CREON Capsule containing gastro-resistant granules Ref.[8466] Active ingredients: Pancreatin

Strictures of the ileo-caecum and large bowel (fibrosing colonopathy) have been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis taking high doses of pancreatin preparations. As a precaution, unusual abdominal symptoms or changes in abdominal symptoms should be medically assessed to exclude the possibility of fibrosing colonopathy, especially if the patient is taking in excess of 10,000 units of lipase/kg/day.

No interaction studies have been performed.

Pregnancy

For pancreatic enzymes no clinical data on exposed pregnancies are available.

Animal studies show no evidence for any absorption of porcine pancreatic enzymes. Therefore, no reproductive or developmental toxicity is to be expected.

Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women.

Lactation

No effects on the suckling child are anticipated since animal studies suggest no systemic exposure of the breast-feeding woman to pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes can be used during breast-feeding.

If required during pregnancy or lactation Creon should be used in doses sufficient to provide adequate nutritional status.

Creon has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.

In clinical trials, more than 900 patients were exposed to Creon. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were gastrointestinal disorders and were primarily mild or moderate in severity.

The following adverse reactions have been observed during clinical trials with the below indicated frequencies;

Very common ≥1/10
Common ≥1/100 to <1/10
Uncommon ≥1/1000 to <1/100
Frequency not known

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common: abdominal pain*

Common: nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal distention, diarrhoea*

Frequency not known: strictures of the ileo-caecum and large bowel (fibrosing colonopathy)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Uncommon: rash

Frequency not known: pruritus, urticaria

Immune system disorders

Frequency not known: hypersensitivity (anaphylactic reactions).

* Gastrointestinal disorders are mainly associated with the underlying disease. Similar or lower incidences compared to placebo were reported for abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Strictures of the ileo-caecum and large bowel (fibrosing colonopathy) have been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis taking high doses of pancreatin preparations, see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use.

Allergic reactions mainly but not exclusively limited to the skin have been observed and identified as adverse reactions during post-approval use. Because these reactions were reported spontaneously from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their frequency.

Paediatric population

No specific adverse reactions were identified in the paediatric population. Frequency, type and severity of adverse reactions were similar in children with cystic fibrosis as compared to adults.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Not applicable.