Amitiza
(lubiprostone)
Treats constipation.
Our bottom line
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a good but expensive option to treat severe constipation if other medications did not work for you.
- Price before coupon$448.42
- Lowest price with coupon$288.29
- Savings36%
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Amitiza (lubiprostone) works well for severe constipation that has not responded to other medications.
- Amitiza (lubiprostone) can help improve bowel habit, reduce straining, and improve stool consistency.
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What to expect from Amitiza, on one page
Downsides
- Amitiza (lubiprostone) is not available as a generic and may be more expensive than alternatives.
- Amitiza (lubiprostone) has not been adequately tested in people who have constipation from cancer or cancer treatment.
- People with liver problems should be careful when taking Amitiza (lubiprostone).
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What to expect from Amitiza, on one page
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a chloride channel activator that brings more fluid to the intestines so stool can pass more loosely and easily.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon$288.29
- CostcoGet free coupon$288.29
What to expect when you take Amitiza (lubiprostone) for Constipation
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure
- Gas
- Headache
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Amitiza (lubiprostone)
- Diarrhea12%12%1%1%
- Headache11%11%5%5%
- Abdominal pain8%8%3%3%
- Abdominal bloating6%6%2%2%
- Gas6%6%2%2%
- Vomiting3%3%
- Loose stools3%3%
- Abdominal discomfort3%3%1%1%
- Dizziness3%3%1%1%
- Swelling3%3%
- Indigestion2%2%
- Fatigue2%2%1%1%
- Chest discomfort/pain2%2%
- Shortness of breath2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Amitiza.
People taking Amitiza felt side effect more
People taking Amitiza felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Amitiza (lubiprostone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Some people experience nausea when taking Amitiza (lubiprostone). Taking it with food can help prevent nausea.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats chronic idiopathic constipation in adults.Common concerns from people taking Amitiza (lubiprostone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Some people experience nausea when taking Amitiza (lubiprostone). Taking it with food can help prevent nausea.
- Take Amitiza (lubiprostone) with food and a full glass of water.
- Avoiding foods that cause gas or that contain lactose and gluten can help constipation in certain people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
- If you have liver disease, talk to your doctor before starting Amitiza (lubiprostone) as you're more likely to have side effects. You might have to start on a lower dose.