Foods To Avoid While Taking Creon

These days many people suffer from digestive disorders which may be due to any reason. One of the reasons can be pancreatic insufficiency to produce enzymes. To treat this pancrelipase is given which contains enzymes. Creon is a pancrelipase that is given to treat pancreatic conditions. Let us know more about it and what food items we should avoid while taking it.

What is Creon?

Creon is a medicine that is given for pancreatic insufficiency. It contains pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to digest food which will lead to malabsorption of nutrients and may cause various gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.

Creon contains three types of enzymes that will break different types of food items:

  • Lipase for fat
  • Amylase for carbohydrates
  • Protease for protein 

How to take a Creon? 

Creon is usually taken with food or snacks to improve digestion and prevent any symptoms. Its dose depends on the condition of the patient and their food habits.

It is important to note that it is a prescribed medicine so it should not be taken without the suggestions of a doctor.

4 types of food categories you should avoid while taking Creon and why? 

While taking creon it is recommended to avoid specific types of food categories so that this medicine can work properly. Some of the food categories are:

High-fat foods: Due to our efforts to improve Creon’s digestion, high-fat food will increase its workload while being more difficult to digest, decreasing Creon’s effectiveness. For Creon to function correctly, it is therefore best to stay away from foods high in fat.

High-fiber foods: Creon could not able to properly digest high-fiber foods, which could result in symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables are high-fiber foods.

Indigestible substances: creon may not be capable to digest some indigestible substances so it is better to avoid them.

Alcohol: Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of alcohol and exacerbate digestive system symptoms. So please do not do it.

Overall, the only important thing is to maintain a healthy diet. Avoid those food items which can interfere with creon and reduce its effectiveness. Take advice from your doctor and ask them if you have any doubts.

Foods to avoid while taking Creon

Here is the list of some food items that should be avoided while taking creon:

Fried foods

  • french fries
  • fried chicken
  • onion rings

High-fat dairy products

  • whole milk
  • cheese
  • ice cream

Fatty meats

  •  bacon
  •  sausage
  • beef

Fast foods

  • hamburgers 
  • pizza
  • hot dogs

Nuts and seeds

  •  almonds
  • cashews
  •  sunflower seeds

Oily salad dressings and sauces 

  • mayonnaise  
  • ranch dressing

Processed snacks

  •  chips
  • crackers
  •  cookies

High sugar-content food items 

  • candy 
  • soda
  • Cold drinks

 Alcohol and products containing alcohol

Food items to have while having Creon

While taking Creon it is important to maintain a healthy diet and eat good food to prevent any digestive system and Creon can work properly. Heavy food items can interfere with the effectiveness of Creon. Here are some food items that can be included in your diet:

Grains: refined grain is low in fibre and can easily be digested. Examples are rice, pasta, and bread.

Healthy fats: small amount of healthy fat can be consumed in moderation such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts can be included in the diet.

Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu are all good sources of lean protein that can be easily digested.

Low-fat dairy products: skim milk, low-fat cheese, and yogurt are good sources of protein and calcium. Curds contain probiotics which are good for your intestine.

Fruits and vegetables: fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and nutrients. Eat a good amount of these items. Avoid high-fibre vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and high-fibre fruits like apples, pears, etc.

Water is always very important for our bodies. Always keep yourself hydrated. Water helps a lot in digestion. You can improve your digestion by drinking water.

Take advice from your doctor or dietician about your food and eat what they suggest. Maintain a healthy diet.

What are the side effects of Creon?

Like any other medicine, Creon can also cause some side effects. Although not everyone who is taking this medicine will get these side effects. Some possible side effects are:

  • Abdominal discomfort or pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Headache
  • gastric problem
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Gas
  • Irritation around anus
  • Skin rashes 

Some of the  less common but more serious side effects are:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloody stools
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Edema
  • Swelling of face, tongue, or throat
  • Increased heartbeat

If you are feeling any of the above-mentioned or any other side effects immediately inform your doctor and stop taking that drug for that time. Your doctor may change your dose or replace this medicine with some other medicine. So please do not ignore any symptoms.

Who can take Creon?

Creon is generally a safe medicine for adults. But it should be avoided if someone has a disease like diabetes or some renal disorder.

It is not given to children. And it is also contraindicated in pregnancy

Conclusion

In conclusion, Creon is a medicine that contains pancreatic enzymes and is used to treat digestive disorders like chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis. While taking Creon it is important to avoid some food items so that they can work properly and you get the best results out of them. Food items high in fat, fibre, and alcohol should be avoided. Try to eat a healthy diet which will also help creon to work properly and keep you healthy. Take the proper amount of nutrients.

It may also cause side effects like any other medicine. If you get any side effects it is important to report them immediately to your doctor. Do not ignore anything. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Reference:

  1. FDA highlights of prescribing information of Creon: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/020725s006lbl.pdf 
  2. Pancreatic cancer UK: https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information/managing-symptoms-and-side-effects/diet-and-pancreatic-cancer/pancreatic-enzyme-replacement-therapy-pert/how-do-i-take-pancreatic-enzyme-replacement-therapy-if-i-have-pancreatic-cancer/ 
  3. Web MD eating well with EPI: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/epi-smart-diet 
  4. Creon official website: https://www.creon.com/diet-and-lifestyle
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