If your doc prescribed it, then do exactly what he says. CREON is just a form of Lipase that your body needs to digest. At least, that's my understanding. I could be totally wrong. But If your doc says to use it, use it.

I have been taking Creon for several years and haven't had any adverse effects. in fact, it is necessary for the absorption of many essential fatty vitamins. in my case, I feel too full after a meal and need the Creon to help move my food through the digestive system.

Creon is to replace the enzymes our pancreas can not . I think it is the only enzyme pill out there right now. It is suppose to help you digest your food without pain. I also know that it is not as effective as the Viokase 8, especially for people who had a Whipple procedure. I also suggest that you take what your doctor prescribed and if it doesn't work as good, call him and see what he suggests. I have been watching to see when they will be putting the Viokase back on the market, they said that they just got finish answering more questions, and it is looking more promising that they will be back on the market. My hope is that it won't take too much longer.

I take 2 Creon with each meal and 1 with each snack. I was diagnosed with CP andI know my pancreas is not making the enzymes I need to digest my food.
I would feel safe if I were you from what I've heard from others on here.
I hope you are not having too much pain. I have had some discomfort but not bad pain since I started the Creon and the Levbid (for spasms in the ducts).

Thanks. I have finally been officially dx with chronic pancreatitis. I go on Thursday for some more tests. He said no more ERCP, as I have had 2 and both were done by good doctors. He said the answers are not there.

He is checking to see if it is autoimmune pancreatitis, as I have MS and suspected to have a secondary autoimmune disease. My grandma has pancreatitis also and he is going to look into hereditary pancreatitis.

If he cannot get me answers or get me under control, he will send me to the University of Kentucky for a spyglass procedure. Basically an ERCP with much higher technology.

I like how he took the time with me, explained the possible scenarios and why he was thinking the way he was.

I like this doctor. He explained, he is just a GI, and mine appears to be more complicated and I may be referred out to a specialist. But since a specialist is hours away, he will do what testing he can here before doing so.

I cried when I left. Tears of joy. for 19 years I have been living this hell and finally, someone who seemed to care.

Now to find a good MS doctor who cares and I will be well on my way to taking better care of myself.

Maybe my pancreatitis was starting to improve on it's own, IDK, but I am taking the enzymes and feel a lot less pain. Not an immediate relief... but less pain. I am sure the pancreas is rather inflamed and sore. That always takes a while to get better.

Thanks for the input everyone.

Tara,
So glad you found a good Dr. and got your diagnosis finally. I just talked to the nurse at IU med a while ago and asked her more about the Creon.
I was told to take 2 with a meal and 1 with snacks. She said if it was an extra large meal or I felt more than I normally ate it was ok to take 3.
she said most people play around with them until they feel they are taking the correct amount to help with the digestion.

Hope you have some peace of mind now! I also hope you find a good Dr. for your MS!

I would be in a world of pain and trouble without creon. Infact I have less pancreatits attacks, pain and flar ups now that Im on creon.