Christina Spicer  |  May 17, 2019

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Pancreatitis Overview

Patients without a gallbladder may be at risk for Viberzi pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated.

Pancreatitis is generally defined as inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that is positioned behind the stomach. The glad produces digestive enzymes which assist in breaking down food as it moves through the small intestines. The pancreas is also responsible for hormones that help the body regulate glucose levels.

Mild cases of pancreatitis may resolve on their own without medical treatment. However, severe cases can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Pancreatitis: Acute v. Chronic

Acute pancreatitis is the more prominent form of the condition and is likely what most consumers think of when they think of pancreatitis. Acute forms of pancreatitis occur suddenly and last for days. The primary causes of acute pancreatitis are gallstones and alcohol abuse. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include upper abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, fever, rapid pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

Hospitalization is almost always required for treating acute pancreatitis. Fluids are an important part of treatment for the condition and any other treatment methods will depend on the cause of pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is the other form of the condition and may occur over the span of many years. The condition is most commonly caused by alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, losing weight without trying, and oily, smelly stools.

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis includes several lifestyle changes, including avoiding alcohol, avoiding cigarettes, modifying diet, taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, and pain management.

Viberzi Pancreatitis Risk

In March 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that Viberzi pancreatitis may be a side effect of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) medication in patients who have had their gallbladder removed.

Individuals may have their gallbladder removed for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is gall stones. Gall stones are hardened deposits of fluids in the gall bladder. If these gall stones block the bile duct that carries digestive fluids to the intestines, it can result in pain and a buildup of stomach bile.

Luckily, individuals are able to survive without a gallbladder. They may need to alter their diet to eat less fat but lacking a gall bladder is usually not a serious issue.  However, if these individuals are put on Viberzi after having their gallbladder removed, they may be at risk for pancreatitis.

According to the FDA’s safety announcement, Viberzi may cause spasms in the sphincter of Oddi. This structure is a small muscular valve that helps control the flow of digestive juices from the bile glands to the small intestine.

When the sphincter of Oddi spasms, it reportedly activates the digestive enzymes in the bile before they reach the gut. Because there is no food to digest and the pancreas lacks the lining to handle activated digestive enzymes, the activated bile reportedly starts to tear at the bile gland – leading to inflammation.

“Stop taking Viberzi right away and get emergency medical care if you develop new or worsening stomach-area or abdomen pain, or pain in the upper right side of your stomach-area or abdomen that may move to your back or shoulder,” the FDA warns.

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