Viberzi Lawsuit

Viberzi (generic name: eluxadoline) is an oral medication prescribed for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

This condition causes excessive gas production, severe abdominal pain, and frequent loose bowels. Viberzi can lessen bowel movements and decrease abdominal pain.

FDA approved Viberzi in May 2015 for IBS-D treatment. Viberzi’s manufacturer is Allergan. Viberzi is expected to reach $365 million in sales by 2020.

Viberzi contains mixed opioid receptors: a mu receptor agonist, a delta receptor antagonist, and a kappa receptor agonist. All of these reduce intestinal contractions and normalize the accelerated movement of the upper GI tract. The delta receptor antagonistic activity also minimizes the possible constipating effect that is usually caused by mu receptor agonists.

In 2017, researchers from Fairleigh Dickinson University reviewed articles and clinical trials about eluxadoline (Viberzi). They gathered data from 45 Medline articles and 46 Pubmed articles using the search terms “eluxadoline”, “eluxadoline in IBS-D”, and “eluxadoline AND IBS-D”.

The researchers observed that eluxadoline causes Sphincter of Oddi spasms. Since this sphincter is the muscular valve that controls the flow of digestive juices, like bile and pancreatic enzymes, spasms tend to send back these juices to the pancreas. It was noted that patients without a gallbladder are especially at risk because the gallbladder stores excess bile. Pancreatitis was also the most reported severe adverse event of those taking Viberzi, with 0.2% of the cases occurring within the first 2 weeks of taking the drug.

Another study in 2016 looked into the safety of eluxadoline among IBS-D patients. Participants were observed in 3 groups, each spanning 12, 26, and 52 weeks. From a sample size of 2,776 patients, 10 experienced acute abdominal pain with elevated pancreatic enzyme levels. All of those who experienced the acute abdominal pain had previously had their gallbladder removed. The severe side effects occurred within the first week for 8 patients who were on higher doses of the drug, and all side effects disappeared when the users stopped taking Viberzi.

If you or your loved one had a gallbladder removed and suffered from pancreatitis after taking Viberzi, Maxwell Law Group can help get you the compensation you deserve. Call (844) 525-7155 or fill out the form below and we’ll investigate your case at no charge to you.