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Lubiprostone User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Amitiza

Lubiprostone has an average rating of 5.6 out of 10 from a total of 280 reviews on Drugs.com. 43% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 38% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Lubiprostone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 10, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "This drug was my worst nightmare. It took about 3 to 4 weeks. I started out sad, but 1st let me add that usually I am the happiest person in the whole wide world, so I thought I would be OK. Big mistake. A few weeks into taking the medication, I started feeling like I was going crazy. Part of me wanted to slash someone's throat, and the other half of me was all glitter and rainbows! The doctor said that this could not happen, there was no way this medication would cause this reaction. So, I waited 6 months and tried it again, and sure enough, as soon as I started to feel sad and angry, I stopped this medication. I would not recommend."

1 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • December 2, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've recently started taking Amitiza 24 mcg twice daily for chronic constipation. I wasn't having any luck with OTC remedies. It took me 3 days to finally start having things move. I did experience slight nausea after taking each dose. Tolerable, though. Hopefully, as the next few days come and go, things move along much better."

7 / 10
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  • Sue...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 31, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "The first night, I was sick as a dog. Felt like the flu. I even woke up to find I had an accident in bed. Very disturbing. Then couldn’t go for a few days, had a very small bowel movement, then went several days without. Had constant stomach cramps, bloating, total unease, and feeling ill. Had to take Miralax just to produce a small bowel movement to get relief. After almost 2 weeks and almost ending up back in the hospital for hypomotility and gastroparesis, I decided it was time to stop. I really had very little relief but a lot of nausea, cramps, and uncomfortable flu-like sickness."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 62...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After reading all the previous reviews of Amitiza, I felt compelled to add my experience. The first morning I took it with a meal and plenty of water and went to work. Mistake! Jeff Foxworthy jokes about the side effects of certain medications, like fecal incontinence. I can assure you it's no laughing matter when it happens to you. Within 1 1/2 hrs., it began. My stomach was full of gas, and I was worried sick all day about not knowing when my issue would start. That evening, I took my second dose, and about three hours later had leakage on my sheets. I had just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and was put on Synthroid. The combination of my age, Synthroid, and Amitiza = fecal incontinence according to the 'eHealthMe' website."

2 / 10
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  • Nic...
  • November 1, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've had chronic constipation and IBS for six years. When I was first given this drug, it was stronger than I needed and caused severe cramping with gas. Later, when nothing else worked, I was given it again, and I learned to take it at bedtime so that I don't notice the cramping. It's just one of many medicines I take, but my body can't expel without it. I have developed hypoglycemia and found on an MRI that I also have a spastic colon, so I think we're about to make some trial changes, but I'm not sure I would be alive without Amitiza. My insurance only pays a portion, but I use the online coupons to make it affordable."

7 / 10
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  • Ban...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 15, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been experiencing constipation for over 15 years. I was so miserable. I tried everything, nothing worked, so I had to take herbal teas with senna or cleanses to go. When I first tried Amitiza 8 mcg, it didn't work, then finally, after about a week and a half, it started working. I just have to drink a lot of water and take 2 bulk laxatives with it. I did experience some gas and bloating, but it's better than being full of poop. I'm so thankful. I finally don't look pregnant anymore! Yayyy."

9 / 10
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  • sha...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 3, 2012

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Actually, CIGNA covered this, but I now have United Health Care, and they won't cover it unless you have irritable bowel syndrome or idiopathic constipation. I have constipation from M.S. and chronic opioid use and used it for over 4 years, twice a day. I'm going to try lactulose, but this pill is so much more convenient, and for me, works without side effects. Prior to this, only over-the-counter senna helped, but with cramping side effects at times, and only more than the recommended amount worked."

10 / 10
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  • SuI...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • May 15, 2012

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on Amitiza for five years and am truly grateful for it. I was lucky to have a bowel movement every 5-7 days before Amitiza after trying other prescriptions, Miralax and high-fiber diets, and this medicine was a godsend. When I was recently hospitalized for two weeks, the hospital did not carry the medication, and I had to wait five days to have someone bring it from home and have it approved by the hospital pharmacy to give to me, and I paid the price for being off it for that long. I am astonished when doctors have not heard of this medication because it has been my savior from constant constipation."

8 / 10
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  • bes...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 13, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Millie, I have been taking Amitiza for over a year. Like others, I was given samples for the first month. Because my OIC (opioid-induced constipation) was severe, I continued to take it, hoping it would kick in and work on a regular basis. Unfortunately, it never worked. The side effects were bloating, belching, and stomach discomfort. I've since tried another OIC med (Linzess). When all else fails, I go back to milk of magnesia on an as-needed basis. My biggest regret was staying with the Amitiza for almost two years."

5 / 10
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  • Brn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 11, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've had chronic constipation all my life, and I am in my 60s now. I have tried it all! I've practically lived on taking enemas every 4 to 5 days, which worked most of the time. I haven't had a 'normal' BM on my own in over 5 years. It just sits there and won't come out. I was prescribed 24 mg Amitiza a month ago. I took one at 8 a.m. I had a great BM at 10 a.m. It only took 2 hours to work! But it was not formed. It was almost like slight diarrhea. It felt like such a big relief to get all of that toxic poison out! The drawback, I had a lot of nausea all day and bouts of diarrhea 3 or 4 times later. I also felt bloated for a couple of hours, which was a bit uncomfortable. So at this point, I'm a little nervous to take another one."

9 / 10
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  • My...
  • March 27, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Update: I told my doctor about all of this, and his worry was that my acid reflux was so severe that it was causing these symptoms. In conjunction with omeprazole and Amitiza, he added a bedtime Zantac. It's been a few days, and my condition has improved some. I'm not sure if this will solve it, but it's worth a try!"

7 / 10
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  • kNy...
  • August 30, 2009

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I began taking Amitiza twice a day in 2007 and, like others in this room, swore by Zelnorm. My experience has been great, although it seems I need to stop taking it for a few days every 4 to 6 months to reboot, so to speak, as it begins to diminish effectiveness. I'm curious if the extra long colon plays into our problems? I deal with this as well."

8 / 10
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  • Isl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 13, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "When I went to the doctor and told him Linzess 290 mg wasn't working for me (I was lucky to go once a week). He said he wanted to try me on Amitiza. He said this should help. Well, I have been on it for 3 days and nothing!! I got a headache and chest pain the first day and only headaches on the second and third day. I can't understand why the doctors can't find out the underlying problem. I have tried everything!! I used to take Zelnorm, but they took that off the market. I don't care for this drug! My stomach makes noises and that's it!! I am still miserable!!"

1 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • October 18, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking Amitiza for about a week and having a very limited BM every 3 days. I get terribly nauseated in about 20 minutes after taking it, and last evening after dinner, I became sick and vomited. My stomach is so bloated and hurts from the extreme pressure. I took the Linzess, and at first, it worked, and after a month, it stopped. I am not going to take this med tonight. I was taking 8 mcg 2x a day with meals. I might go back to Linzess and take it with Miralax to see if that would work."

2 / 10
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  • Ean...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 3, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "After Linzess quit working for me, my GI prescribed me Amitiza. The first few weeks of taking it twice daily with food were pretty rough with the unbearable side effects. I was unable to work after taking the medication due to the overwhelming fatigue and nausea. It even got to the point where I would have to vomit after taking the medication to get rid of the side effects. But after experimenting with how often and when I take the medication, the side effects became bearable. I now take the Amitiza once daily on an empty stomach, which helps with the nausea, but the fatigue that subsides within 2 or so hours is still there. In my opinion, I'd rather deal with the fatigue than not having a bowel movement. I do recommend!!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 21, 2011

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have lived for years and years with an issue that no one would identify as irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. I was always told to eat better and drink plenty of water. When it was figured out what I had, that doctor suggested stool softeners and drink plenty of water. Then a sweet little physician's assistant prescribed Amitiza. This medicine works great even with the minimal side effects it creates. I experienced a little nausea, some lightheaded times, but all in all, it is worth all this to finally be 'regular.' Before it was suggested I take this, I had read about it and several of the comments listed here. Thanks."

8 / 10
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  • Eps...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 15, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "My prescription was for 24 mcg twice a day. I never tried it two times in one day because it is so unpredictable. After a few hours (or more), it gives me severe diarrhea lasting at least an hour. So I normally take it late at night so it works by the morning."

5 / 10
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  • Ley...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 1, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took the other reviews here with a grain of salt, and I wish I hadn’t. Do yourself a favor and clear your schedule before taking this medication. It completely knocked me off my feet. Insane dizziness and nausea. I’m so sick I can’t even talk. I wish I had never taken this medication and definitely won’t be taking it again. I’d take constipation over this. It was extremely expensive as well, and now I see is a waste of money since I can’t even use it without puking my brains out. (I’m also not prone to nausea from medications, which is even more shocking to me that this drug did this to me)."

3 / 10
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  • Mkc...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 26, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have struggled with constipation most of my life. After a car accident, I began taking pain meds, which of course made it worse. I took Amitiza for 5 days. Never had a BM, I just stayed curled up in bed for 3 days with bloating, cramping, and extreme joint pain. I was excited about this medicine but was very disappointed with the result. I will continue to use OTC drugs and my normal, fiber-filled diet. I still haven’t gone, and it’s been a week. I also believe that Amitiza lessened the effect of some of my daily meds."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 27, 2012

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "It works perfectly. I have been battling with chronic constipation for far too long. No matter how much water, fiber, or exercise I do, nothing gets my bowels moving. Amitiza worked fantastically, I took three pills (one a day, as prescribed by my doctor) and went to the bathroom every day for a week. Unfortunately, my doctor gave it to me as a test. My only complaint is that Amitiza is far too expensive. Insurance does not cover it."

10 / 10
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  • vkm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 20, 2015

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "It seemed to work for a couple of days. Afterwards, I had the side effect of over-sleeping. I slept an extra 3 hours on the 3rd morning of this drug's use. Also, no output. I had to use an enema to get some output. No s**t!! I wasted hundreds of dollars in cash on this drug."

2 / 10
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  • Pau...
  • December 10, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I was kind of shady to take this pill because of all the bad reviews on it. I have IBS, so I thought, what do I have to lose? So I took one pill, and within 10 minutes, this terrible nausea hit me. I even ate before I took it, and that didn't help, I was nauseous all day long, and I thought screw this, I am not taking it again, so I didn't. Two to three days later, I started having terrible stomach cramps to the point where I wanted to cry. I had diarrhea and also somewhat of stools. So does the drug make you go? Yeah. Are the side effects worth it? No! This is a really powerful drug with way too many side effects. It also gave me a bad headache."

3 / 10
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  • IBS...
  • July 7, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I've tried Amitiza for my IBS. I have been dealing with this for over 11 years after I had a hernia repair, then it had to be repaired not 3 times but 6 times. So much scar tissue and my large intestines wrapped themselves around the mesh, I had to have another surgery to correct that. I have had small and large blockages for the longest, being hospitalized for over a month, not able to use it. I became so stressed, not able to use the bathroom. After being on Amitiza for maybe 3-4 weeks, the doctor changed me over to Linzess. Even with me having to have strong pain medication to fight my chronic pain, I know that it would constipate me, but it only helped, changing diet plans for my body to adjust to the facts of me living with IBS. However, my body didn't accept Amitiza, how many of you all have shared stories? I even had to go old school, drinking the castor oil, milk of magnesia. Did Amitiza work??? NO & NO.... Sorry, but Amitiza didn't help with my IBS."

1 / 10
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  • Jac...
  • June 19, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've always been a sufferer of chronic constipation. Thought that Amitiza would be my miracle pill. Here are my pros and cons: Pro - When I actually go, I REALLY go. I'm not feeling bloated and cramped. Con - I'm usually nauseous for about an hour after taking my pills. I'm not able to go on my own. I have to use a Fleet to get things going."

8 / 10
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  • J P...
  • February 12, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Almost immediate extreme nausea and dizziness. Had to be almost dragged into bed. Couldn't stand up. Cold sweats. My cardiologist called to see why an extreme drop in my blood pressure flagged my heart monitor. My internist had given me samples. I would not take even one more pill for any amount of money. Returning to the doctor!!!"

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.