Crofelemer Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 22, 2025.
Applies to crofelemer: oral tablet delayed release.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Common side effects of crofelemer
Some side effects of crofelemer may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- body aches or pain
- chills
- cough
- difficulty with breathing
- ear congestion
- fever
- headache
- loss of voice
- nasal congestion
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common side effects
- acid or sour stomach
- back pain
- belching
- bladder pain
- blemishes on the skin
- blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
- bloody or cloudy urine
- cough producing mucus
- cracked, dry, scaly skin
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- difficulty with moving
- discouragement
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
- fear or nervousness
- feeling sad or empty
- frequent urge to urinate
- heartburn
- indigestion
- irritability
- loss of appetite
- loss of interest or pleasure
- lower back or side pain
- muscle aches
- muscle or bone pain
- muscle stiffness
- nausea and vomiting
- pain in the arms or legs
- pain in the groin or genitals
- pain in the joints
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- painful blisters on the trunk of the body
- passing gas
- pimples
- sharp back pain just below the ribs
- stomach discomfort or upset
- tightness in the chest
- tiredness
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- weakness
Serious side effects of crofelemer
Along with its needed effects, crofelemer may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking crofelemer:
Less common side effects
- abdominal or stomach pain
- bleeding after defecation
- full or bloated feeling
- pressure in the stomach
- swelling of the abdominal or stomach area
- uncomfortable swelling around the anus
For healthcare professionals
Applies to crofelemer: oral delayed release tablet.
General adverse events
The most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 3%) include upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cough, flatulence and increased bilirubin.
Gastrointestinal
- Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, nausea, hemorrhoids, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Acne, dermatitis[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, pollakiuria[Ref]
Hematologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Decreased white blood cell count[Ref]
Hepatic
- Common (1% to 10%): Increased bilirubin, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased conjugated bilirubin, increased unconjugated blood bilirubin, nephrolithiasis[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia, musculoskeletal pain, pain in extremity[Ref]
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness[Ref]
Other
- Common (1% to 10%): Giardiasis, herpes zoster, procedural pain, seasonal allergy[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, depression[Ref]
Respiratory
- Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cough, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis[Ref]
See also:
Xifaxan
Xifaxan (rifaximin) is used to treat travelers' diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea ...
Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol is antacid used to treat heart burn, indigestion, diarrhea, gas or an upset stomach ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Viberzi
Viberzi (eluxadoline) is used to treat irritable bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D). Includes ...
Lotronex
Lotronex is used to treat severe, chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women. Learn about side ...
Atropine/diphenoxylate
Atropine/diphenoxylate systemic is used for diarrhea
Bismuth subsalicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate systemic is used for diarrhea, diarrhea, acute, diarrhea, chronic ...
Neomycin
Neomycin systemic is used for bowel preparation, diarrhea, hepatic coma, hepatic encephalopathy
References
1. (2013) "Product Information. Fulyzaq (crofelemer)." Salix Pharmaceuticals
More about crofelemer
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Crofelemer side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
