Viberzi IBS patients should be aware that an enhanced FDA warning has been released associated with the risk of pancreatitis. The IBS medication Viberzi has been tied to this side effect for some time and many patients allege that they were not adequately warned about the dangerous risks or the side effects of the drug, including serious pancreatitis.

According to the FDA, Viberzi increases the risk of pancreatitis in patients without gallbladders.  Two different patients who didn’t have a gallbladder and who were taking the Viberzi IBS medication passed away; it was then the FDA then warned about the high risk of severe pancreatitis for that exact type of patient.

The FDA has approved the IBS medication Viberzi for use with adults who have irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. The medication was originally approved in May 2015.

Viberzi IBS concerns began to arise, however, after the FDA shared in February 2017 that they received more than 120 reports of severe pancreatitis or even death. A total of 68 patients in that subsection reported their gallbladder status; 56 of them didn’t have a gallbladder and received a recommended dose amount of the IBS medication Viberzi.

Risk of Side Effects

When drugs come on the market, they often include information revealed during the clinical testing phase regarding potential side effects for patients. It is the responsibility of the drug manufacturer to share these details, particularly if there’s a high risk of some form of side effect or if a particular group within the population of users could be affected in a unique way.

Unfortunately, many drugs make it onto the market without what consumers argue is enough testing or warning materials to allow users or doctors to make an informed decision about what’s in the patient’s best interest. This might lead to severe side effects down the line or even lawsuits for patients who suffered from those symptoms.

Although many patients may be given Viberzi IBS medication and understand that all drugs come with a risk of side effects, many of the patients who may have suddenly passed away or developed serious pancreatitis may not have been adequately warned about the issue.

Reports to the FDA show that a total of 76 patients were put in the hospital and two patients passed away. Both of the patients who passed away did not have a gallbladder. The instances of death associated with pancreatitis is characterized by nausea, acute and severe abdominal pain and vomiting that typically occurs within an hour of taking a single dose of Viberzi.

Those patients who do not have a gallbladder should not be prescribed Viberzi, the FDA says. The agency has shared in their Viberzi IBS warning that doctors should consider alternative treatment choices. Just one or two doses of the Viberzi IBS drug could be linked to dangerous side effects for those patients who do not have a gallbladder and who don’t drink alcohol.

Many individuals who have suffered due to taking the IBS medication Viberzi may not have opportunity to recover compensation unless they schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.