Eluxadoline (Viberzi) for IBS-D: Uses, Dosage, Side effects

Drug Name: Eluxadoline

Brand Name: Viberzi

Primary Indications: IBS-D

VIBERZI is a type of medication that is used to treat a specific form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known as IBS-D [Ref]

It is prescribed to adults who are experiencing stomach discomfort and diarrhea at the same time.

The active ingredient in VIBERZI is eluxadoline, which works by reducing the movement of the intestines. This, in turn, reduces the symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

Uses of Viberzi (Eluxadoline):

This medicine, Viberzi, is used to treat a stomach condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D).

IBS-D is a disorder that causes frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and discomfort. Viberzi works by reducing the movement of your intestines.

It helps to slow down the passage of food through your gut, reducing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements.

This can help to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that are common with IBS-D.

By decreasing the motility of your intestines, Viberzi can also help to regulate the speed at which food moves through your digestive system, which can improve your digestion and overall gut health.

It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor when taking Viberzi to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

Instructions to use Viberzi:

Read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist before starting treatment each time you refill your prescription.

Take this medication by mouth with meals twice a day as directed by your doctor.

Viberzi Dosage:

• Typical Dosage:
  • 100 mg orally twice a day
• Reduced Dosage:
  • 75 mg orally twice a day (for those who cannot tolerate the standard dose)
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• Use this medication only as directed by your doctor. Do not increase the dosage, frequency, or duration of use without consulting your doctor.
• To get the best results, take this medication regularly. Take it at the same time every day to ensure you don’t forget to take it.
• If you have a history of substance abuse or addiction, taking this medication could increase your risk of addiction. Take this medication exactly as directed to reduce the risk of addiction.
• If your condition does not improve or worsens, inform your doctor.

Here’s a table summarizing the directions to use Viberzi:

Eluxadoline cautions, alerts, and contraindications:

Viberzi is not safe for use if you have certain conditions:

• Blockage in your intestines or severe constipation
• Previous history of gallbladder removal, obstruction, or issues with the sphincter of Oddi
• Serious liver or pancreatic conditions
• Regular consumption of more than three alcoholic drinks per day

You should tell your doctor if you have:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease or are on dialysis
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• It is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 to use Viberzi. Always inform your doctor of your medical history before taking any medication.

Dosing information of Eluxadoline (Viberzi):

Dosage:

• The typical dose is 100 mg of Viberzi, taken orally twice a day with a meal.
• If you can’t tolerate the standard dose, your doctor may lower it to 75 mg orally twice a day.
• Take 1 tablet of Viberzi twice daily with meals, as directed by your doctor.

Tips:

• Take Viberzi exactly as your doctor tells you to, to get the full benefits of the medication.
• Keep taking Viberzi for as long as your doctor tells you to, to maintain its effects.
• If you stop taking Viberzi without your doctor’s approval, your IBS-D symptoms may come back.
• If you experience severe constipation, stop taking Viberzi immediately.

Here’s a table that summarizes the dosing information for Viberzi:

Side effects of Eluxadoline (Viberzi):

If you experience any of these then get immediate help

• Hives
• Swelling of your face, tongue, neck
• Difficulty breathing

In case you develop any of the following conditions, quit taking this drug.

• new or deteriorating stomach ache (may be severe)
• vomiting and nausea
• severe constipation that lasts more than four days
• extreme discomfort in your upper stomach that spreads to your back

Table summarizing the side effects of Eluxadoline (Viberzi):

Mechanism of action of Eluxadoline:

Eluxadoline (Viberzi) has three important characteristics:

• It activates the mu-opioid receptor and kappa opioid receptor and
• blocks the delta-opioid receptor.

Viberzi is used to help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who have diarrhea.

It works by reducing the movement of the intestines and stopping stress from making things worse.

Unlike other medications that can cause constipation, Viberzi reduces this problem by blocking the delta-opioid receptor.

Viberzi is a good choice for people with IBS because it doesn’t cause as many side effects as other drugs, because it mostly stays in the intestines and doesn’t spread throughout the body.

Is Viberzi (Eluxadoline) a narcotic drug?

Although Viberzi can attach to the same receptors as opioid drugs, it is not classified as a narcotic drug.

Viberzi primarily works in the intestines and does not cause any side effects or behavioral changes that opioid drugs typically cause.

In other words, it has a targeted effect in the gut and does not produce the same potentially addictive or harmful effects as traditional opioid drugs.

Viberzi and False-Positive Drug Testing:

Viberzi (eluxadoline) is not known to cause a positive drug test for commonly tested substances such as opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana.

However, some drug tests may be sensitive enough to detect the presence of eluxadoline or its metabolites, which could potentially result in a false positive test.

Comparison of other IBS Drugs Vs Eluxadoline (Viberzi):