IBS Drug Viberzi Should Be Avoided in Patients With No Gallbladder, FDA Warns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration has warned that Allergan’s irritable bowel syndrome drug Viberzi (eluxadoline) should not be used in patients who do not have a gallbladder, because those patients have an increased risk of developing serious pancreatitis that could lead to hospitalization or death.

In a March 15 safety communication, the agency explained that pancreatitis may be caused by spasm of a certain digestive system muscle, and that it is working with Allergan to address those safety concerns.

Viberzi is a prescription drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in adults when the main symptom is …