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Home » Treatments » Creon Medication

Creon Medication - Navigating Digestive Health

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) post and create a significant impact on the body’s digestive functions. When trying to understand how these tumours function, understanding this impact is crucial to successfully managing symptoms. 

This article delves into the specifics of neuroendocrine tumours, their influence on the digestive system, and the pivotal role Creon medication plays in managing associated challenges.

Medical decisions should always be made in consultation with your care team. For more information, or to talk to a NET cancer nurse about Creon medication and other treatments, get in touch with Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia’s NET cancer nurse.

Understanding neuroendocrine tumours and their digestive impact

Neuroendocrine tumours, though less common, can significantly disrupt the delicate balance of the digestive system. These tumours arise from the neuroendocrine cells, affecting hormone production and secretion. Their impact on digestion stems from the interference with the intricate signals that regulate gastrointestinal processes.

NETs are characterised by abnormal growth in neuroendocrine cells, and can occur throughout the body. The gastrointestinal tract is a common location for these abnormal growths to arise. 

The abnormal hormone secretion associated with NETs can lead to various digestive challenges, including: 

  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Changes in bowel movements
  • Malabsorption of nutrients

Conditions and disorders: neuroendocrine tumours and digestive challenges

NETs bring forth a myriad of challenges for patients, ranging from hormonal imbalances to disruptions in digestive enzyme release. Understanding these specific conditions is crucial in comprehending neuroendocrine tumour patients’ digestive health complexities.

Gastrointestinal NETs

Gastrointestinal NETs, including those arising in the stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum, present a unique set of challenges. These tumours may vary in their biological behaviour, ranging from indolent growth to more aggressive forms. Their impact on digestive processes is linked to the secretion of hormones and the disruption of normal functions within the gastrointestinal tract.

Pancreatic NETs

Pancreatic NETs, originating in the pancreatic islet cells, further contribute to digestive challenges. The pancreas plays a vital role in the production of digestive enzymes, and disruptions caused by NETs can lead to deficiencies in enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and protease. This deficiency, in turn, affects the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, leading to malabsorption and nutritional imbalances.

Hormone overproduction

NETs are notorious for their ability to overproduce hormones, distinguishing them from other types of tumours. This overproduction results in hormonal imbalances that reverberate throughout the body, impacting digestion.

Here are some key digestive challenges that can arise from excess hormones:

  • An excess of serotonin can cause diarrhoea and carcinoid syndrome
  • Elevated levels of gastrin can result in peptic ulcers
  • Insulinomas, a type of NET, can cause hypoglycemia due to excessive insulin production

Digestive enzyme release

Beyond hormonal imbalances, NETs can directly interfere with the release of digestive enzymes essential for the breakdown of nutrients. Pancreatic NETs, in particular, can compromise the normal functioning of the pancreas, hindering the secretion of enzymes necessary for digestion.

The disrupted release of enzymes like lipase, amylase, and protease from the pancreas results in malabsorption. The body struggles to break down and absorb fats, carbohydrates, and proteins efficiently, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Malabsorption, if left unaddressed, can contribute to weight loss, weakness, and a general decline in health.

Creon – the solution to digestive challenges

Fortunately, Creon, a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), has been shown to play a crucial role in addressing the digestive challenges associated with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). 

How Creon works

The medication is specifically designed to support individuals facing conditions that affect the pancreas, such as NETs, by providing essential enzymes necessary for proper digestion.

1. Enzyme replacement for malabsorption

Neuroendocrine tumours, especially those in the pancreas, can disrupt the normal production of digestive enzymes. Creon contains enzymes like lipase, amylase, and protease, which aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. By supplementing these enzymes, Creon helps compensate for deficiencies caused by NETs.

2. Mitigating malnutrition and weight loss

Malabsorption resulting from NETs can lead to malnutrition and weight loss. Creon’s enzymatic support addresses this issue by facilitating the proper absorption of nutrients from the diet. This helps in preventing malnutrition and supporting weight maintenance, promoting overall health and well-being.

3. Improving gastrointestinal symptoms

NETs often manifest with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Creon aids in managing these symptoms by promoting the proper digestion of fats and other nutrients. This can contribute to a reduction in diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort, enhancing the quality of life for individuals dealing with NETs.

5. Supporting overall digestive health

By addressing the specific digestive challenges posed by NETs, Creon contributes to supporting overall digestive health. It enables individuals to maintain a more normal digestive process, reducing the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms and promoting a better quality of life.

Creon dosage, administration, and usage guidelines

The recommended dosage of Creon varies depending on the severity of malabsorption and the patient’s diet. Typically, patients are advised to take Creon with meals, and the dosage is adjusted based on the fat content of the meal. Healthcare professionals tailor the prescription to the individual needs of neuroendocrine tumour patients, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Proper administration is essential for Creon’s effectiveness. Patients are advised not to crush or chew the capsules, as this may affect the enteric coating designed to protect the enzymes from stomach acid. Understanding these usage guidelines is vital for neuroendocrine tumour patients incorporating Creon into their treatment regimen.

If you’ve been advised to use Creon, it’s recommended to initiate your intake with 20,000-25,000 units of Creon per meal, either through 2 capsules of 10,000 units each or 1 capsule of 25,000 units. If snacks, especially those with fat content, are consumed, additional capsules (10,000-25,000 units) might be necessary.

For Creon dosing guidelines, refer to our Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies resource.

Managing potential side effects of Creon in neuroendocrine tumour treatment

Every medication comes with potential side effects, and Creon is no exception. The most common side effects of this medication include

  • Abdominal pain
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhoea

Fortunately, these side effects are often transient and can be managed effectively.

To minimise abdominal pain and discomfort, patients can take Creon with meals and snacks, as directed by their healthcare provider. Adjusting the dosage under medical supervision can also help alleviate side effects. In cases of persistent issues, consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended to explore alternative strategies or adjustments in medication.

Interactions and compatibility: Creon with other medications and dietary considerations

Ensuring compatibility between Creon and other medications is crucial in the holistic management of neuroendocrine tumours. Creon’s efficacy may be affected by certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers. 

Therefore, discussing the complete medication list with healthcare providers is essential for optimal treatment outcomes.

Dietary considerations

Dietary considerations play a pivotal role in the effectiveness of Creon. Patients are often advised to maintain a well-balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption of high-fat meals, as this can impact the dosage requirements of Creon. 

Collaborating with a nutritionist can provide valuable insights into dietary adjustments, enhancing the overall treatment experience.

Special considerations: paediatric and geriatric neuroendocrine tumour patients

Administering Creon medication to paediatric and geriatric patients with neuroendocrine tumours requires nuanced considerations. Paediatric patients may need age-appropriate formulations, while geriatric patients may require dosage adjustments due to age-related physiological changes.

Paediatric formulations of Creon are available in lower dosage strengths to accommodate the needs of younger patients. Healthcare providers carefully calculate and prescribe the appropriate dosage based on the child’s weight and nutritional requirements.

In geriatric patients, factors such as decreased gastric acidity and slower gastrointestinal motility may influence Creon’s effectiveness. Close monitoring and adjustments by healthcare professionals are essential to ensure optimal digestive support for this demographic.

Accessibility and affordability of Creon medication

Information on the availability of Creon, prescription requirements, and an overview of its cost is essential for patients. Creon is typically available with a prescription from healthcare providers. However, accessibility may vary based on geographical location and healthcare systems.

The cost of Creon when prescribed by the doctor is the cost of a PBS prescription.

What’s next

Navigating neuroendocrine tumour treatments with Creon involves a thorough understanding of the condition, the medication, and personalised considerations for diverse patient groups. 

NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia aims to empower both patients and healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to optimise digestive health in the face of neuroendocrine tumours. If you want to know more about how Creon works, contact your healthcare team, or call our NET cancer nurse.

In the journey of neuroendocrine tumour treatment, Creon stands as a crucial ally, providing digestive support tailored to the unique challenges posed by this condition. Through informed decision-making, collaboration with healthcare providers, and a holistic approach to treatment, patients can enhance their quality of life while managing the complexities of neuroendocrine tumours.

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