Amitiza

Generic Name: lubiprostone (loo bee PROS tone)
Brand Names: Amitiza

What is Amitiza?

Amitiza is a chloride channel activator. It increases fluid secretion in your intestines which increases intestinal muscle movement and helps make it easier to pass stools (bowel movements).

Amitiza is used to treat chronic constipation in adults. It is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women with constipation as the main symptom.

Amitiza may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

Important information about Amitiza

Use Amitiza exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Do not take Amitiza if you have severe diarrhea. Call your doctor for instructions.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of hernia, gallstones, Crohn's disease, Hirschsprung's disease, impacted bowel movement, diverticulitis, polyps, or any other cause for obstruction in your gastrointestinal (digestive) system.

You may have tightness in your chest or feel short of breath within 1 hour after taking Amitiza. This side effect should go away within 3 hours, but it may occur again when you take your next dose. Talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious Amitiza side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

Before taking Amitiza

You should not use Amitiza if you have blockage in your digestive tract, or if you have severe diarrhea.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of hernia, gallstones, Crohn's disease, Hirschsprung's disease, impacted bowel movement, diverticulitis, polyps, or any other cause for obstruction in your gastrointestinal (digestive) system.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Amitiza or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C: This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Amitiza without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. You may be asked to have a pregnancy test before you start taking Amitiza. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if Amitiza passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Amitiza should not be given to a child.

How should I take Amitiza?

Take Amitiza exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take Amitiza with food. Drink a full glass of water when you take this medication.

You may have tightness in your chest or feel short of breath within 1 hour after taking Amitiza. This side effect should go away within 3 hours, but it may occur again when you take your next dose. Talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome.

Do not take Amitiza if you have severe diarrhea. Call your doctor for instructions. Store Amitiza at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, hot flashes, trouble breathing, pale skin, headache, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Amitiza?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Amitiza.

Amitiza side effects

Stop using Amitiza and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Less serious Amitiza side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using Amitiza and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• stomach pain, bloating, gas;

• sore throat, cough;

• headache, dizziness;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• joint or muscle pain; or

• anxiety, cold sweats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Amitiza side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Amitiza?

There may be other drugs that can affect Amitiza. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Amitiza.