What is Viberzi Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayViberzi (eluxadoline) is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that is manufactured by Allergan USA. It is a controlled substance (Schedule IV) that was approved in 2015 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat irritable bowel syndrome where the main symptom is diarrhea.
What is Viberzi used for?
IBS is typically classified into 3 main types according to your bowel habits: IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), IBS with constipation (IBS-C), or IBS with mixed symptoms (IBS-M). It is estimated that between 25 to 45 million Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is typically found in people 50 years of age and younger. IBS-D is the most common type which affects 40% of IBS patients.
Viberzi is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, indicated in adults for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
How does Viberzi work?
Viberzi is a mu and kappa opioid receptor agonist and a delta opioid receptor antagonist. When Viberzi interacts with opioid receptors in the stomach and intestines, secretions from the stomach and pancreas are reduced. This slows down the movement of food to delay digestion. Activity at multiple opioid receptors treats the symptoms of IBS-D while reducing the likelihood of constipation.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Viberzi?
- 75mg tablet
- 100mg tablet
Before taking Viberzi
Before starting Viberzi, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Liver problems
- Pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding
How to take Viberzi
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with your Viberzi.
- Take Viberzi exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it to you. Do not change your dose or stop taking Viberzi without discussing it with them.
- Viberzi is taken twice daily with food.
- If you miss a dose of Viberzi, take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take extra doses of Viberzi to make up for missed doses.
- If you think you have taken too much Viberzi, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
- Store Viberzi at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Viberzi contraindications
Viberzi is contraindicated in patients who:
- Have a known hypersensitivity to eluxadoline or any other ingredients in Viberzi.
- Don’t have a gallbladder or have a current or past blockage in their gallbladder.
- Have sphincter of Oddi disease or dysfunction.
- Have a history of alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, or drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day.
- Have inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or a blockage.
- Have severe liver impairment.
- Have chronic or severe constipation.
Viberzi warnings
- Viberzi causes an increased risk of pancreatitis and sphincter of Oddi spasm. Notify your doctor if you have new or worsening abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with Viberzi. Stop taking Viberzi and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms.
- Viberzi is known to cause constipation. You should not take other medications such as anticholinergics that can worsen constipation. Stop taking Viberzi and contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe constipation.
Most common side effects of Viberzi
The most common side effects (incidence ≥3%) of Viberzi include:
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Common cold symptoms
- Bloating
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Rash
Viberzi can cause serious side effects including:
- Life-threatening allergic reactions including hives and trouble breathing
- Pancreatitis
- Severe constipation
- Liver impairment
Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about any adverse effects you experience while taking Viberzi. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Viberzi drug interactions
When Viberzi is taken with other drugs, it may change how they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take, including:
- Cyclosporine
- Gemfibrozil
- Rifampin
- Eltrombopag
- Rosuvastatin
Viberzi alternatives
There are other IBS-D medications that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Viberzi is not the right medication for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
How does Viberzi compare with Xifaxin?
Viberzi and Xifaxin are 2 different classes of medication used to treat IBS-D. Xifaxin was originally approved for the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea caused by E. coli. The recommended dose of Xifaxin is 550mg by mouth 3 times a day for 14 days. Patients can be retreated up to 2 times with Xifaxin. Its efficacy was proved in clinical trials that showed it reduced IBS-D symptoms significantly more than placebo.
Viberzi is a mu-receptor agonist that interacts with opioid receptors in the GI tract to treat IBS-D. The recommended dose of Viberzi is 100mg by mouth twice daily. Viberzi was shown to be effective in 2 clinical studies that improved stomach pain and stool consistency from 23% to 33% compared to 19% to 20% for placebo.
There is currently no generic alternative available for either medication. Viberzi has an average cost of around $1,700 for #60, 100mg tablets while Xifaxin costs approximately $2,300 for #42, 550mg tablets.
Viberzi FAQs
How long will I have to take Viberzi?
You should take Viberzi unless you’re having side effects such as constipation or your doctor tells you to stop. Viberzi is not a medication you take as needed. You will need to take Viberzi every day for it to work properly.
Is Viberzi an opioid?
No, Viberzi is not an opioid. It does work on some of the same receptors as opioid pain medications, but it has a lower risk of abuse and dependence.
Can I become addicted to Viberzi?
Viberzi is a Schedule IV controlled substance that does carry the risk of dependence. But according to its manufacturer, Viberzi was designed to have a low risk for abuse and a low potential for dependence.
What are the most common side effects of Viberzi?
The most common side effects of Viberzi include:
- Constipation (7-8%)
- Nausea (7-8%)
- Stomach pain (6-7%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (3-5%)
- Vomiting (4%)
Can you take Viberzi while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no studies that look at the effects Viberzi might have on a fetus during pregnancy. There is also no data on whether Viberzi is found in breast milk, the effects of Verberzi on the infant, or its effects on milk production. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Is there a generic for Viberzi?
Currently, there is no generic Viberzi available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Viberzi through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
