Creon Supply Issues

The companies who are responsible for supplying medicines in Australia do their best to maintain supply. However, sometimes shortages cannot be prevented. On occasion there may be Creon® supply issues.

Being aware of medicine shortages can help you and your prescribing doctor or pharmacist manage the impact of the shortage.

Here are some tips about how you can get Creon® for yourself or a loved one when supplies are low.

What is a medicine shortage?

A medicine shortage occurs when the supply of a medicine in Australia is not likely to meet normal or projected consumer demand. These shortages may arise for many reasons, ranging from shortages of raw materials to natural disasters.

Will I be notified if supplies are low?

• No, you may first hear about supply issues when you are getting your prescriptions filled
• the TGA website will put up a notice when stock is low
• TGA are aware of current issue & are expecting stock to increase this week, seen here https://apps.tga.gov.au/Prod/msi/Search/Details/pancreatic-extract

What should I do if there is a short supply of my prescription medicine?

You should always contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about your medicines. Your health professionals are experienced in determining suitable options for you when a medicine is in short supply or unavailable.

There is a supply issue, what should I do?

• Have a quick check of chemists near you who may have some in stock
• At your preferred Chemist speak to the Pharmacist & explain that “Creon is currently on Manual allocation” & they “need to request stock from the wholesaler”
• Any Pharmacist can do this for you – it will just take a few days to get it for you
• good idea to get a script filled when you still have a 7-10 day supply at home (so you don’t run out completely)

What happens when medication supplies get low?

• The maker (drug company) puts the drug on a “manual allocation” list which means pharmacists have to order it on an “as needed” basis
• If a pharmacy runs out of stock, the Pharmacist will need to do a “request to the wholesaler” (their preferred one)
• the wholesalers will fulfil the request in 1-2 days
• wholesaler will deliver the special order direct to the pharmacy
• pharmacy calls you to come pick up

What is a Pharmacy wholesaler?

• Pharmacy wholesale suppliers are where Pharmacies get their medications & goods they sell to customers

What if the wholesaler is unable to fulfil the Pharmacists request?

• If the above has been followed & the Pharmacy cannot get supply from the wholesaler, they can contact the manufacturers directly for assistance
•  the Pharmacist can email Viatris directly to order Creon via: [email protected]