Creams are not essential for a 12 h flight. At least not a large tube. Whereas I understand that "medications" are better transported in carry-on than checked since the latter can get lost, creams are not that difficult to replace. As for pills, no problem to carry them on. The only liquid I can think of that's essential is insulin, unless you consider liquid asthma meds. But then you'd have to take your nebulizer too.