lubiprostone 8 mcg capsule

Generic name:
Lubiprostone - oral

Pronunciation
(loo-bi-PROST-own)

Brand name(s)
Amitiza

This medication is used to treat certain types of constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). Chronic idiopathic constipation has an unknown cause and is not due to diet, other diseases, or drugs.

Lubiprostone is also used to treat constipation caused by opioid medications in people with ongoing pain due to medical conditions other than cancer.

This medication may improve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort, improve stool texture, lessen the need to strain, and decrease the feeling of not completely relieving oneself. Lubiprostone belongs to a class of drugs known as chloride channel activators. It works by increasing the amount of fluid within your intestines, making the passage of stool easier.

Take this medication by mouth with food and water as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow the medication whole. Do not break or chew the medication.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same times each day.

You should talk to your doctor regularly about whether you still need this treatment.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Nausea, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, dry mouth, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, joint/back pain, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• swelling of arms/legs
• mental/mood changes

This medication may cause low blood pressure and possibly fainting. Diarrhea and vomiting may increase the risk of these side effects. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur:

• fainting
• dizziness
• severe diarrhea/vomiting

Lubiprostone may rarely cause trouble breathing and chest tightness within 30 to 60 minutes after the first dose. This reaction is usually not serious and generally goes away within 3 hours. It may happen again with other doses. However, you may not be able to tell this reaction apart from a rare, severe reaction that also causes trouble breathing and/or chest pain. Get medical help right away if you develop any trouble breathing or chest tightness/discomfort/pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking lubiprostone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• certain stomach/intestinal problems (blockage, severe diarrhea)
• liver disease

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk, but it may have undesirable effects (such as causing diarrhea) on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, flushing, paleness, loss of appetite, sweating.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.