Product Review

Viberzi® for Diarrhea and Pain in IBS-D

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, often debilitating functional gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation and/or diarrhea. Diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) occurs when an individual experiences diarrhea frequently, but rarely experiences constipation. In our IBS survey, approximately 35% of those with IBS had IBS-D.1

In May 2017, Health Canada approved a new treatment for IBS-D that reduces both diarrhea and abdominal pain.2 Viberzi® (eluxadoline) is a mu (μ)- and kappa (κ)-opioid receptor agonist and delta (δ)-opioid receptor antagonist for the treatment of IBS-D. Studies show that Viberzi® is a safe and effective medicine that offers a new option for IBS patients to access relief.

Patients take one pill, twice daily, with food whether or not symptoms are present. It is not safe to combine this medicine with greater than three alcoholic beverages per day. Although it works on opioid receptors, it only affects the enteric nervous system, and does not affect the central nervous system. It has a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependency.

Viberzi® is not safe for individuals who have had gallbladder blockage, have had their gallbladder removed, have had pancreatitis or another pancreas illness, or have had a bowel blockage.

First published in the Inside Tract® newsletter issue 202 – 2017
Note: The GI Society has received no remuneration from Viberzi® or its affiliates for this review.
1. Gastrointestinal Society. 2016 Survey Results: Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Available at: http://www.badgut.org/ibs-survey-results/. Accessed 2017-05-31.
2. Newswire. ViberziTM Now Approved in Canada for patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Available at: http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/viberzi-now-approved-in-canada-for-patients-with-irritable-bowel-syndrome-with-diarrhea-ibs-d-622497134.html. Accessed 2017-05-31.