so it may require taking more capsules. Optimizing dosage by the patient based on meal type and quantity is the responsibility of the patient so it will be necessary in changing brands. The OTC brand most frequently recommended by Hospital dieticians associated with a pancreas program is Vital Nutrients brand sold in pharmacies, Nutrition/Health Food stores and on-line. I’ve heard anecdotal reports directly from patients that they had success with the product.
https://www.vitalnutrients.co/

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I am on Creon. Very expensive. Does anyone know of any drugs to replace the Creon. That are less expensive. And work ?

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Profile picture for charliegolfrep @charliegolfrep

if you can contact me I may be able to help. My wife passed away July 9th and was on Creon for 7 years. It was very helpful to her

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My condolences to you on the loss of your wife

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Profile picture for nonnie9153 @nonnie9153

I use OTC digestive enzymes from the natural food store. Actually these have a higher concentra

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Higher concentration of the enzymes. Much less $$ than Creon and ZenPep

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Profile picture for cathyras @cathyras

Zenpep is the one I was on. Then my doctor changed it. I'm not really sure why because they have the same ingredients. Maybe they got a better deal on it from the pharma.

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I use OTC digestive enzymes from the natural food store. Actually these have a higher concentra

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Profile picture for beachdog @beachdog

There aren't a lot of options for pancreatic enzyme products. There's Creon and Zenpep which is similar and also costly. Our nutritionist mentioned this product but we haven't tried it. https://www.vitalnutrients.net/pancreatic-enzymes.html

My wife has been using Creon for 2 years and her insurance has thankfully covered it so far. Try to get prescriptions for 12000, 24000 and 36000 doses. The insurance company won't like it but my wife had to experiment a lot and found that too much Creon was almost worse than too little (gas, bloating). She uses 12000 or 24000 for small snacks based on how fatty they are and 3 x 36000 for full meals.

Good luck.

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Zenpep is the one I was on. Then my doctor changed it. I'm not really sure why because they have the same ingredients. Maybe they got a better deal on it from the pharma.

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