Lubiprostone

Lubiprostone is used to treat chronic constipation or constipation caused by opioid pain medicine.

Lubiprostone may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women whose main symptom is constipation.

Lubiprostone may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food and water.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

You may experience tightness in your chest or feel short of breath within 1 hour after taking lubiprostone. This side effect should go away within 3 hours, but it may happen again when you take your next dose. Talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome.

Do not take lubiprostone if you have severe diarrhea. Call your doctor for instructions.

Your doctor will need to check your progress regularly.

Store at room temperature away from heat and light.

Stop taking lubiprostone and call your doctor if you feel light-headed each time you take lubiprostone or if you have severe diarrhea.

You should not use lubiprostone if you have a blockage in your digestive tract, or if you have severe diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea in the nursing baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lubiprostone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe or ongoing nausea or diarrhea;
• trouble breathing; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

You may have low blood pressure and feel faint shortly after taking lubiprostone, especially if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Stop taking lubiprostone and call your doctor if you feel light-headed after every dose or if you have severe diarrhea.

Common side effects of lubiprostone may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;
• diarrhea, gas, bloating; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation -- Chronic:

24 mcg orally 2 times a day Comments: The effectiveness of this drug in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients taking diphenylheptane opioids (e.g., methadone) has not been established.Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and of opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain.

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

8 mcg orally 2 times a day Use: Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women age 18 years and older.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an opioid pain medicine.

Other drugs may affect lubiprostone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.