Understanding Creon® Across Countries: Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States

Creon® is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy used to help people who have trouble digesting food due to conditions like chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic insufficiency. It contains pancreatic enzymes that help the body digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Creon is available in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (USA). While the product may look and work similarly in these countries, there are some small differences in how it’s labeled and described.

What’s Inside Creon Capsules?

All Creon products, regardless of the country, contain tiny coated spheres called granules or minimicrospheres. These spheres are filled with pancreatic enzymes and are specially designed to:

• Survive stomach acid without breaking down
• Release enzymes in the small intestine, where digestion happens

This helps ensure that the enzymes work where they’re most effective.

Country-by-Country Comparison

🇨🇦 Canada – CREON® Minimicrospheres

• The capsules contain gastro-resistant granules (minimicrospheres).
• These slowly dissolve and release the enzymes in the small intestine, after passing through the acidic environment of the stomach.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• The capsules also contain gastro-resistant minimicrospheres.
• Once the minimicrospheres reach the small intestine (pH > 5.5), the coating breaks down, releasing enzymes that help digest fats, starches, and proteins.
• These digested nutrients are then absorbed by the body, either directly or after further breakdown.

🇺🇸 United States – CREON® Delayed Release (DR)

• The U.S. version of Creon is labeled with “DR“, which stands for Delayed Release.
• These capsules contain enteric-coated spheres that look and function the same as the minimicrospheres used in Canada and the UK.
• The spheres release enzymes in the small intestine, just like in other countries.

Do They Work the Same Way?

✅ Yes!
Despite the different names or labels (like “DR” or “minimicrospheres”), the release mechanism is the same in all three countries. They are all designed to protect the enzymes from stomach acid and release them in the small intestine.

🧴 The capsules and granules look very similar and have the same purpose: to help your body digest food properly.

Important Note for Travelers and Patients

If you are using Creon and traveling between countries, or switching between products from different regions:

• Always check the enzyme strength listed on the label.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching, as strengths and labeling may differ slightly.
• Never change your dose without medical guidance.

For any questions about your treatment, dosing, or switching between Creon products, please speak with your healthcare provider.

For inquiries about prescription medications, contact our team at Jason’s CanadaDrugstore.com by calling  1-800-226 3784 (CAN-DRUG) for assistance from our patient representatives or a licensed Canadian pharmacist.

This article provides medical information to help understand a condition or treatment plan but is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Contact your doctor if you have concerns or symptoms. In case of emergency, call 911.