On March 15, 2017,  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a drug safety communication for eluxadoline (also known by the brand name Viberzi), currently used in treating irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea in adults, 18 and older, both men and women. This warning applies specifically to people without a gallbladder, whom the FDA advises should not take eluxadoline (Viberzi) at this time. There is an apparent increased risk of serious pancreatitis, which has resulted in many reported cases of hospitalization and two deaths.

https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm546154.htm

The FDA is working with the pharmaceutical company Allergan to address the safety concerns and urges patients and physicians to report any adverse events to the FDA.  There are no announced changes in safety concerns or recommendations regarding eluxadoline (Viberzi)  for those individuals who do have a gallbladder.

IBS Impact urges readers who have IBS-D and no gallbladder and are currently taking eluxadoline (Viberzi) to consult their physicians promptly for alternatives.

Last update: March 2017