This medication is used to treat a certain
stomach/abdominal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, or
IBS-D). It works by slowing down the motion in your gut. This effect helps
lessen symptoms such as belly pain and diarrhea.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking eluxadoline and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by
your doctor, usually 2 times a day. The dosage is based on your medical
condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than
prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of
side effects will increase. Properly stop the medication when so
directed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
If you are also taking loperamide to help control
diarrhea, do not take it on a regular schedule or you may become
constipated. However, you may take it occasionally if needed for severe
diarrhea. If you develop constipation, stop taking loperamide and tell your
doctor right away.
Though it helps many people, this medication may
sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance
use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this
medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get
worse.
Constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or
drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist right away. If you have severe constipation, stop
taking eluxadoline and tell your doctor or pharmacist right
away.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- symptoms of pancreatitis or sphincter of Oddi spasm (such as
nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, new or suddenly worse stomach/abdominal
pain that may move to your back or shoulder)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- 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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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 eluxadoline, 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such
as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol)
- gallbladder removal surgery
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- pancreatitis
- other stomach/abdominal problems (such as blockage, sphincter
of Oddi disease/dysfunction, previous long-lasting or severe
constipation)
This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Drinking a lot of alcohol while taking this medication may increase the
risk of pancreatitis.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially constipation or stomach/abdominal
pain.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if eluxadoline passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is
against the law.
Lab tests (such as liver function, lipase levels) may be
done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
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. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent
theft, misuse, or abuse. Keep all medications 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.