The development of Viberzi pancreatitis could be problematic for patients who do not have a gallbladder. The popular drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea should not be used for patients who do not have a gallbladder, according to information released by the Food and Drug Administration.

The development of Viberzi pancreatitis puts patients without a gallbladder at risk, and according to some claims from users, the medication labeling and informational packets didn’t adequately advise them about the potential for problems.

Viberzi is used to treat IBS but can be problematic with patients who have had their gallbladder removed. Pancreatitis can develop, and this is a serious and sometimes life-threatening situation for the patient involved. In 2017, there were reportedly at least two deaths associated with Viberzi.

One of those Viberzi pancreatitis deaths had to do with a patient who had no gallbladder. That patient who developed pancreatitis reportedly had severe and acute abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea within just one hour of taking a dose of Viberzi.

A safety communication issued by the FDA indicated that between May 2015 when the drug was initially approved and February 2017, more than 120 adverse and serious cases of pancreatitis or death had been logged in the FDA’s adverse event reporting system.

Of those, 68 total patients shared their gallbladder status and 56 of the 68 patients did not have a gallbladder and received a dose that was recommended for those patients without a gallbladder.

Symptoms of pancreatitis can develop suddenly and can even become life threatening if a doctor does not know what to look out for, or if the patient has not been advised about the serious risks.

Currently the FDA is working with the makers of the drug to address safety concerns. People who do not have a gallbladder should discuss carefully with their doctor whether problems and concerns over Viberzi pancreatitis should discourage them from taking the medication to begin with.

The development of pancreatitis can come about as a surprise, and if the person is not able to get immediate medical attention, it could develop into life threatening complications.

Patients who have already experienced Viberzi pancreatitis might participate in a lawsuit investigation to determine what is in their best interests. If you or someone you know has already developed Viberzi pancreatitis, the opportunity to file a lawsuit may be dependent on the statute of limitations. It is in your best interests to take action right away.