The 100-Year Life Health Education and Government
A UK shortage of a life-saving drug for pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis is forcing patients to ration their food. Creon, which replaces enzymes usually produced by the pancreas to digest food, is used by over 60,000 people. The shortage of Creon is an international issue stemming from increased consumer demand for low-fat pig meat, which in turn means the animals produce less of the enzyme needed to make the drug. The current shortages are expected to continue into 2026. If someone doesn’t take the drug as required it could lead to patients becoming malnourished, unable to receive other medical treatments like chemotherapy and risking their lives. The president of the Pancreatic Society told the Sunday Times it was “impossible to overstate” the impact of the shortage on patients’ care and quality of life. But this isn’t just about Creon. In May 2024, more than 90 per cent of pharmacies said medicines shortages had got worse over the previous year. Patients with epilepsy, ADHD and bipolar disorder have also been affected by recent shortages.
