Viberzi is a prescription medication prescribed by doctors to treat irritable bowel syndrome in adults. This medication works best when an adult has the main symptom of diarrhea (IBS-D). IBS-D affects the large intestine and causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas and diarrhea. Viberzi decreases bowel contractions to minimize diarrhea.
Viberzi Deaths
The FDA first approved Viberzi in May of 2015. From then through February 2017, the FDA received 120 reports of pancreatitis or death. Out of the 120 reports, 56 did not have a gallbladder.
The FDA also released a statement describing one death from pancreatitis as being acute with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting which occurred within 60 minutes of taking a single dose of Viberzi. The patient who experienced pancreatitis died within 3 days of taking the initial Viberzi dose.
FDA Warnings
After two patients without a gallbladder died while taking the irritable bowel syndrome drug, Viberzi, the FDA warns all users about an increased risk of serious pancreatitis while on the medication. An FDA review found patients without a gallbladder have an increased risk of developing serious pancreatitis that could result in hospitalization or death.
Pancreatitis
The FDA recommends not taking Viberzi if you do not have a gallbladder. Hospitalization or death can occur. Stop taking Viberzi immediately if you experience pancreatitis symptoms.
These are:
- New or worsening stomach-area or abdomen pain
- Pain in the upper right side of your stomach area or abdomen that may move to your back or shoulder
- Pain coupled with nausea and/or vomiting
We Want to Help Victims
Manufacturers should inform you about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take, and it is the responsibility of drug companies to provide this information. If after taking Viberzi you or a loved one developed pancreatitis, you should demand accountability. Therefore, why weren’t you told?
We want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for consumers who have been harmed by dangerous products, and we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. You may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. The types of losses that can be recovered include:
- Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
If a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
If the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling drug is found to be highly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. If you developed pancreatitis after taking Viberzi, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
