Nearly all UK pharmacies are experiencing severe \u201cchallenges\u201d supplying pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) warned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A sample survey by the association found that 96% of pharmacies were struggling to obtain Creon (pancrelipase<\/a>, Viatris). A further 89% reported difficulties supplying PERT alternatives.<\/p>\n Patients Resorting to Extreme Measures<\/p>\n The ongoing shortage has forced patients to take desperate action, according to the NPA, which said some are rationing existing medication supplies or skipping meals entirely.<\/p>\n One pharmacist described it as the \u201cworst stock shortage\u201d they had ever encountered. Patients report eating only one meal daily, contacting multiple pharmacies for supplies, or travelling more than 30 miles to obtain the medication.<\/p>\n Critical Medication for Serious Conditions<\/p>\n Creon is used to treat pancreatic exocrine insufficiency from a variety of causes, including pancreatic cancer<\/a>, cystic fibrosis<\/a>, and pancreatitis.\u00a0<\/p>\n The medication, derived from porcine pancreatin, contains lipase<\/a>, protease, and amylase<\/a>. It dissolves rapidly in the stomach to release its enzyme load in the small intestine, where its lipolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic activity enable absorption of the products of pancreatic digestion.<\/p>\n PERT medications need to be taken to facilitate digestion every time a patient eats. In clinical trials, treatment with Creon markedly improved stool consistency, abdominal pain, and stool frequency, independent of the underlying disease.<\/p>\n The consequences of inadequate dosing can be severe. Patients may become too unwell for surgery, struggle with chemotherapy tolerance, or experience debilitating symptoms that diminish quality of life. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and oily, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhoea).\u00a0<\/p>\n Safety Concerns<\/p>\n Olivier Picard, NPA chair, warned the shortage has \u201cprofound effects\u201d on patients who depend on the medication to survive and lead normal lives. \u201cIt simply cannot be right that in the 21st century patients are skipping meals in order to ration their medication,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n