We would like to inform you about the ongoing shortages of Ursofalk and Creon pancreatic enzymes.

As we know, the shortages of Creon are not only in Greece, but are a European and global issue, due to restrictions in its production. In fact, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the problem is expected to continue until 2026. See the relevant EMA statement here.

Creon is essential in the diet of patients with Cystic Fibrosis, as it helps to digest their food. Its deficiency leads to serious health effects. Unfortunately, we constantly receive reports from patients who have difficulty finding it, and some are forced to reduce their food intake or arbitrarily adjust their dosages, with negative consequences for their health. We note that so far there are no reimbursed alternative pancreatic preparations in Greece.

Our Association is in close cooperation with the competent bodies at national and European level(EOF, EOPYY, Ministry of Health, PEFNI, CF Europe, EURORDIS) to address the issue. The EOF issued in February a newer parallel export ban for these products. See the EOF’s announcement here. At the same time, we continue our actions for the availability and reimbursement of alternative formulations also in our country.

On 27/01/2025, the representatives of our Association, Anna Spinou (President) and Konstantina Giannaki (Vice President), met to discuss this issue with Mrs.Despina Makridaki, President of the Panhellenic Union of Pharmacists of Nursing Institutions (PEFNI) and Director of the Pharmacy of Sismanoglio , and then a letter was sent. Following our communication, on 6/2/2025 we received a reply letter from the PEFNI, informing us that they have asked hospital pharmacies and the relevant bodies to give priority to the availability of Creon and Ursofalk in hospitals where Cystic Fibrosis Centres operate, as well as to the proper management of the limited quantities available.

Therefore, until the issues are resolved, we advise patients experiencing difficulties in obtaining Creon and Ursofalk to follow the steps below:
Contact the hospital pharmacy of the Cystic Fibrosis Centre where they are being monitored.
Contact our Association at 211 0137700 (Tuesday: 14.00-18.00, Wednesday & Thursday: 16.00-19.00) or via email at helpline@cysticfibrosis.gr, as we have a small stock for the emergency free coverage of patients in urgent need.
Seek formulations in more private pharmacies, including those outside their area of residence.
Communicate with the online Cystic Fibrosis community through the Association’s private Facebook group “HCFA || Member Communication Group” to exchange information about pharmacies that have sufficient quantities of the formulations.
Inform their doctor so that they can receive medical guidance and instructions on how to take their medication and diet.

Our Association continues to cooperate with the relevant bodies and will inform you about any new developments at the next web coffee break.

Stay tuned!

* We would like to thank Ms Despina Makridaki for her immediate response, her sensitivity and her continuous support to the issues of patients with Cystic Fibrosis!