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Drug Info

5 foods to avoid when taking Creon

Knowing what not to eat can reduce side effects and help support this medication’s effectiveness
Leandra Beabout
By | Mar. 17, 2025 Medically reviewed by Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG
Image of medication next to coffee, fried foods, and soda - foods to avoid when taking Creon

Key takeaways

  • Creon is an oral ‌pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for people with pancreatic enzyme insufficiency (EPI) caused by cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, or other medical conditions.

  • When taking prescription digestive enzymes like Creon, it is important to eat a nourishing diet that supports overall health and does not cause further pancreas damage or gastrointestinal issues.

  • It’s best to avoid sugary, high-fat foods while taking  Creon. It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking and alcohol. Hot drinks should be avoided during dosing.

In this article:

Creon (pancrelipase) is a brand-name prescription drug that contains a combination of the digestive enzymes amylase, lipase, and protease. It is FDA-approved for use in people who don’t produce enough digestive enzymes because they have cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, or other pancreas conditions. People on Creon need to eat a diet that supports the drug’s effectiveness. Many healthcare providers recommend avoiding greasy, fatty, or high-fiber foods while taking Creon.

How Creon works

Many people with cystic fibrosis or chronic pancreatitis have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition in which the pancreas cannot produce enough enzymes naturally. Digestive enzymes like Creon help stand in the gap by “replacing the enzymes that are missing to help the food particles be broken down better,” explains Inna Melamed, Pharm.D., a functional medicine practitioner and author of Digestive Reset.

Creon starts to work immediately. That’s why people on Creon must take a dose with each meal and snack, according to MedlinePlus. That said, it might take several days to experience a noticeable improvement in nutrient absorption.

5 foods to avoid with Creon

“I would recommend avoiding fatty, fried or greasy foods, sugar or sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and high protein foods,” says Supriya Rao, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist in the greater Boston area. She also recommends reducing fiber intake since fiber can reduce the effectiveness of Creon.

She and Kelly Taliaferro, RD, a Dallas-based registered dietitian and digestive disorder specialist at Hues Nutrition, suggest limiting or avoiding the following foods and drinks while on Creon.

1. High-fiber foods

While generally a healthy part of a balanced diet, high-fiber foods should be limited while taking Creon. “Excessive amounts of fiber are known to interfere with the effectiveness of Creon. This is because fiber can bind with the enzymes in Creon, reducing its ability to break down nutrients effectively,” says Dr. Rao.

High-fiber foods include beans, lentils, berries, nuts, and whole grains. Additionally, two labels often indicate a high fiber content: Prebiotic and low-carb.

“The term prebiotic is basically a fancy term for fiber,” Taliaferro says. Additionally, “manufacturers often add fiber, such as inulin, to decrease the net carbs in keto and low-carbohydrate snacks. Many low-carb or keto products have five grams of fiber or more per serving,” she explains.

2. Greasy or fatty foods

“Fried and greasy foods can overwhelm the enzymes in Creon, which can lead to GI issues,” warns Dr. Rao. Of course, not all fats are the same. Some fat is necessary for good nutrition. Taliaferro suggests that choosing healthy fats “like olive oil, avocados, and nuts” when on Creon can help you stay nourished while warding off stomach pain and diarrhea.

3. Foods or drinks high in sugar

Sugary foods like candy, snack cakes, and ice cream, and sugary beverages like frappuccinos and soda, can exacerbate gut issues while taking Creon. Though sugar does not directly interact with the drug, Dr. Rao says too much sugar can aggravate malabsorption issues (the problem Creon is intended to treat). At the same time, sugary beverages can irritate the digestive tract. Ultimately, too much sugar can make gastrointestinal symptoms worse.

4. Alcohol

While there is no evidence that alcohol directly interacts with Creon, Taliaferro points to research showing that alcohol can damage the pancreas. “Since drinking alcohol can make pancreatic function worse over time, avoiding alcohol can help you keep your pancreas healthy while taking Creon,” she says.

5. Hot drinks (during dosing)

No known interaction exists between Creon and caffeinated beverages like tea or coffee. However, it’s important to avoid taking a dose of Creon with high-temperature drinks such as a hot latte, cup of tea, or even hot lemon water. According to Viatris, a pharmaceutical company that produces pancreatic enzymes, exposing these pills to heat can damage the enzymes, decreasing the drug’s effectiveness. Take Creon with room temperature or cold water, and save the hot coffee for another time.

What should you eat while taking Creon?

According to the drug label, Creon should always be taken with food and plenty of liquid, such as water or juice. Taking Creon with slightly acidic food, such as applesauce, plain Greek yogurt, or a banana, is also sometimes recommended.

Beyond following these dosage instructions, people on Creon should talk to their healthcare provider about which foods will best support their health and the drug’s effectiveness. Dietary recommendations may include foods that promote gut health, such as fermented foods (kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut). It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new diet or taking a new vitamin or supplement while on Creon.

Gastrointestinal side effects of Creon

Creon directly impacts food digestion. The drug’s side effect profile includes several gastrointestinal side effects, including:

  • Stomach pain
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Difficult or frequent bowel movements
  • Diarrhea

Some of these gastrointestinal issues can be exacerbated by the foods mentioned above. Greasy or sugary foods can irritate the digestive tract, for instance. Too much fiber can cause gas and bloating, and research shows that alcohol can cause or worsen gut inflammation.

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience serious side effects such as severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, fevers, or rash after taking Creon. Creon may also increase a person’s risk of developing fibrosing colonopathy, a rare health condition that affects the colon. Allergic reactions are a potential risk of any new medication, so watch for sudden skin rashes, swollen lips, or trouble breathing.

Tips for maximizing Creon benefits

In most cases, Creon users are instructed to take the drug with both meals and snacks. Taking Creon as directed by your prescriber is very important. Never take more or less Creon than prescribed.

Always swallow Creon capsules whole to avoid getting the digestive enzymes in your mouth. Per the drug label, Creon should always be taken with food and plenty of fluid. This medication is intended to help digest food. Taking it on an empty stomach not only defeats the purpose but can also lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.