Amitiza (Lubiprostone)

Amitiza (Lubiprostone) Medication Information

Uses

Amitiza is a chloride channel activator indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults and the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in women.

Dosage

There are oral capsules available in several different strengths:

• 8 mcg
• 24 mcg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Amitiza include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal distension
• Flatulence

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.

Precautions

Patients taking Amitiza may experience nausea. If this occurs, concomitant administration of food with Amitiza may reduce symptoms of nausea.

Amitiza should not be prescribed to patients that have severe diarrhea. Patients should be aware of the possible occurrence of diarrhea during treatment. Patients should be instructed to inform their physician if severe diarrhea occurs.

Dyspnea has also been reported with this medication. These events have usually been described as a sensation of chest tightness and difficulty taking in a breath, and generally have an acute onset within 30–60 minutes after taking the first dose. They generally resolve within a few hours after taking the dose, but recurrence has been frequently reported with subsequent doses.

In patients with symptoms suggestive of mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction, the treating physician should perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the absence of such an obstruction prior to initiating therapy with Amitiza.

Interactions

Based on studies, amitiza has a low likelihood of drug-drug interactions.

For a more information speak with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (77ºF) and protect from extreme temperatures.

Pharmacist Tips

• Amitiza should be taken twice daily with food and water to reduce potential symptoms of nausea.
• The capsule should be swallowed whole and should not be broken apart or chewed. 
• Physicians and patients should periodically assess the need for continued therapy.
• Patients on treatment who experience severe nausea, diarrhea, or dyspnea should inform their physician. Patients taking Amitiza may experience dyspnea within an hour of the first dose. This symptom generally resolves within 3 hours but may recur with repeat dosing.

Amitiza FAQs

Can I take this with food?

This can be taken with or without food, but to reduce the risk of nausea it is recommended to take it with food and water. 

Can I take this if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Based on animal studies, Amitiza may cause fetal harm. Discuss with your doctor if you become or are planning to become pregnant. 

Lactating women should monitor their human milk-fed infants for diarrhea while taking Amitiza.

Related Drugs

• Linzess
• Motegrity
• Movantik 

Reference:

Amitiza {package insert}. Deerfield, IL: Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.; 2012.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021908s010lbl.pdf