Amitiza Oral

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Thursday, 25 October 2007

LUBIPROSTONE - ORAL

Pronunciation: (loo-bi-PROST-own)

Brand Name(s): Amitiza

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain type of constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation). This type of constipation has an unknown cause and is not due to diet, other diseases, or drugs. 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.

How to use Amitiza Oral

Take this medication by mouth with food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor.

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.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

What conditions does this medication treat?

Amitiza Oral is used to treat the following:

Chronic Difficulty having a Bowel Movement

Side Effects

Nausea, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, dry mouth, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, dizziness, joint/back pain, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of arms/legs, mental/mood changes, chest pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, 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.

Does Amitiza Oral have any side effects?

The following side effects are associated with Amitiza Oral:

Common side effects:

Head Pain	Severe
Dizzy	Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up	Less Severe
Diarrhea	Less Severe
Stomach Cramps	Less Severe

Infrequent side effects:

Depression	Severe
Urinary Tract Infection	Severe
Joint Pain	Severe
Backache	Severe
Foot Pain	Severe
Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands	Severe
Trouble Breathing	Severe
Swelling of the Abdomen	Severe
Throat Irritation	Less Severe
Acute Infection of the Nose, Throat or Sinus	Less Severe
Sinus Irritation and Congestion	Less Severe
The Flu	Less Severe
Condition in which Stomach Acid is Pushed Into the Esophagus	Less Severe
Indigestion	Less Severe
Abnormal Trouble Sleeping	Less Severe
Low Energy	Less Severe
Cough	Less Severe
Throwing Up	Less Severe
Gas	Less Severe
Loose Stools	Less Severe
Anxious	Less Severe

Rare side effects:

Viral Gastroenteritis	Severe
Asthma	Severe
Hives	Severe
Feeling Faint	Severe
Numbness	Severe
Rash	Severe
Visible Water Retention	Severe
Chest Pain	Severe
Chest Tightness	Severe
Unable to Control Bowel Movement	Severe
Not Feeling Well	Severe
Dry Mouth	Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements	Less Severe
Infection caused by a Virus	Less Severe
Cramps	Less Severe
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling	Less Severe
Excessive Sweating	Less Severe
Chills	Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering	Less Severe
Taste Problems	Less Severe
Temporary Redness of Face and Neck	Less Severe
Loss of Appetite	Less Severe
Weight Gain	Less Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding	Less Severe
Nervous	Less Severe
Numbness and Tingling	Less Severe
Feeling Weak	Less Severe

Precautions

Before taking lubiprostone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a severe stomach condition (mechanical bowel obstruction).

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

This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Also, women should use an effective form of birth control while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: fainting, flushing, paleness, loss of appetite, sweating.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE:

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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.