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Brand Names: Amitiza

Generic Name: lubiprostone (Pronunciation: loo bee PROS tone)

• What is lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
• What are the possible side effects of lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
• What is the most important information I should know about lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
• How should I take lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Amitiza)?
• What happens if I overdose (Amitiza)?
• What should I avoid while taking lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
• What other drugs will affect lubiprostone (Amitiza)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is lubiprostone (Amitiza)?

Lubiprostone increases the secretion of fluid in your intestines to help make it easier to pass stools (bowel movements).

Lubiprostone is used to treat chronic constipation in adults. It is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women with constipation as the main symptom.

Lubiprostone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of lubiprostone (Amitiza)?

Stop using lubiprostone and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using lubiprostone and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• stomach pain, bloating, gas,
• sore throat, cough;
• headache, dizziness;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• joint or muscle pain; or
• anxiety, cold sweats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about lubiprostone (Amitiza)?

Do not take lubiprostone if you have severe diarrhea. Call your doctor for instructions.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of hernia, gallstones, Crohn's disease, Hirschsprung's disease, impacted bowel movement, diverticulitis, polyps, or any other cause for obstruction in your gastrointestinal (digestive) system.

You may have tightness in your chest or feel short of breath within 1 hour after taking lubiprostone. This side effect should go away within 3 hours, but it may occur again when you take your next dose. Talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.