Skip to main content

Viberzi

Generic name: eluxadolineEL-ux-AD-oh-leen ]
Drug class: Peripheral opioid receptor mixed agonists / antagonists

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

What is Viberzi?

Viberzi works directly in your intestines to slow the movement of food during digestion. Eluxadoline also makes the nerves in your intestines less sensitive to stimulation.

Viberzi is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome when the main symptom is diarrhea.

Viberzi may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Viberzi if you have a pancreas disorder, severe liver disease, alcoholism, a blockage in your intestines, a gallbladder disorder, or if your gallbladder has been removed.

Viberzi may cause pancreatitis or constipation, which could be severe or lead to hospitalization. Call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing constipation, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back (with or without nausea and vomiting).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Viberzi if you are allergic to eluxadoline, or if you have:

To make sure Viberzi is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Viberzi is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Viberzi?

Take Viberzi exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Eluxadoline may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take with food.

Viberzi may cause pancreatitis or constipation, which could be severe or lead to hospitalization. Call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing constipation, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back (with or without nausea and vomiting).

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Usual dose: 100 mg orally twice a day

Comments:
-Dose should be reduced to 75 mg orally twice a day for patients unable to tolerate usual dose.
-If severe constipation develops, this drug should be discontinued.

Use: For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of pancreas problems.

Avoid taking anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) without your doctor's advice. Taking loperamide long-term while you are taking Viberzi may cause severe constipation.

Viberzi side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Viberzi: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common Viberzi side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Viberzi?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with eluxadoline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Viberzi (eluxadoline) works on three opioid receptors in the gut (mu, delta, and kappa) to reduce stomach pain and relieve diarrhea, hallmark symptoms of IBS-D. It makes stools more solid and less loose and watery. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Viberzi only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.