Viberzi
Viberzi (vye BER zee) is a brand-name medication prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Viberzi belongs to a group of drugs called opioid receptor agonists.
Viberzi (vye BER zee) is a brand-name medication prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Viberzi belongs to a group of drugs called opioid receptor agonists.
- Brand
- • Tablet
- • 100mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Ashley Wong, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Bryson Russell PharmD, MHSA, MSc
Updated on October 30, 2023
Viberzi (vye BER zee) is a brand-name medication prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Viberzi belongs to a group of drugs called opioid receptor agonists.
Side effects
Side effects of Viberzi
Viberzi may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Viberzi and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about Viberzi’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Viberzi listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of Viberzi are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of Viberzi you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Viberzi’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Viberzi listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Viberzi’s mild side effects include:
- mild constipation
- nausea
- stomach pain
- upper respiratory tract infection
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Viberzi” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Viberzi are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Viberzi’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for Viberzi listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, Viberzi’s serious side effects include:
- inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- digestive system problems
- breathing problems
- severe constipation
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Viberzi” section.
FAQ
Common questions about Viberzi
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Viberzi.
Can Viberzi cause weight gain?
Weight gain isn’t one of the reported side effects of Viberzi. But this doesn’t mean weight gain with Viberzi won’t happen or be reported in the future.
If you have more questions about Viberzi’s effect on your weight, talk with your doctor.
How does Viberzi compare with Imodium?
Imodium and Viberzi are both treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). However, Viberzi is a prescription medication that’s taken on a regular basis. Imodium is an over-the-counter medication that’s taken as needed when you are having symptoms.
Some people take both medications to help manage their IBS-D. If you’re also taking Imodium for IBS-D, talk with your doctor about how much you can safely take. Taking both Viberzi and Imodium for long periods of time can raise your risk of serious constipation that may require hospitalization.
If you have questions about alternative treatment options for your condition, talk with your doctor.
Is Viberzi an opioid?
No, Viberzi isn’t an opioid. Opioid medications work by interacting with opioid receptors in your central nervous system (CNS). (The CNS is made up of your brain and spinal cord.) This helps relieve general pain. Viberzi works by interacting with opioid receptors in your gut. This slows down the muscle contractions that move food through your intestines, which eases diarrhea and stomach pain.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor.
How does Viberzi work? And how long does it take to start working?
Viberzi works to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) by interacting with specific receptors in your gut. This reduces diarrhea and stomach pain by slowing down the muscle contractions that move food through your intestines. Viberzi can also improve the consistency of your stool.
Viberzi starts to work right away after you take it. Most people feel the effects of the medication sometime within the first 4 weeks of starting treatment.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of Viberzi
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Viberzi for certain conditions. The approved use for Viberzi is described below.
Use for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Doctors may prescribe Viberzi for treating irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes changes in your bowel movements. It can cause a wide range of other symptoms, including stomach cramps, gas, and bloating. There are three types of IBS: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). Viberzi is approved to treat IBS-D.
IBS-D has many of the same symptoms as other types of IBS. But the main symptoms are diarrhea, loose stools, and sudden urges to have bowel movements. Viberzi reduces stomach pain and makes stools less loose and watery.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for Viberzi
Below, you’ll find information about Viberzi’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Viberzi
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take Viberzi, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Viberzi” section below.
Warnings for Viberzi
Some people should not take Viberzi, and others should take it cautiously.
Viberzi could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Viberzi is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Viberzi, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Viberzi can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Viberzi or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Viberzi. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to Viberzi, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of Viberzi
You should not take more Viberzi than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much Viberzi, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Viberzi
Information about Viberzi and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Viberzi and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Viberzi should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Viberzi and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Viberzi should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about Viberzi or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are there any drug interactions I should know about while I’m taking Viberzi?
- Can I develop an addiction to Viberzi?
- How long will I take Viberzi?
- Is it safe to take other medications that help manage my IBS-D with Viberzi?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Viberzi (eluxadoline) tablets, for oral use, CIV. (2020). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/206940s007lbl.pdf
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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