Amitiza

(lubiprostone)

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Treats constipation.

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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.

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  • Price before coupon
    $560.17
  • Lowest price with coupon
    $288.29
  • Savings
    49%
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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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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

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How 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

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What to expect when you take Amitiza (lubiprostone) for Constipation

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Low blood pressure
  • Gas
  • Headache
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Side effect rates for Amitiza (lubiprostone)

From 1429 clinical trials of Amitiza when taken for chronic idiopathic constipation
  • Diarrhea
    12%12%
    1%1%
  • Headache
    11%11%
    5%5%
  • Abdominal pain
    8%8%
    3%3%
  • Abdominal bloating
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Gas
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Vomiting
    3%3%
  • Loose stools
    3%3%
  • Abdominal discomfort
    3%3%
    1%1%
  • Dizziness
    3%3%
    1%1%
  • Swelling
    3%3%
  • Indigestion
    2%2%
  • Fatigue
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Chest discomfort/pain
    2%2%
  • Shortness of breath
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
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)

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  • 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

This medication treats chronic idiopathic constipation in adults.

Who is this drug for?

This medication treats chronic idiopathic constipation in adults.

Common concerns from people taking Amitiza (lubiprostone)

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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.