Type of medicine: laxative
Generic and brand names: lubiprostone, oral; Amitiza
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation with no known cause that has lasted more than 6 months). This medicine is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in women over 18 years of age.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. You should have a pregnancy test before taking this medicine. Use an effective birth control method while you are taking this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or take it more often than directed.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, chest pain, flushing, trouble breathing, fainting.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of this medicine. If you develop diarrhea while you are taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider. Do not treat yourself by taking nonprescription products for diarrhea.
You may have chest tightness and shortness of breath after taking your first dose of this medicine. These symptoms usually go away within 3 hours after you take this medicine, but may happen again. Tell your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.
You will need to have checkups regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: Severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever.
Other: Shortness of breath, rectal irritation, nausea, vomiting, gas, headache, dizziness, tiredness, back pain.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
