If you’re looking at treatment options for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), you may want to learn more about Creon (pancrelipase). It’s a prescription drug used in adults and children to treat EPI caused by:

Creon comes as a capsule. It can be swallowed whole or opened and its contents mixed with a soft, acidic food, such as applesauce.

Keep reading for details on Creon and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Creon, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Creon can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Creon, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Creon. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Creon in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Creon requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Creon requires prior authorization.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Creon and cost.

Can I use a manufacturer coupon to lower my cost of Creon with Medicare?

No. If you have Medicare, you won’t be eligible for any manufacturer coupon programs for Creon.

What is the cost of Creon with insurance and without insurance?

Your cost for Creon will depend on whether or not you have insurance.

If you have insurance, you can check with your insurance plan about the cost, including what your copay may be.

If you don’t have insurance coverage for prescription drugs, ask your pharmacist for the cash price of Creon. (This is what you’ll pay without any insurance or discounts.) For information on how to save on the cash price, see “Can I get help paying for Creon?” below.

Creon only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

There are two cost savings programs available for Creon:

If you still need help covering the cost of Creon or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take Creon long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Creon if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower your cost for the drug. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of Creon, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Creon. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you still have questions about the cost of Creon, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk to your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Creon.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Are there other drugs similar to Creon that may cost less?
  • Will my dosage of Creon affect the cost?
  • What options do I have if I can’t afford my medication?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.