After two patients without a gallbladder died while taking the irritable bowel syndrome drug, Viberzi, the FDA warns all users about an increased risk of serious pancreatitis while on the medication. An FDA review found patients, especially without a gallbladder, have an increased risk of developing serious pancreatitis that could result in hospitalization or death.
About Viberzi
Viberzi is a prescription medication prescribed by doctors to treat irritable bowel syndrome in adults. This medication works best when an adult has the main symptom of diarrhea (IBS-D). IBS-D affects the large intestine and causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas and diarrhea. Viberzi decreases bowel contractions to minimize diarrhea.
Viberzi Deaths
The FDA approved Viberzi in May of 2015. From then through February 2017, the FDA received 120 reports of pancreatitis or death. Out of the 120 reports, 56 did not have a gallbladder.
The FDA released a statement describing one death from pancreatitis as being acute with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting which occurred within 60 minutes of taking a single dose of Viberzi. The patient who experienced pancreatitis died within 3 days of taking the initial dose.
Viberzi & Pancreatitis Symptoms
The FDA recommends not taking Viberzi if you do not have a gallbladder. Hospitalization or death can occur. Stop taking Viberzi immediately if you experience pancreatitis symptoms. These can be new or worsening stomach-area or abdomen pain, or pain in the upper right side of your stomach area or abdomen that may move to your back or shoulder. This pain may be coupled with nausea and vomiting.
If you or someone you know has suffered an adverse event after using Viberzi, you may be eligible for compensation to ease the financial and emotional burdens you are experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.