Lubiprostone

Lubiprostone

What is Lubiprostone?

Lubiprostone can also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women with constipation as the main symptom.

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

Side effects of lubiprostone

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lubiprostone can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe or persistent nausea or diarrhea;

• difficulty breathing; or

• a dizzy feeling, like you might faint.

You may have low blood pressure and a feeling of fainting shortly after taking lubiprostone, especially if you have had vomiting or diarrhea.Stop taking lubiprostone and call your doctor if you feel dizzy or have severe diarrhea after each dose.

Common lubiprostone side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;

• diarrhea, bloating, flatulence; or

• Headache.

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

Warnings

Stop taking lubiprostone and call your doctor if you feel dizzy every time you take lubiprostone or if you have severe diarrhea.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use lubiprostone if your digestive tract is blocked or you have severe diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea in your breastfed baby.

Not approved for use by persons under 18 years of age.

How should I take lubiprostone?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instructions for use. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food and water.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

You may experience chest tightness or shortness of breath within an hour of taking lubiprostone. This side effect should disappear within 3 hours, but it may recur the next time you take it. Talk to your doctor if this side effect is bothersome.

Do not take lubiprostone if you have severe diarrhea.Call your doctor for instructions.

Your doctor will need to check your progress regularly.

Store at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Lubiprostone dosage information

Usual adult dosage for chronic constipation:

24 mcg orally twice daily

Comments: The effectiveness of this drug in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients taking diphenylheptane opioids (e.g., methadone) has not been established.

Application: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain.

Usual adult dosage for irritable bowel syndrome:

8 mcg orally 2 times daily

Application: Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women aged 18 years and over.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking lubiprostone?

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any food, drink, or activity restrictions.

What other drugs affect lubiprostone?

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an opioid pain reliever.

Other medications can affect lubiprostone, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.

More information

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