Lubiprostone (Amitiza): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is lubiprostone used for?

Lubiprostone is commonly used for the following conditions.

Chronic constipation of unknown origin
Constipation in people who regularly take pain medicines called opioids
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)

Lubiprostone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does lubiprostone work (mechanism of action)?

Lubiprostone works by turning on switches in your cells that tell more fluid to come into your intestines. This helps increase movement of your gastrointestinal tract, which makes it easier for stool to pass through.

How is lubiprostone supplied (dosage forms)?

Lubiprostone is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

8 mcg oral capsules
24 mcg oral capsules

How should I store lubiprostone?

Lubiprostone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lubiprostone?

The most common side effects of lubiprostone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Nausea
Diarrhea (see below)
Headache
Stomach pain
Swelling or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your stomach
Gas

There may be other side effects of lubiprostone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lubiprostone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lubiprostone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lubiprostone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lubiprostone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with lubiprostone. Stop taking lubiprostone, and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.

Severe diarrhea
Diarrhea that does not go away
Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever

Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Lubiprostone may cause low blood pressure, which can lead to fainting. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Stop taking lubiprostone and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Confusion
Feeling weak or tired

Breathing problems. Lubiprostone may cause shortness of breath, or dyspnea, usually within an hour of the first dose. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially when you start lubiprostone or when your dose is increased.

Shortness of breath
Tightness in your chest
Hungry for air
Unable to breathe deeply

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lubiprostone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lubiprostone.

Lubiprostone
Amitiza
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lubiprostone products they stock.

Gut Blockage. Lubiprostone should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction). Lubiprostone can make this condition worse.

What should I know about lubiprostone before using it?

Do not take lubiprostone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share lubiprostone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep lubiprostone out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush lubiprostone capsules.

Take lubiprostone with food to help reduce your chance of developing nausea.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using lubiprostone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if lubiprostone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Kidney or liver problems
Stomach or intestinal problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lubiprostone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking lubiprostone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lubiprostone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take lubiprostone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if lubiprostone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take lubiprostone while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed, tell your healthcare provider right away if your baby gets diarrhea.

Interactions

Does lubiprostone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lubiprostone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lubiprostone.

Does lubiprostone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking lubiprostone.

Methadone, which is a medicine used for pain
A medicine for high blood pressure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with lubiprostone. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Lubiprostone (Amitiza) interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lubiprostone?

If you or someone else has used too much lubiprostone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of lubiprostone?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.