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This medication is used to treat certain types of constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). Chronic idiopathic 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 lubiprostone Oral
Take this medication by mouth with food and water, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the medication whole. Do not break or chew the medication.
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.
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 he or she has judged that 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: severe diarrhea, swelling of arms/legs, mental/mood changes.
Lubiprostone may infrequently cause trouble breathing and chest tightness within 30 to 60 minutes after the first dose. This reaction is usually not serious and generally goes away within 3 hours. It may happen again with other doses. However, you may not be able to tell this reaction apart from a rare, severe reaction that also causes trouble breathing and/or chest pain. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop any trouble breathing or chest tightness/discomfort/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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking lubiprostone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
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. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. 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 unknown if this drug passes into breast milk, but it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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.
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.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. 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.
Information last revised November 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
