Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a prescription drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Unfortunately, Viberzi can cause serious or fatal pancreatitis. The risk is higher for people who do not have a gallbladder, but it can happen in people who still have their gallbladders, and can be caused by a single dose. Viberzi was approved in May 2015, and in less than two years the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had received 120 reports of serious pancreatitis in patients using the drug. 76 cases required hospitalization and two were fatal.
Viberzi Dangers
According to the warning issued by the FDA in March 2017, Viberzi should not be prescribed to patients who:
- Do not have a gallbladder
- Have or may have had a blockage of the gallbladder
- Have or may have had a sphincter of Oddi problem
- Have had pancreatitis, blockage of the pancreas, or other pancreas problems
- Have a history of serious liver problem
- Drink more than three alcohol beverages a day
- Have a history of alcohol abuse
- Have a history of severe or chronic constipation
- Have or may have had an intestinal obstruction
The FDA advises that people who do not have a gallbladder should stop taking Viberzi immediately. Doctors should not prescribe Viberzi to patients with no gallbladder and should consider other treatment options first in those who do.
If you or someone you love has suffered pancreatitis while taking Viberzi, please talk to an experienced defective drug attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
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