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Affordability Check

How to afford Creon

Generic name: Pancrelipase

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Creon — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.

How are you covered for prescriptions?

Pick the one that fits you. We'll show you the cheapest way to get this drug.

Pick an option above to see your specific path.

Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.

About Creon and its cost

What is this medication? Creon is a prescription medication used to treat people who cannot digest food properly because their pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes. This medical condition is known as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and is commonly associated with health issues such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or the surgical removal of the pancreas. The medication contains pancrelipase, which is a mixture of digestive enzymes including lipases, proteases, and amylases that help the body process the nutrients found in food.

The primary role of these enzymes is to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the small intestine so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. By replacing the enzymes that the pancreas would normally provide, this medication helps improve nutrition and can reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and oily stools. Patients generally take this medication during or immediately after every meal and snack to ensure the enzymes are available to assist with digestion as food moves through the body.

Creon is made by AbbVie. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.

Common questions

What's the cheapest way to afford Creon?

It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.

Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Creon?

No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But AbbVie has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Creon?

Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.

How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?

Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.

What if I have a high-deductible plan?

For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.

Are there charity grants for Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?

Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.

More about Creon