- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Amitiza
GENERIC NAME(S): LUBIPROSTONE
Uses: This medication is used to treat certain types of constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). Chronic idiopathic constipation has an unknown cause and is not due to diet, other diseases, or drugs.
Lubiprostone is also used to treat constipation caused by narcotic (opiate-type) medications in people with ongoing pain due to medical conditions other than cancer.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Uses
This medication is used to treat certain types of constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). Chronic idiopathic constipation has an unknown cause and is not due to diet, other diseases, or drugs.
Lubiprostone is also used to treat constipation caused by narcotic (opiate-type) medications in people with ongoing pain due to medical conditions other than cancer.
This medication may improve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort, improve stool texture, lessen the need to strain, and decrease the feeling of not completely relieving oneself. Lubiprostone belongs to a class of drugs known as chloride channel activators. It works by increasing the amount of fluid within your intestines, making the passage of stool easier.
How to use Amitiza
Take this medication by mouth with food and water as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow the medication whole. Do not break or chew the medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same times each day.
You should talk to your doctor regularly about whether you still need this treatment.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, dry mouth, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, joint/back pain, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe diarrhea, swelling of arms/legs, mental/mood changes.
Lubiprostone may infrequently cause trouble breathing and chest tightness within 30 to 60 minutes after the first dose. This reaction is usually not serious and generally goes away within 3 hours. It may happen again with other doses. However, you may not be able to tell this reaction apart from a rare, severe reaction that also causes trouble breathing and/or chest pain. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop any trouble breathing or chest tightness/discomfort/pain.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
AMITIZA Side Effects List
Amitiza side effects by likelihood and severity. The following side effects are associated with Amitiza:
Common side effects of Amitiza:
· Head Pain Severe
· Diarrhea Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Amitiza:
· Depression Severe
· Joint Pain Severe
· Swelling of the Abdomen Severe
· Trouble Breathing Severe
· Urinary Tract Infection Severe
· Anxious Less Severe
· Condition in which Stomach Acid is Pushed Into the Esophagus Less Severe
· Cough Less Severe
· Gas Less Severe
· Indigestion Less Severe
· Loose Stools Less Severe
· Low Energy Less Severe
· The Flu Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
Rare side effects of Amitiza:
· Chest Pain Severe
· Chest Tightness Severe
· Feeling Faint Severe
· Not Feeling Well Severe
· Rash Severe
· Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
· Unable to Control Bowel Movement Severe
· Visible Water Retention Severe
· Burping Less Severe
· Cramps Less Severe
· Dry Mouth Less Severe
· Excessive Sweating Less Severe
· Feeling Weak Less Severe
· Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
· Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
· Loss of Appetite Less Severe
· Taste Problems Less Severe
· Weight GainLess Severe
Precautions
Before taking lubiprostone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain stomach/intestinal problems (blockage, severe diarrhea),liver disease.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk, but it may have undesirable effects (such as causing diarrhea) on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, flushing, paleness, loss of appetite, sweating.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.