Creon’s SSP extended for the fifth time
The Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) medication Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules has been extended to Friday 17 April 2026.
It was previously due to expire on 30 January 2026.
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This is the fifth extension for Creon 25000 gastro-resistant capsules which has been facing supply issues since May 2024.
These protocols provide pharmacists with procedures to follow meaning that no more than a month’s supply of Creon is supplied.
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Reimbursement is for the medicine supplied in accordance with the SSP and not the quantity of originally prescribed medicine.
PERT provides the enzymes needed to digest food and absorb nutrients by people affected by with conditions affecting pancreatic function, such as pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and pancreatic surgery patients.
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In October, DHSC confirmed they had secured ‘additional volumes’ of the medications after working with suppliers of PERT to help resolve supply issues.
According to the NPA, pharmacies reported in the summer that some patients were tightly rationing their medication. Examples included patients who were only eating one meal a day to ration their Creon.
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