Can't Get Relief From Laxatives? A New Vibrating Pill Could Help
Key takeaways:
Millions of people experience chronic constipation and require medications to help manage their symptoms. But these medications can come with unpleasant side effects.
Vibrant Gastro has created a drug-free vibrating pill that may help regulate bowel movements by stimulating your intestinal tract. It has been shown to help with bowel movement frequency, as well as improve stool consistency and quality of life.
Vibrant launched in the U.S. market in February 2023. If prescribed for you, it would cost between $69 and $89 a month, depending on your insurance coverage.
Constipation — that lingering need to use the restroom with little relief — is a terrible feeling. It could be caused by your diet, a medication you’re taking, or an underlying health condition. Nonetheless, we've all been there. For many people, making some lifestyle changes can help get things moving again. But for others, constipation can become a chronic problem.
It’s estimated that up to 20% of U.S. adults experience chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) — persistent constipation without a known cause. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help provide short-term relief. And there are prescription medications available, too. But what if you could skip medications altogether?
In August 2022, the FDA cleared Vibrant Gastro’s drug-free vibrating pill to treat CIC. For some people, it may offer an alternative option to provide relief. So, how does it work, and is it available?
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What is the vibrating pill for constipation?
The Vibrant System is a prescription-only device FDA cleared to treat CIC. It’s available as a starter kit that includes a drug-free vibrating pill and activation pod. You’ll also be able to download an app to monitor your treatment.
How does the vibrating pill work to relieve chronic constipation?
When you think about circadian rhythm, your sleep-wake cycle likely comes to mind. But you may be surprised to learn that your gut follows a rhythm, too. It’s thought that constipation can result from this rhythm falling out of sync.
After the vibrating pill is activated and swallowed, it’s designed to vibrate at certain intervals as it travels through your colon. This is thought to stimulate the movement of stool, which may help get your gut rhythm back on track. But does it actually work?
In May 2022, Vibrant Gastro presented findings from a phase 3 clinical trial. Compared to people taking a dummy pill (placebo), more people receiving the Vibrant System had significantly improved bowel movement frequency. They also reported significant improvement in quality of life, stool consistency, and straining.
Keep in mind: How the Vibrant System works is based on the idea that constipation can be caused by problems with the circadian rhythm of your gut. This theory is still relatively new and not well-understood. Plus, a shift in circadian rhythm may not be causing your specific constipation, either.
How long does the vibrating pill stay in your system?
Once swallowed, the vibrating pill makes its way through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It’ll arrive at your colon after about 14 hours, which is when it’s programmed to start vibrating. After it makes its way through your colon, you’ll pass it with your stool.
What are the side effects of the vibrating pill?
You may be wondering if you’re able to feel the pill vibrating inside of your body. For some people, the answer is yes. A vibration sensation was the most commonly reported side effect from a 2020 study. Though, no serious side effects were noted.
OTC laxatives, by comparison, can cause several unpleasant side effects. This can include stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Are there any risks with the vibrating pill?
The vibrating pill may not be an option for certain people. Since it doesn’t dissolve in your body, it could get stuck if you have blockages or obstructions along your GI tract. Similarly, certain medications and other health conditions may prevent the pill from moving effectively through your body.
You shouldn’t use the Vibrant system if you:
Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or a history of GI cancer
Have a cardiac pacemaker or other electrical implanted device
Have complicated or obstructive diverticular disease
Have a history of anal fissures or fistulas
Have untreated or uncontrolled Celiac disease
Have problems with your esophagus (food pipe) that makes it difficult to swallow
Are pregnant or nursing
Have gastroparesis (slowed gastric emptying)
Is the vibrating pill available?
Yes, the Vibrant System officially launched in February 2023. But it requires a healthcare provider’s prescription to obtain it. And it’s only supplied by one pharmacy, called Carepoint. If prescribed for you, your provider would contact them to get you set up with the vibrating pill for constipation.
How much does the vibrating pill cost?
If your insurance covers the Vibrant System, it will cost $69 a month. Without insurance, it will cost $89 a month. The vibrating pill is only available through Carepoint specialty pharmacy. After a healthcare provider submits a prescription, Carepoint will reach out to discuss insurance coverage and payment options with you.
The bottom line
Constipation affects many people. But some people have chronic constipation that can affect their quality of life. While OTC medications can help with short-term relief, the Vibrant System may provide a new drug-free option.
This FDA-cleared vibrating pill launched in the U.S. in February 2023. If you’re experiencing chronic constipation, your healthcare provider can help you find the best option for you.
Why trust our experts?
References
Cision. (2022). Vibrant's novel drug-free treatment demonstrates positive efficacy and safety results in adults with chronic idiopathic constipation in pivotal Phase 3 study. PR Newswire.
Duboc, H., et al. (2020). Disruption of circadian rhythms and gut motility: An overview of underlying mechanisms and associated pathologies. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.
Goodman, B. (2023). Drug-free relief from chronic constipation may come from a new vibrating pill. CNN.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. (n.d.). Diverticular disease.
Oh, S. J., et al. (2020). Chronic constipation in the United States: Results from a population-based survey assessing healthcare seeking and use of pharmacotherapy. The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Rao, S. S. C., et al. (2020). Effects of the vibrating capsule on colonic circadian rhythm and bowel symptoms in chronic idiopathic constipation. Neurogastroenterology and Motility.
Thaiss, C. A., et al. (2016). Microbiota diurnal rhythmicity programs host transcriptome oscillations. Cell.
Vibrant Gastro, Inc. (n.d.). Effective and safe drug-free CIC treatment.
Vibrant Gastro, Inc. (n.d.). Information for patients.
Vibrant Gastro, Inc. (2021). Vibrant submits new constipation treatment for FDA.
Vibrant Gastro, Inc. (2022). FDA grants marketing authorization for Vibrant®, a new first-in-class, drug-free treatment for adults with chronic idiopathic constipation.
