Viberzi

Viberzi users who developed pancreatitis while taking the antidiarrheal drug, and the loved ones of those who suffered harmful side effects allegedly caused by Viberzi treatment, are filing product liability lawsuits against the maker of the prescription drug. Viberzi lawsuits claim that Ireland-based Allergan, the company that manufactures the medication, failed to adequately warn doctors and patients that the antidiarrheal drug may increase the risk of pancreatitis resulting in hospitalization or death in patients who don’t have a gallbladder. If you took Viberzi in the past, and you have suffered pancreatitis or another serious side effect, contact a knowledgeable product liability lawyer today to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a Viberzi lawsuit against Allergan, in order to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related losses.

History of Viberzi

Viberzi garnered FDA approval for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in May 2015. In March 2017, less than two years later, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a drug safety communication highlighting the potential for Viberzi to increase the risk of pancreatitis side effects in patients without their gallbladder, even when the drug is taken at the recommended dosage. According to the FDA, from the date Viberzi was approved, through February 2017, the agency received 120 adverse event reports highlighting serious cases of pancreatitis side effects or death among Viberzi users. Of the 68 patients who reported their gallbladder status to the FDA, 56 did not have a gallbladder, 76 were hospitalized and two died. The FDA currently recommends that individuals taking Viberzi who develop new or worsening stomach-area or abdominal pain that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, stop taking Viberzi right away and seek emergency medical care. Prior to this FDA warning, it was widely believed that Viberzi was safe for use among patients without a gallbladder.

Side Effects of Viberzi

Pancreatitis is a potentially deadly medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Some common symptoms of pancreatitis include:

Back pain
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Rapid heart rate
Fever

Weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Excessive sweating
Pain that radiates to the back or shoulder

According to the FDA, from the date Viberzi was approved, through February 2017, the agency received 120 adverse event reports highlighting serious cases of pancreatitis side effects or death.

Side Effects of Viberzi

Pancreatitis is a potentially deadly medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Some common symptoms of pancreatitis include:

Back pain
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Rapid heart rate
Fever

Weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Excessive sweating
Pain that radiates to the back or shoulder

What is Viberzi?

Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a prescription antidiarrheal medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, a condition that affects the large intestine and can cause cramping, bloating, gas, frequent diarrhea, and chronic stomach-area or abdomen pain. Viberzi is designed to work by slowing the movement of food during digestion and decreasing bowel contractions, which can reduce diarrhea, relieve abdominal pain and improve stool consistency. Viberzi differs from other diarrhea drugs in that it does not cause constipation, which makes it a popular treatment for adults experiencing symptoms of IBS-D.

However, Viberzi is not without risks. The antidiarrheal drug has been strongly linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis in patients who do not have a gallbladder, which, according to the FDA, “may be caused by spasm of a certain digestive system muscle in the small intestine,” called the sphincter of Oddi, a muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices to the gut. According to reports, potentially life-threatening pancreatitis from Viberzi use can occur within just one week of beginning treatment. As a result of this potential risk, the FDA recommends that health care professionals consider alternative treatment options for IBS-D, especially among patients who do not have a gallbladder.

Why File a Viberzi Lawsuit?

Viberzi injury lawsuits claim:

Allergan manufactured and sold a defective medication
The manufacturing company may have been aware of the potential for Viberzi to cause pancreatitis in users, but withheld this information from the public
The company marketed Viberzi for the treatment of IBS-D without adequate testing
Allergan overstated the benefits of Viberzi and downplayed its risks
The manufacturing company was negligent in failing to warn about the potential link between Viberzi treatment and pancreatitis
Allergan promoted Viberzi as a safe treatment for IBS-D in patients without a gallbladder, and even recommended a specific dosage for these patients

Viberzi Lawsuit Information

With the Viberzi litigation in its beginning stages, many former Viberzi users remain unaware that their medical problems may have been caused by the antidiarrheal drug. However, as more information comes to light about the potential for Viberzi treatment to cause pancreatitis and other life-threatening complications in users, Viberzi lawyers across the country are investigating claims that the prescription drug led to pancreatitis side effects, hospitalization or death in patients. Viberzi users filing complaints against drug maker Allergan cite a lack of studies showing that the drug is safe for use in patients without their gallbladder, which shows that Allergan may have been negligent in failing to adequately research the potential risks of the medication. Viberzi injury lawsuits seek financial compensation from Allergan for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity and diminished quality of life.