Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024
Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.
Creon is a prescription medication for managing conditions affecting the pancreas such as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in dogs and cats. EPI is a condition where the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient digestive enzymes to properly digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food. As a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, Creon effectively helps to manage this rare malnutrition syndrome. It is composed of three enzymes; lipase, protease, and amylase which aids in the digestion of fats, proteins, and sugars.
The medication contains a blend of pancreatic enzymes, essential for digestive processes when the pancreas is not functioning. This includes lipase, which aids in the breakdown of fats; protease, for the digestion of proteins; and amylase, which facilitates the breakdown of carbohydrates. Typically, these enzymes are sourced from pork pancreas, ensuring their effectiveness in supplementing pancreatic function.
The dosage of Creon varies based on your individual pet’s needs. It's essential to follow veterinary guidance for proper dosage and administration. The medication is typically given orally in capsule form and should be administered alongside food.
Overdose:
Overdose symptoms can include loss of diarrhoea, cramping, and vomiting. In case of suspected overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately or reach out to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738.
Hypersensitivity: Avoid use in animals with a known hypersensitivity to pork proteins, as Creon is derived from porcine pancreas.
Acute Pancreatitis: Should not be used in pets suffering from acute pancreatitis due to the risk of exacerbating the condition.
Obstruction or Intestinal Compaction: Use caution in animals with a history of intestinal obstruction or those prone to constipation or impaction, as the supplement could potentially exacerbate these conditions.
Additional Precautions
Dosage Accuracy: Overdosage can lead to hyperuricosuria and hyperuricemia, so precise dosing according to veterinary recommendations is crucial.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of fecal consistency, weight, and overall health is important to adjust dosage as needed.
Concurrent Diseases: Consideration should be given to animals with concurrent diseases, especially those affecting the liver, kidneys, or intestines, as enzyme supplementation may affect managing these conditions.
While Creon can be beneficial, it may cause side effects in some pets, including:
If any of the following side effects occur, contact your vet immediately.
Store Creon at room temperature, away from moisture, and in its original container. Avoid crushing or chewing the capsules or their contents. For safety keep out of reach from children and other pets.
Is there a cure for EPI?
Can Creon be used for both cats and dogs?
How is Creon administered?
What are the common side effects of Creon in pets?
Can Creon interact with other medications?
Creon can be an effective treatment for pets with certain digestive issues. However, it's crucial to use this medication under the guidance of a veterinarian. We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Creon for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.