What is lubiprostone?
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 is the most important information I should know about lubiprostone?
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.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lubiprostone?
You should not use this medication if you have blockage in your digestive tract, or if you have severe diarrhea.
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.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use lubiprostone or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C: This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use lubiprostone without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. You may be asked to have a pregnancy test before you start taking lubiprostone. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if lubiprostone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Lubiprostone should not be given to a child.