How does Viberzi work?

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.

Viberzi is classified as a controlled substance because it may be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. Theoretically, there is a risk of psychological dependence.

It is the first in its class of medicine and is classified as a peripheral opioid receptor mixed agonists/antagonists

Common side effects of Viberzi include constipation (although severe constipation is rare), nausea, and abdominal pain. Pancreatitis is more likely to occur in people who drink more than three alcoholic drinks per day. People aged over 65 years may be more likely to develop side effects but anybody who develops severe, unusual abdominal pain or constipation that lasts longer than four days should call their doctor. Sphincter of Oddi spasm - a contraction of the muscular valve that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice - is rare but people without a gall bladder are more at risk.