Shortage of medicines for Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)

Advice for patients 

Why is this advice needed? 

In the UK, there currently (November 2024) is a shortage of a type of medicine called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) – you might also know this as Creon ®, Nutrizym ® or Pancrex ®. This medicine helps people digest food properly when their pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes. These enzymes are needed to break down food so the body can use it for energy. 

The shortage has happened because of manufacturing problems and difficulties in getting the ingredients to make the medicine. This has made it harder for some people to get their usual PERT medicine. 

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), along with community pharmacies, hospitals, and GP surgeries, are working together to help patients get the medicine they need during this time. It is expected that supplies of some PERT medicines won’t fully return to normal until 2026. 

We understand that this situation is worrying, and we’re doing everything possible to support people who need PERT medicines. 

What should I do if I can’t get my PERT prescription? 

  • Order your prescription earlier than usual - request it two weeks in advance to give your pharmacy more time to find the medicine.
  • Get a single-item prescription - your GP should write your PERT prescription as a single item. This will let you take the prescription to other pharmacies if one has stock available.
  • Check stock online - some pharmacies offer online tools to check stock. Always phone ahead to confirm availability before travelling.
  • Ask the pharmacy to order your PERT anyway - if your usual pharmacy doesn’t have t he medicine, ask them to place an order. This helps ensure its logged and will be sent when new stock arrives in the UK.
  • Let your GP know if your supply is running low - if you have fewer than ten days’ worth of PERT left and can’t get your prescription, tell your GP. There is now a process to access imported medicines, and you may be given a different product that works the same as your usual PERT. Please speak to your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Other Important Points 

  • Take PERT with your meals - spread the medicine out during your meal instead of taking it all in one go at the start, middle, or end.
  • Don’t stockpile medicine - keeping too much medicine at home makes it harder for others to get what they need. GPs have been asked to give prescriptions for just 1 month’s supply at a time.
  • Don’t share or buy medicine online - avoid borrowing or sharing PERT with others, and don’t purchase medicines from the internet.

Where to Get More Help 

If you need more support, organisations like Pancreatic Cancer UK or the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (CF Trust)  have helplines where you can speak to nurses for advice. 

This resource is for adults having trouble getting PERT. It includes tips to manage symptoms and protect your quality of life if your normal supply is unavailable. 

Please note: This resource is not suitable for children or people with cystic fibrosis.