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Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • Viberzi is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). 
  • It seems to work by slowing down the movement of the gut, which can help decrease diarrhea. 
  • Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and stomach pain. 
  • Stop taking Viberzi and call your health care provider right away if you have severe constipation, new or worse stomach pain, or pain in the upper right side of your stomach-area that travels to your back or shoulder. 
  • Limit your use of alcohol while taking Viberzi.

Uses

What is Viberzi used for?

Viberzi (eluxadoline) is commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). 

Viberzi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Viberzi work (mechanism of action)?

Viberzi seems to work by slowing down the movement of your gut, so food moves through more slowly. This helps decrease diarrhea.

How is Viberzi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Viberzi 

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 75 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Viberzi?

Viberzi should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Viberzi?

The most common side effects of Viberzi are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation (see below)
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain

There may be other side effects of Viberzi that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Viberzi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Viberzi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Viberzi may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Some people needed to go to the hospital or died. You may be more likely to have pancreatitis if you do not have a gallbladder or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day. Stop taking Viberzi and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back. 

Sphincter of Oddi Spasm. The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve in your body that controls the flow of bile and digestive juices from the pancreas into the small intestine. When this valve spasms, it may feel like getting a tight muscle cramp, causing pain and blocking the flow of these juices, which can lead to discomfort and digestive problems. This is more likely to happen if you do not have a gallbladder. Stop taking Viberzi and get emergency help if you have new or worse stomach pain or pain in the upper right side of your stomach area that travels to your back or shoulder, with or without nausea and vomiting. 

Constipation. Some people taking Viberzi have had severe constipation. Some needed to go to the hospital. Stop taking Viberzi and get help right away if you have severe constipation. 

Severe Allergic Reactions. Viberzi can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Viberzi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Viberzi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Viberzi.

  • Eluxadoline
  • Viberzi
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Viberzi.

People Without a Gallbladder. Do not take Viberzi if you do not have a gallbladder. The risk of inflammation of the pancreas, also called pancreatitis, and sphincter of Oddi spasm is higher if you do not have a gallbladder. 

Bile Duct Blockage. Do not take Viberzi if you have a bile duct obstruction or if you have a problem with your sphincter of Oddi. These problems can prevent the flow of certain digestive juices into your gut. People with these problems who take Viberzi are at a higher risk of pancreatitis.

Alcohol Use Disorder. The risk of pancreatitis with Viberzi is increased if you drink alcohol. Do not take Viberzi if you have more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day. 

Pancreas Problems. Do not take Viberzi if you have ever had pancreatitis or other problems with your pancreas, including a blockage in your pancreas. People with these pancreas problems may have a higher risk of pancreatitis while taking Viberzi.

Severe Liver Problems. Viberzi should not be used if you have severe liver disease. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Severe Constipation. Do not take Viberzi if you have had severe or long-lasting constipation, or if you have a blockage in your gut. Viberzi can worsen these effects or could lead to a gut blockage. 

What should I know about Viberzi before using it?

Do not take Viberzi unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Viberzi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Viberzi out of the reach of children. Viberzi is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store Viberzi in a safe place to protect it from theft. It's illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Take Viberzi with food.

Viberzi can affect your alertness or coordination if you have liver problems. If you have liver problems, do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Viberzi affects you.

People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Viberzi, including stomach problems and other serious side effects. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Viberzi?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Viberzi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Substance Use Disorder. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol disorder. Viberzi is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence.

Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough to take this medicine. 

Kidney Problems. Tell your health care provider if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. Your dose may need to be adjusted. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Viberzi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Viberzi, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Viberzi could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Viberzi passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Viberzi while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Viberzi?

For more information about Viberzi, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.viberzi.com or call them at 800-678-1605.

Interactions

Does Viberzi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Viberzi and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.

Drinking alcohol, especially if you drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day, increases your risk of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). You should limit how much alcohol you drink while taking Viberzi.

Does Viberzi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Viberzi.

  • Any medicine that can cause constipation, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D and others), alosetron (Lotronex), and opioid medicines, such as morphine 
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • A medicine for HIV or AIDS, such as atazanavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Eltrombopag (Alvaiz, Promacta), which is a medicine used to increase platelet levels

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Viberzi, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Viberzi. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Viberzi?

If you or someone else has used too much Viberzi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Viberzi?

If you miss a dose, take the next dose at your usual time. Do not take double or extra doses.