Update on Creon shortages

Throughout 2025, the Trust has been keeping a close eye on the ongoing Creon shortages in the UK. In March, we shared a blog explaining how we’ve been keeping pressure on the Government and medicine manufacturers to take action and reduce the impact of these shortages. Over the summer we continued to make sure the voice of the CF community was heard.  We supported the House of Lords inquiry looking at how the UK can better predict and prevent medicine supply issues.

Last year many of you told us about how the Creon shortages were affecting your daily lives, and recently we asked you how things have changed since then. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences with us. 

It’s positive to see from your feedback that the situation seems to be better than it was last year. Most people said that the shortages have eased in recent months and most importantly, the majority had managed to avoid going without enzymes. This progress has come thanks to action from the Government and manufacturers, such as making other enzyme brands (like Pangrol) easier to get. The Trust’s ongoing work to raise awareness of these shortages and push for change has undoubtedly helped speed up these improvements. 

Even though supplies have become more stable, shortages continue to have a real impact on people with CF and their quality of life. Many of you told us that shortages can still cause stress, anxiety and inconvenience. You also told us how it’s frustrating not having clear information on how long shortages will continue for or when supply will become more predictable. 

Creon is still arriving in the UK regularly, but not quite in the amounts needed. This steady but reduced supply is likely to continue until steps underway to increase manufacturing output, including a new facility that is being built, are completed. This is expected to be in 2026. 

The Trust is continuing to work with the Government to monitor the situation closely and make sure a long-term resolution is achieved and everyone with CF is able to access the pancreatic enzymes they need. By sharing your experiences of Creon shortages, we hope to support the NHS to become better at preventing and responding to medicines supply problems if they do occur. It’s vital that lessons are learned to prevent similar shortages, for both pancreatic enzymes and other vital medicines for people with CF.

If you’re struggling to get hold of Creon, please contact your CF team. If you have any questions about the information in this blog, you can contact our Helpline.

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