Money For Nothing
Creon—-The $14,000 Prescription Drug That's Just a Supplement in an Expensive Package
Let me take you back to 2016—a year that turned my world upside down.
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a revelation that brought a whirlwind of emotions and a barrage of medical advice.
Amidst the chaos, my doctor prescribed Creon, a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to aid my digestion.
Trusting the medical system, I filled the prescription without hesitation. And paid a LOT of money for it (even with insurance).
But here's where things get interesting.
A few weeks later, I consulted a naturopathic doctor for a second opinion.
She raised an eyebrow at my Creon prescription and said, "You know, you could get the same enzymes over the counter for a fraction of the price."
Wait, what?
You mean the pharmaceutical industry might be—*gasp*—ripping me off? Color me shocked!
The Great Creon Conundrum
Creon contains a blend of digestive enzymes: lipase, protease, and amylase.
Revolutionary stuff, right?
Except these are literally the same enzymes found in over-the-counter supplements available for as little as 12 dollars.
That's right—the magical potion Creon that my doctor insisted I needed costs roughly 100 TIMES more than its grocery store equivalent.
Of course, the makers of Creon insist their product is "specially formulated" with proprietary enteric coating and time-released microspheres designed to survive stomach acid.
And yes, it's “FDA-approved” with standardized potency.
But here's the kicker—many over the counter supplements now offer similar enteric coating and delayed-release technology.
The difference in manufacturing cost between Creon and these alternatives hardly justifies a price gap that could fund a college education.
So why the astronomical price tag? In the U.S., Creon can cost over $1,195 for a 90-capsule supply, translating to an annual expense of approximately $14,346.48 for cash-paying patients.
Because nothing says "we care about your health" quite like charging the price of a decent used car for something that costs pennies to produce.
A Global Perspective
Adding insult to injury, Creon is significantly cheaper in other countries.
For instance, in Canada, Creon 10 starts at $71.99 for 100 capsules, and in Switzerland, it's reportedly available over the counter at a fraction of the U.S. price.
Apparently, digestive enzymes magically become more expensive when they cross the U.S. border.
Who knew geography could affect molecular structure?
The Bottom Line
While digestion enzymes may be necessary for certain individuals, let's call the Creon situation for what it is: highway robbery with a prescription pad.
The pharmaceutical industry has once again proven that nothing is sacred when profits are on the line.
So the next time your doctor scribbles down "Creon" without batting an eye, maybe ask them if they're getting kickbacks or if they just enjoy watching their patients' bank accounts dissolve faster than the pills themselves.
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*Disclaimer: I'm not necessarily recommending that you take over-the-counter supplements instead of Creon, but rather using this story as a lesson to question everything. The pharmaceutical industry counts on our blind trust and compliance. Do your research, ask uncomfortable questions, and remember that your health—and your wallet—deserve better than blind acceptance.*
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About the Author
Chris Joseph is a health and wellness advocate and as of this writing is an 8.5 year cancer thriver. After his 3rd stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2016 and after conventional approaches failed him, Chris began researching alternative options and questioning standard medical practices.
Chris believes in empowering people to become informed consumers of healthcare and active participants in their treatment decisions.
Chris can be reached at his website www.terrainnavigators.com