Viberzi is an anti-diarrhea medication that is linked to over 120 cases of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) and 2 deaths. The FDA warns that people without a gallbladder have the highest risk of severe 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 after taking Viberzi, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Overview
Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a medicine that treats irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. It is the first and only medication of its kind. Viberzi acts on opioid receptors in the intestines to slow down bowel contractions.
What is the problem?
Viberzi can effectively stop diarrhea, but it may unintentionally slow down the flow of pancreatic juices into the intestines (a condition called Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction) and cause these pancreatic juices to back up into the gallbladder. In patients without a gallbladder, digestive juices can back up into the pancreas and cause pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach. It releases powerful enzymes into the intestines to digest food. If these enzymes back up into the pancreas, the enzymes will start digesting the pancreas. This can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammation in the pancreas.
FDA Warning for Viberzi Pancreatitis & Death Risk
The FDA warns that it should not be used in patients without a gallbladder because they are more likely to develop severe pancreatitis that could result in hospitalization or death.
There were 120 reports of severe pancreatitis or death in patients on Viberzi between May 2015 and February 2017, according to a safety warning issued by the FDA in May 2017.
There were 56 reports of pancreatitis in patients without gallbladders, including 2 people who died. Another 76 people were hospitalized. Pancreatitis can occur after just 1 or 2 doses of Viberzi in some cases.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Fever
- Body chills
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
Pancreatitis Treatment
Treatment for pancreatitis requires hospitalization and IV fluids, antibiotics, and painkillers. The patient will not be able to eat or drink anything until the pancreas recovers. Unless complications occur, pancreatitis usually resolves in a few days. In severe cases, patients may need to use a feeding tube for several weeks to give the pancreas enough time to recover.
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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