Viberzi
Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It works on the opioid receptor to help ease symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea. You typically take a dose by mouth twice a day with food. Because of its potential for misuse and dependence, it’s considered a controlled substance. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and stomach pain.
What is Viberzi (eluxadoline)?
What is Viberzi (eluxadoline) used for?
How Viberzi (eluxadoline) works
Viberzi (eluxadoline) is an opioid receptor agonist/antagonist, which means it attaches to different types of opioid receptors in your body. While experts aren’t exactly sure how it works, it's thought to reduce gut sensitivity and slow down how food moves through your intestines. This can help relieve stomach pain and diarrhea in people with IBS-D.
Drug facts
Risks and warnings for Viberzi (eluxadoline)
Viberzi (eluxadoline) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Pancreatitis
- Risk factors: Not having a gallbladder | Drinking excessive alcohol
Viberzi (eluxadoline) can cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. This side effect is more likely in people without a gallbladder, and in some cases, it has been severe or even deadly. Because of this, you shouldn't use Viberzi (eluxadoline) if you don’t have a gallbladder. Most cases of pancreatitis happened within the first week of starting this medication, sometimes after only one or two doses.
If you do have a gallbladder, your prescriber will review your alcohol use before starting Viberzi (eluxadoline). Avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking this medication since doing so can raise your risk of pancreatitis. Watch for symptoms like severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or shoulder, with or without nausea or vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking this medication right away and get medical help.
Bile duct muscle spasm
- Risk factors: Not having a gallbladder
Viberzi (eluxadoline) can cause a muscle spasm in the bile duct area (called sphincter of Oddi spasm), which can lead to pancreatitis or liver problems. This is more likely in people without a gallbladder. This spasm can cause sudden stomach pain, especially in the upper right side, and the pain can spread to your back or shoulder. You might also feel nausea or vomiting. Most cases happen within the first week of starting this medication, even after just one or two doses.
Allergic reactions
Viberzi (eluxadoline) can cause allergic reactions, including some that were life-threatening, sometimes after just the first or second dose. If you have a rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing, or dizziness, stop taking Viberzi (eluxadoline) and contact your prescriber right away.
Constipation
- Risk factors: Also taking other medications that cause constipation
Constipation has been reported in people taking Viberzi (eluxadoline), and in some cases, it has been severe enough to require hospitalization. Rarely, it has led to serious problems like intestinal blockage, a tear in the intestine, or stool buildup that needed medical treatment. Stop taking Viberzi (eluxadoline) and contact your prescriber right away if you experience severe constipation. Avoid taking Viberzi (eluxadoline) with other medications that can cause constipation.
Side effects of Viberzi (eluxadoline)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Constipation (8%)
- Nausea (7%)
- Stomach pain (7%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Vomiting
- Common cold symptoms
- Bloating
- Bronchitis
- Dizziness
- Passing gas
- Rash
- Tiredness
Viberzi (eluxadoline) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Pancreatitis: severe stomach pain that starts from your back or shoulder, nausea, vomiting, fever, foul-smelling stools
- Bile duct muscle spasm: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, yellowing of the skin
- Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing, rash, itching, hives; swelling of your face, lips, mouth or tongue
- Severe constipation: severe stomach pain, rectal bleeding, vomiting, unable to have a bowel movement
More on Viberzi (eluxadoline) side effects
The following Viberzi (eluxadoline) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
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Pros and cons of Viberzi (eluxadoline)
Pros
- Tablet that's taken by mouth
- Typically works within a week
- Approved for males and females with IBS-D
Cons
- Must be taken twice a day with food
- Is a controlled substance
- Risk of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas
Pharmacist tips for Viberzi (eluxadoline)
- Take Viberzi (eluxadoline) by mouth twice a day with food. You need to take it every day, not just when you have diarrhea or stomach pain.
- If you have diarrhea while taking Viberzi (eluxadoline), you can use loperamide occasionally. But try not to take both medications long term since this could make you constipated.
- If you miss a dose of Viberzi (eluxadoline), skip it and take your next dose at your regular time. Never take two doses at once.
- If you get severe constipation while taking Viberzi (eluxadoline), stop taking it and contact your prescriber. Severe constipation can be dangerous and lead to blocked intestines or stool buildup.
- Viberzi (eluxadoline) can cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Stop taking it and get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain that might spread to your back or shoulder, with or without nausea and vomiting.
- Avoid drinking more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day while taking Viberzi (eluxadoline) since this can raise your risk of pancreatitis.
Common questions about Viberzi (eluxadoline)
Weight gain isn't a common side effect of Viberzi (eluxadoline). But everyone reacts differently, and some people might notice changes in weight due to improved appetite or digestion. If you have unexpected weight gain while taking this medication, talk to your prescriber to see if it's related or if something else might be going on.
Viberzi (eluxadoline) is considered an opioid receptor agonist/antagonist because it attaches to some of the same receptors as opioids — but it mostly works in the gut, not the brain. This helps relieve stomach pain and slow down digestion in people with IBS-D, but without the same level of risks than traditional opioids have.
Viberzi (eluxadoline) starts to work soon after you take it, helping with stomach pain and diarrhea. The full effect can be seen within a week. But unlike some antidiarrheal medications, it needs to be taken every day, not just "as needed," to work properly.
Yes, Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a controlled medication because it has a risk of misuse and dependence. This means there are rules about how it's prescribed, including limits on refills, how much you can get, and how often it can be filled.
No. Viberzi (eluxadoline) tablets aren't made to be cut in half — they're not scored for safe splitting. Cutting the tablet could change how the medication is absorbed and how well it works. If you're having trouble swallowing this medication, speak with your prescriber for guidance.
Hair loss isn't a reported side effect of Viberzi (eluxadoline) in clinical studies. If you notice hair loss after starting this medication, speak with your prescriber — they can help figure out the cause.
You shouldn't stop taking Viberzi (eluxadoline) without talking to your prescriber first. While it’s not known to cause withdrawal symptoms, stopping suddenly may cause your IBS-D symptoms (like diarrhea and stomach pain) to return. If you're thinking about stopping, talk to your prescriber about the best and safest way to do it.
It’s best to avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking Viberzi (eluxadoline). Alcohol can raise your risk of serious side effects, especially pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Because of this, people who have a history of alcohol use disorder or drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day shouldn't take this medication. Speak to your prescriber if you have more questions about drinking alcohol while taking Viberzi (eluxadoline).
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Viberzi (eluxadoline) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75mg | 60 tablets | $1,615.02 | $26.92 |
| 100mg | 60 tablets | $1,556.59 | $25.94 |
Typical dosage for Viberzi (eluxadoline)
The typical starting dose is 100 mg by mouth twice a day with food.
Your dose might be lower if you can't tolerate the 100 mg dose, are taking medications that interact with Viberzi (eluxadoline), or have kidney or liver problems.
How much does Viberzi (eluxadoline) cost?
$1,556.59
Viberzi (eluxadoline) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Viberzi (eluxadoline) will not be safe for you to take.
- People without a gallbladder
- Biliary duct problems
- Alcohol use disorder or people who drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day
- Pancreas problems
- Serious liver problems
- History of long-term constipation or severe constipation
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