Shortage of key drug 'frightening' for patients

A nationwide shortage of a drug designed to help people digest food is causing fear and frustration among patients.

Creon is prescribed to those with pancreatic conditions, including cancer and cystic fibrosis.

John Swale, from Rotherham, relies on the drug after having most of his pancreas removed and said he felt terrified at the thought of his supply running out.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said Creon supply issues were affecting many European countries because of limited raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity.

"Thousands of people in the country might be affected," Mr Swale, 74, said.

"Of course I'm worried. I know I've had a good life, but I'm worried. It's frightening."

The DHSC said it was working to resolve the supply chain problems and added: "We know how frustrating and distressing medicine supply issues can be for patients, and the pharmacists and clinicians caring for them."

• Creon is prescribed to patients with pancreatic conditions, including cancer and cystic fibrosis
• The drug replaces three enzymes the pancreas would normally produce itself, so if the organ is missing people need to take the drug every day for life
• The drug is now limited to one month's supply at a time so it stays available for patients who need it
• Increased demand has led to knock-on supply issues with other pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT)
• Shortages began in late 2023 after local short-term issues, and are predicted to continue until 2026
• Anyone concerned should speak to their clinician about other options, the DHSC said

Source: NHS, DHSC and CF Trust

Dan Beever, 39, from Sheffield, said the drug was "essential" for those, like him, who have cystic fibrosis.

"My pancreas doesn't work as it should, so Creon is a replacement for enzymes which help absorb nutrients that I don't generate naturally," he said.

Mr Beever said living with the disease was a "daily challenge" and he took 25-30 Creon tablets each day.

His monthly prescription of six containers of the pills had been reduced to four because of the shortages, he said.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust said it had been monitoring supply issues since late 2023, and they had caused "significant worry and stress" for patients, families and clinicians.

"Those affected have sometimes needed to travel to multiple pharmacies to find Creon, a vital medicine for many people with CF," the charity said.

"We’ve been really concerned to hear that in some cases, people have been forced to make changes to their diet and nutrition as a result of shortages."

The DHSC added: "While we can’t always prevent supply issues from occurring, we have a range of well-established processes and tools to manage them and mitigate risks."

People who are concerned should contact their clinicians.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.