Eluxadoline and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• And...
• December 27, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have been on Viberzi for over 2 years now, so I think I have a good understanding of how this drug works for me. The first few months, it was a miracle, all my symptoms were gone. I actually was thinking I was cured! But the symptoms slowly started to come back. Almost settled down in a pattern, a few good days followed by a few bad ones. However, there is one biggest difference - most of the time (not always), the diarrhea is less “violent.” We all know the feeling of urgency and panic when we need to run to the bathroom immediately, but Viberzi lowers the urgency. Sometimes, when I feel the need to “go,” I can take 10-15 minutes to look around and find a bathroom. I think this is the biggest advantage of this medication for me. Also, for two weeks I was not able to take Viberzi, and I had the worst diarrhea I ever had. I worry that my digestive system is dependent on it."

• J19...
• December 14, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have been taking Viberzi 100 mg for about 4 months. I do not have a gallbladder, and almost 2 years ago, I had a bowel blockage. I have had diarrhea at least 4 times a week, with high anxiety for traveling. At first, I took this medicine for 2 weeks, 100 mg twice a day, and didn't have a bowel movement for 4 days, so I went off of it for a few days, then tried again, same result and very bad stomach pain. With problems continuing, I found many reviews being too constipating, so I started taking 1 pill every morning with food. Since I adjusted the dose, over 2 months ago, it has worked great. I now have a regular bowel movement almost every day, sometimes twice a day! I have had diarrhea twice in the last 2 months, this has helped me get back to living and work. It helped me!"

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I first got IBS-D when I was a freshman in high school. Now, eight years later, I found Viberzi. I'm on my third month with it, and it has worked wonders! I experienced abdominal pain when I first started, but I read the instructions and realized I needed to take it with food. It's important to take it with a meal rather than a snack, since that works better for me. I take the 100 mg tablets twice a day. I still get anxious about going out, but after living with this for eight years, living a more normal life takes getting used to. I've only gotten diarrhea when I had a virus or that time of the month hit, but otherwise, I haven't had any more incidents. I can even eat chili without getting sick!"

• Nyk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I had diarrhea from my IBS and took 4 doses of 100 mg over a period of a week and had a severe case of pain due to sphincter oddi. The pain was so severe in the chest, back, and abdomen and radiated down the right arm. Also, severe confusion and fainting prior to pain onset. The pain was immediate with no warning. I was transported by EMS to the ER. I was given trial packages that did not include side effects. It did stop the diarrhea, but the side effects were not worth it."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have been taking Viberzi for a couple of months now. Prednisone was the only thing that was able to control my lymphocytic colitis. I am now on Viberzi in addition to Imuran, and it has been working tremendously. No more diarrhea, I can eat most food I wasn't able to eat before. I found myself sick with a bug last week, which resulted in diarrhea. I took my nighttime Viberzi dose and had no more diarrhea after that. I saw some of the reviews here and wanted to give my opinion and share how well it's worked for me."

• Ano...
• March 25, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "For the last 20 years, I have had issues with IBS-D. I'd say I would have a 'normal' bowel movement 5% of the time, with about 1-2 occurrences of rushing to the bathroom per day, and the rest of the time just unpleasant bowel movements. My gastro prescribed 75 mg Viberzi, and it worked almost immediately. I'd say in the first week, I had two occurrences of diarrhea, and the rest of the time I was 'normal.' After a month, I have had diarrhea a total of 3 times and had some of my best bowel movements in the last 20 years. I've even eaten Taco Bell several times and not had to go. It is truly freeing to not feel nervous about whether I would make it home in time after eating dinner."

• Ami...
• April 11, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I've been having success for years controlling my symptoms with probiotics and a sugar-free, spice-free diet, but thought maybe with Viberzi I could eventually get back to eating anything I want again. You know, be 'normal'? Wrong! After just a few days of taking it, I had pain like I have never felt before in my life-shooting up my back and stomach, to the point that I was vomiting nonstop and shooting pangs of diarrhea (!!) Isn't that what this drug is supposed to cure? It was like the worst case of food poisoning, but with indescribable pain. I remember saying, 'I'll take IBS-D over this any day!' I am back on my probiotics and my sugar-free diet and finally recovered again. I'm glad that it works for some people, but not for me. Yikes."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Started Viberzi 75 mg 2x daily for IBS-D since I don't have a gallbladder. Was great for the first 4 days, and then diarrhea kicked in 1x daily. Early this morning, had severe abdominal pain with sweating and weakness. Pain was so bad I thought I was having a heart attack and almost called 911. Made myself vomit and felt better after that. MD said if it happens again, I will have to come off the Viberzi."

• Hig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "26 yrs DX of IBS-D, collagenous colitis, Crohn's, total colectomy w/J-pouch. I have tried every Rx known, and nothing could stop the 20 BM's, incontinence, nausea, GI cramping, and rectal spasms (from surgery). I found Viberzi, read patient reviews, Allergan Pharm documentation. I was on 100 mg x2 daily. Similar symptoms the first few days, by the 3rd day, major decrease in stool frequency and gut motility. Then, towards my 29th day, it abruptly quit working. I became severely ill: nausea, vomiting, headache. GI had me stop taking Viberzi, vomiting and diarrhea in bed a week. GI did blood work and Lipase levels at 124, next week Creatinine 1.2 Lipase 200, still very ill & no answers, my headache off of it for 26 days. FDA fast-tracked this, be careful!"

• Col...
• May 16, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I struggled with severe IBS-D for 24 years. Viberzi began working on day 2 of taking it. It has changed my life! I am able to function and participate in activities outside of my home. I was having watery diarrhea 15-120 times daily. I have been on Viberzi for 11 days, and I have only experienced 2 bouts of diarrhea."

• pfr...
• February 9, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have suffered from IBS-D for 10 years. I used to be able to manage it by not eating triggers and occasional Imodium. The last six months, it had gotten so much worse. I couldn't eat without running to the bathroom within 15 minutes. Going out to eat was horrible. I barely could make it home. It started causing major anxiety because a few times I almost didn't make it. The spasms would last all day. I could hardly eat anything. I would have to take 7 to 10 Imodium if I was going to go out to keep the diarrhea away. I was living on it! After normal testing, the doctor put me on Viberzi. It has been a miracle drug. It has given me my life back!!!"

• JL7...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have had IBS-D for nearly 25 years and getting worse as time goes on. Flare-ups after everything I ate. Traveling anywhere is horrible, and I could never eat the day before flying until I landed, then would eat. My Dr. prescribed this medicine, and I have been taking it for 2 weeks. So far, so good, with only 2 diarrhea episodes. That is really good for me! I hope it changes my life and everyone suffering from this frustrating condition! I'm sorry to the ones it didn't help, I hope you can find some relief soon!"

• Maj...
• March 17, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have taken both the 75 mg and the 100 mg Viberzi. When I started on this medication, the 75 mg worked somewhat. My diarrhea was slowed, and the stool was more solid. However, after being on it for a month or a little longer, the benefits decreased. I went from having 3 to 4 bowel movements a day to having 6 or more. The usual pattern was that the first movement was the most solid, the next ones were more loose and runny. My doctor increased the strength of Viberzi to the 100 mg. Same basic issues... worked well at first, but after using it for a while, I was back to having 6 or more movements, with the first one the most solid. I am again trying the lower dose, as the cost of the 100 mg was way too expensive, even with Medicare and my supplement drug plan."

• Maj...
• March 17, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have taken both the 75 mg and the 100 mg Viberzi. When I started on this medication, the 75 mg worked somewhat. My diarrhea was slowed, and the stool was more solid. However, after being on it for a month or a little longer, the benefits decreased. I went from having 3 to 4 bowel movements a day to having 6 or more. The usual pattern was that the first movement was the most solid, the next ones were more loose and runny. My doctor increased the strength of Viberzi to the 100 mg. Same basic issues... worked well at first, but after using it for a while, I was back to having 6 or more movements, with the first one the most solid. I am again trying the lower dose, as the cost of the 100 mg was way too expensive, even with Medicare and my supplement drug plan."

• Maj...
• March 17, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have taken both the 75 mg and the 100 mg Viberzi. When I started on this medication, the 75 mg worked somewhat. My diarrhea was slowed, and the stool was more solid. However, after being on it for a month or a little longer, the benefits decreased. I went from having 3 to 4 bowel movements a day to having 6 or more. The usual pattern was that the first movement was the most solid, the next ones were more loose and runny. My doctor increased the strength of Viberzi to the 100 mg. Same basic issues... worked well at first, but after using it for a while, I was back to having 6 or more movements, with the first one the most solid. I am again trying the lower dose, as the cost of the 100 mg was way too expensive, even with Medicare and my supplement drug plan."

• Klb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Started this five months ago, and in the first week, I was totally fine. It stopped all symptoms. Felt great. Ate what I wanted. After being diagnosed over 20 years ago and managed well with diet for most of the past years. A year ago, I was back to 8 trips to the bathroom with immediate diarrhea daily, at least 4-5 days per week. Viberzi was amazing. Went to the pharmacy this week to pick up a refill. Had a note to call the doctor. Had to take me off immediately. Has been blacklisted for patients without a gallbladder. Doc wanted me on Lotronex. Has also been blacklisted for tissue death in the intestines! I stopped medication on Thursday, and I have had an immediate resumption of diarrhea. Can't leave the house. Have to travel to a conference for work all week."

• KBF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "This medicine has been a life-changer for me. I've tried absolutely everything, and this is the only thing that controls loose stools and diarrhea without making me constipated. It has honestly been a miracle, especially because I work and travel a lot, and that was always so stressful - I wouldn't eat for long periods of time because I was so scared of an accident. I would give it a ten, but it's expensive; luckily there are savings programs you can find - and that's well worth it - or it's over 1,000 a month, and I am not sure how anyone could afford that!"

• KBF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "This medicine has been a life-changer for me. I've tried absolutely everything, and this is the only thing that controls loose stools and diarrhea without making me constipated. It has honestly been a miracle, especially because I work and travel a lot, and that was always so stressful - I wouldn't eat for long periods of time because I was so scared of an accident. I would give it a ten, but it's expensive; luckily there are savings programs you can find - and that's well worth it - or it's over 1,000 a month, and I am not sure how anyone could afford that!"

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Went to my doctor in tears, diarrhea was so bad, it was up to 30 or more times a day. Stomach pain, everything I ate made me sick. My doctor gave me the FODMAP diet to follow and to go gluten-free, he also prescribed Viberzi. I took the first tablet that evening (100 mg) twice a day. In less than 24 hours, my diarrhea had stopped and the pain was gone. I feel strictly following the FODMAP diet along with Viberzi did the trick. I've been taking Viberzi for a month and a half. I had one bout of severe diarrhea when I ate a biscuit, and boy did I feel the pain. It took 24 hours for it to stop. I'm one of those people who just can't eat gluten."

• Lit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I was given the drug last Wednesday and started it Thursday morning. Things were fine that day. I woke up Friday morning in a lot of muscle pain, thought it was from my sleep. I took my morning pill and went through my day feeling very sorry my abdomen started getting tighter all day. I felt sick and couldn't even eat dinner. The rest of the night, I was in pain, vomiting, and never had a bowel movement that day. This is the fourth day, and I have diarrhea and very little appetite. I, of course, did not continue the medicine after Friday morning."

• Nip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have had IBS-D for 12 years and was diagnosed with anal cancer 10 years ago and treated with radiation and chemotherapy. I've tried all kinds of natural supplements, antifungals, and meds, with only Immodium giving me some freedom, but stopping the pain. I've been on Viberzi for 2 weeks and had normal BMs for the first week, but the med doesn't seem to be 'holding' like it did before. I'm experiencing bloating and two loose stools a day now. I will probably go back to adding some Immodium. I've also been experiencing some racing heartbeats and will contact my gastro."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Viberzi improved things, but still had diarrhea several times a week, and it cost $5,000/year, which for something that only half worked is ridiculous. A specialist at Stanford then had me try Questran, a sequestration powder that is usually used for absorbing fats in the bowel that lead to cholesterol, but does the same for bile - and it 100% cured the diarrhea episodes and costs 10% of what Viberzi does."

• Flo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 15, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "This is an amazing drug that has dramatically improved my lifestyle. I have had colon cancer, and a portion of my intestine was removed. I am now cancer-free. I do, however, have a difficult time controlling my bowels after eating. Usually, between 10-20 minutes after eating, I have to use the bathroom. Thanks to this drug, I no longer have to worry about being near a restroom. I had chronic diarrhea before taking this drug. Now I can travel, work without embarrassing runs to the bathroom, go out with friends to eat before a movie. I do have to still be careful of what foods I eat, but life with this drug on board is so much better. It’s rather expensive too. Is a generic possible? I signed up for financial assistance through the manufacturer, which is greatly appreciated!!! I couldn’t afford it on my own."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I have adhesions from a gallbladder surgery and diarrhea and lower abdominal cramping as a result. My doctor prescribed Viberzi to help control these two symptoms. Within one hour after taking my first 75 mg dose, I had developed pancreatitis and was hospitalized for two days. Do not take this medication - especially if you do not have a gallbladder! If you experience abdominal pain while on this medication, go to the hospital! Shame on you, Viberzi. Your product is trash."

• Jka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Started Viberzi a week or so ago. Got painfully gassy and constipated. So went down to one 100 mg tablet daily. Felt kind of better but was still having IBS symptoms. Started the second dose yesterday. Tonight I got so sick: painful cramps, diarrhea, light vomiting, terribly painful all around. It lasted hours. I almost went to the hospital, which isn’t like me at all. Needless to say, I won’t be taking another dose. Trying an interstim device on my sacrum next. I’ve got to get my life back. I hope others have a much better experience, but for me, I’d rather live on Imodium and try other less perilous solutions."