A class action investigation has been launched after patients who were prescribed Viberzi with no gallbladder reportedly developed pancreatitis .

More specifically, the manufacturer may have failed to adequately warn against an increased risk of pancreatitis for patients prescribed Viberzi with no gallbladder. For patients prescribed Viberzi with no gallbladder, the risk of pancreatic inflammation increases significantly allegedly due to adverse treatment reactions.

Viberzi (eluxadoline) is typically prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, or IBS-D. The IBS-D syndrome affects the large intestine, which can also cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

The Viberzi medication works by decreasing bowel movements to help reduce diarrhea. But for patients without gallbladders, pancreatic side effects could be serious, or even fatal. The gallbladder is located above the pancreas and below the liver, and stores bile from the liver until it is needed for digestion.

When some patients undergo gallbladder removal surgery for medical reasons, this could put patients at risk for severe complications from certain medications.

Overview of Viberzi Pancreatitis Correlation

This is reportedly true in the case of Viberzi medication, with patients reporting spasms of the hepatopancreatic sphincter, which is the valve that controls the flow of bile from the liver and causes complications from the flow of digestive fluids from the pancreas.

The Viberzi medication may reportedly cause this reaction due to digestive enzymes that are activated before being released into the small intestine. This causes the enzymes to attack the pancreas, and can ultimately cause potentially fatal pancreatitis.

This issue was recently addressed in March 15, 2017, when the FDA issued a communication stating that there had been a concerning number of patients who were prescribed Viberzi with no bladder had allegedly developed pancreatic complications. According to the FDA, there had been 120 reports of pancreatitis that had developed soon after the Viberzi medication had been prescribed.

Approximately 76 of these patients had to hospitalized, where it was noted that 56 of them had their gallbladder removed. Furthermore, the FDA noted that two patients died from pancreatic complications soon after starting their Viberzi prescriptions.

The FDA had also strongly advised that patients without gallbladders, should not be prescribed Viberzi, especially if the patients are suffering from diarrhea. At this time, the FDA recommends that patients prescribed Viberzi with no gallbladder consult their physician about different treatment options and be wary for any signs of pancreatitis including:

• Abdominal Pain
• Back Pain
• Increased Heart Rate
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Weight Loss

Even though pancreatitis is potentially deadly, the Viberzi manufacturer may have allegedly failed to properly warn the general public against this problem. Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for disclosing all potential drug complications patients could experience from their products, and could face potential legal trouble if they fail to do so.

Patients who were prescribed Viberzi with no gallbladder and developed pancreatitis may be able to file legal action against the drug’s manufacturer. These patients may be able to file for any medically rated damages, and can potentially be awarded compensation.