Viberzi is an opioid-based anti-diarrhea medication that has been linked to at least 120 severe cases of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) and deaths. People without a gallbladder have the highest risk of side effects.
Need a Texas Viberzi Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with pancreatitis, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
How Does Viberzi Work?
Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a new type of medication for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who suffer from diarrhea. Unlike most other anti-diarrhea drugs, Viberzi works by activating opioid receptors in the intestines to slow down muscle contractions that cause diarrhea. It is the first medication of its kind in a new class of drugs called mu-opioid receptor agonists.
What is the Risk?
One unintended consequence of slowing down muscle activity in the intestines is sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. This is a ring-shaped muscle that controls the flow of digestive juices from the pancreas and the liver into the intestines.
Viberzi and Pancreatitis
If the sphincter of Oddi does not open, digestive juices get backed up. It is a serious problem in people who do not have a gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-sized organ that stores and concentrates bile. In people without a gallbladder, backed-up digestive juices have no place to go except the pancreas. As digestive juices start digesting tissues in the pancreas, it causes severe inflammation (pancreatitis) and pain.
FDA Safety Warning for Viberzi Pancreatitis & Death
In March 2017, an FDA Drug Safety Communication warned that Viberzi should not be used by people without a gallbladder. They have a higher the risk of developing severe pancreatitis that could result in hospitalization or death.
The FDA received 120 reports of serious pancreatitis or death between May 2015 (when Viberzi was approved) and February 2017. These reports included 76 people who were hospitalized, 56 people without gallbladders, and two people without gallbladders who died.
Symptoms of pancreatitis have occurred after just one or two doses of Viberzi. Patients should stop taking Viberzi and get emergency medical care if they develop new or worsening abdominal pain, the most common signs of pancreatitis or sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
- Pain in your stomach-area or abdomen
- Pain that spreads to the back or shoulder
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Bloating
- Body chills
- Diarrhea or indigestion
- Fatigue
- And more
What is the problem?
The Clark Firm, LLP is nationally recognized as a class action law firm in Texas, but we are not currently filing a Viberzi class action. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits for people who developed pancreatitis.
About Class Actions
Class actions maximize efficiency when a large group of people have very similar legal claims. Everyone consolidates their claims into one lawsuit. Lawyers seek compensation on behalf of everyone who was injured and divide the payout with everyone who joins the lawsuit.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
Class actions are not designed to maximize the payout for individuals with the most severe injuries. This is why most people who suffer major side effects of a defective medication do not file a class action.
Instead, our lawyers are filing individual lawsuits for Viberzi side effects. We specialize in holding drug-makers accountable for selling dangerous medications and failing to warn about severe side effects. If you were injured, we may be able to help you get compensation.
Need a Viberzi Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Viberzi lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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