Amitiza
(lubiprostone)
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Treats constipation.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a good but expensive option to treat severe constipation if other medications did not work for you.
Quick facts about Amitiza
- 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
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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
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a chloride channel activator that brings more fluid to the intestines so stool can pass more loosely and easily.
Quick facts about Amitiza
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 60 (24mcg) capsules of Amitiza near
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat 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
Side effect rates for Amitiza (lubiprostone)
From 1429 clinical trials of Amitiza when taken for chronic idiopathic constipation
- 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%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Amitiza.
Amitiza (lubiprostone)
Placebo
People taking Amitiza felt side effect more
People taking Amitiza felt side effect less
No difference
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
Amitiza (lubiprostone) questions for
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?Food
- 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.
Kidneys and liver
- 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.