New information published by the FDA suggests that the irritable bowel syndrome drug Viberzi may be among medications that cause pancreatitis, a life threatening condition.

The Viberzi (eluxadoline) drug is an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) medication commonly prescribed to treat diarrhea symptoms. IBS affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. The Viberzi drug treats IBS by decreased contractions of the intestines which can lessen diarrhea symptoms.

However, for patients whose gallbladder has been removed, Viberzi may be one of the medications that cause pancreatitis, according to the FDA.

Viberzi can cause spasms in the hepatopancreatic sphincter, the valve which controls bile from the liver and digestive fluids from the pancreas. Researchers believe the spasming allegedly caused by the Viberzi drug causes digestive enzymes to be activated before they reach the small intestines, causing damage to the pancreas and the development of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is a severe inflammation of the pancreas and can be life threatening if not properly treated. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, back pain, fast heart rate, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and weight loss. If left untreated, pancreatitis can negatively affect organ function and cause damage to the heart, lungs, and kidney.

In March 2017, the FDA released a drug safety communication warning physicians and consumers that the Viberzi drug may cause pancreatitis in patients who have had their gallbladder removed. At the time of the alert, the FDA had received 120 reports of pancreatitis associated with the Viberzi drug; 76 of the reported incidents required hospitalization and 56 of the involved patients previously had their gall bladder removed. Two reports involved a death from pancreatitis complications.

“Hospitalizations and deaths due to pancreatitis have been reported with Viberzi use in patients who do not have a gallbladder,” the Viberzi drug alert states. “Symptoms of pancreatitis have occurred with just one or two doses of Viberzi at the recommended dosage for patients who do not have a gallbladder (75 mg), and who do not consume alcohol.”

The alert also suggests that patients talk with their physician about how to control IBS symptoms, especially if they do not have a gall bladder. If patients on the Viberzi drug start experiencing new or worsening abdominal pain, they are instructed to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention.

Pancreatitis-Causing Medications

Viberzi is not alone among medications that cause pancreatitis, as there are a wide variety of drugs that can cause pancreatitis or are suspected to cause the condition. There are 525 medications with a known link to pancreatitis, a large number that spans a variety of drug classes.

Drugs that can cause pancreatitis include antibiotics, immunosuppressants, high blood pressure medication, diuretics, estrogen, general anesthetics, antidepressants, and several diabetes medications.

With a large list of medications that cause pancreatitis, it can be hard to avoid every drug on the list. However, drug manufacturers have a duty to warn consumers about drugs that can cause pancreatitis and can be held accountable if they do not include warnings.

Patients who developed pancreatitis after having their gallbladder removed and taking Viberzi may have a legal claim. A consultation with a knowledgeable product liability lawyer can apprise them of their legal rights and alternatives.