Learn about disruptions to the supply of PERT medicines, Creon®, Pancrease HL®, Nutrizyme®, and how to get your prescription.
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What is the issue?
Since February 2024, many people with a prescription for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) have been experiencing difficulty obtaining these medicines. The supply issue is affecting of products including Creon®, Nutrizym ® and Pancrease HL® capsules.
Why is there a shortage?
The manufacturer discontinued Pancrease HL® in November 2023. This resulted in an increase in the number of people prescribed both Creon® and Nutrizym® preparations.
The discontinuation of Pancrease HL® capsules coincided with problems in the manufacture of both Creon® and Nutrizym® capsules. This included limited availability of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. These problems, combined with more people being prescribed Creon® and Nutrizym®, mean that manufacturers are unable to produce enough product to meet demand.
When is the shortage expected to resolve?
We expect the shortage of Nutrizym® capsules to be resolved by September 2024. However, we only expect sufficient supplies of Nutrizym® for those patients with a prescription for it before the shortage.
The shortage of Creon® capsules is not expected to be resolved until early in 2026.
What is being done to resolve the shortage?
It is the responsibility of the UK Government to maintain the continuity of supply of medicines to the UK. We want to minimise the effect of any disruption to supply for most people with prescriptions to these medicines. To do this, we are working with the:
- UK Government
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- health boards
- GPs
- community pharmacies
This includes:
- providing advice to prescribers about not prescribing more than 1 month’s supply of Creon® capsules at a time
- authorising Serious Shortage Protocols, which enable pharmacists to limit the amount of Creon® capsules they supply to 1 month per patient
We have also provided guidance to doctors and pharmacists about how they can prescribe and order unlicensed, imported stock of other forms of PERT. This is only if these would be clinically appropriate and no UK stock is available.
What should I do if I have difficulty getting my prescription dispensed?
In the first instance you should try different pharmacies.
Viatris, the manufacturer of Creon®, has set up a customer support line for information about which pharmacies have recently received a supply of Creon® in your area. You can contact the helpline by calling 0800 808 6410. The helpline is free to call and available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Some larger pharmacy chains may also provide online stock checkers. This allows you to search for pharmacies in your area that may have stock.
In all cases it is best to telephone the pharmacy before visiting. Information about contacting pharmacies in your area can be accessed at NHS 111 Wales.
If you are still unable to obtain a supply after trying different pharmacies, you may need to speak to your hospital specialist or GP about alternative medicines or steps you can take to help manage any symptoms.
More advice and support is available from patient groups including the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. You can read this advice at Creon supply update.