About the shortage of Creon (pancreatic extract) capsules

Pharmaceutical company Viatris (the sponsor) has notified us that supply constraints affecting Creon 25,000 unit and Creon 35,000 unit capsules will continue until 30 June 2026. This constrained supply is due to an unexpected global increase in demand.

Viatris will continue to receive regular supplies of all strengths of Creon here in Australia, however, availability may be limited and may vary from one pharmacy to another. We ask that patients do not stockpile product so that the sponsor can distribute what is available fairly to meet everyone’s needs.

Creon (pancreatic extract) capsules are indicated for the treatment of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis and after gastrectomy/pancreatic surgery.

Information for patients

Your pharmacist may only dispense a month’s supply of Creon at a time. This is to make sure that there is enough product for everyone who needs it.

You should contact your pharmacy to organise your next prescription in advance so that your Creon will be available when you need it. However, please avoid stockpiling more medicine than you need.

Information for pharmacists

While availability of these strengths of Creon may be limited and may vary from one pharmacy to another during this time, Viatris continues to receive a regular supply. As such, they have asked that available supply should be distributed fairly between patients.

We encourage you to dispense no more than a month’s supply of Creon at a time and to ask patients not to stockpile the product.

We are also recommending that patients contact you in advance to organise their next prescription, to be sure that the Creon is available when they need it.

Please call Viatris on 1800 274 276 or email Medinfo_anz@viatris.com if you do not receive your regular supply of Creon.

Information for prescribers

During this time, pharmacists may dispense reduced quantities of Creon to your patients to allow for fair distribution of available stock.

While availability of Creon may be limited and may vary from one pharmacy to another, a regular supply of Creon will continue to arrive in Australia. Please reassure your patients that there is no need to stockpile the product.

Please also encourage patients to contact their pharmacy early, before they have run out of their medicine, to organise their next Creon prescription.

General information

Please note that the dates given for this shortage may change and we encourage you to check the Medicine Shortage Reports Database for updates.

Also keep in mind that we can work with pharmaceutical companies to communicate information about medicine shortages to health professionals and patients, but we cannot compel companies to increase supply.

We will continue to monitor the supply of Creon products and work with the supplier to update this advice if needed.

Reporting problems

Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medicines or vaccines. Your report will contribute to our monitoring of these products.

We cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medicine or vaccine.