Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Creon. It contains a mixture of enzymes that will help you digest food. Creon helps people whose pancreas cannot make enough of these enzymes due to certain health conditions. It may have other uses, too.

You should take Creon exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is important to not take more capsules in a day than your doctor tells you to. You should always take Creon with a meal or snack, and enough liquid to swallow it completely. You should swallow the capsules whole, and do not crush or chew them. People who have a hard time swallowing the capsules can open them and sprinkle the contents onto a soft food like applesauce. 

This medicine has special instructions to follow if you are giving it to an infant.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include stomach gas, pain in your stomach area, nausea, and frequent bowel movements. Others include a sore throat, cough, and a little dizziness. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. Your doctor may also watch for changes in your blood sugar levels. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking it, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious effects could occur. With Creon, these include an allergic reaction, irritation inside of your mouth, and painful joints from high uric acid levels. It could also cause a bowel disorder that could require surgery. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for.

Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results with Creon, work with your doctor to find the best dose for your condition.