Your gallbladder has an important function: it collects and stores bile, which helps in your digestion. If you’ve had gallstones or experienced other complications with this organ, you may have had a cholecystectomy which means that you had your gallbladder surgically removed.
People who no longer have a gallbladder need to take special care in telling their doctors that they had this surgery performed, especially if they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) and are considering taking Viberzi.
Viberzi was approved for the market by the FDA in May 2015 and since then countless patients have used this drug to help manage their IBS-D. Viberzi is an opioid that reduces the contractions of the colon to stop diarrhea but it can also slow down other muscles that control digestion. One of these muscles is the sphincter of Oddi which is the gateway to the bile duct. If the medication prevents this muscle from contracting and it stays closed, the digestive juices will get backed up in the gallbladder and pancreas and will basically “digest” these organs. For patients who have had a cholecystectomy, there is nowhere for the backed-up fluid to go except into the pancreas. This will cause inflammation (pancreatitis), excruciating pain or even death.
Serious cases of pancreatitis or death are currently being reported to the FDA. One pancreatitis death was occurred only three days after taking the initial dose of Viberzi. The patient who developed sphincter of Oddi spasm and died suffered from excruciating abdominal pain and vomiting soon after using just one dose of Viberzi.
If you suffer from IBS and don’t have a gallbladder, there are safer ways to manage this condition:Adjust Your Diet - Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar or that are processed. Choose items that are healthier for your digestion like fruits, vegetables and whole grains (but avoid too much fiber which can contribute to IBS-D).Avoid Certain Pain Medications - If you have a headache or backache, drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen can aggravate your intestines. Try warm compresses or topical treatments instead.Take a Deep Breath - Stress, worry and anxiety can all upset your stomach and cause you to search out the nearest restroom. Consider meditation, exercise and massage to help you manage the pressures of life.Probiotics and Supplements - Talk to your doctor about possibly adding probiotics and supplements to your daily routine. Be careful though; these aren’t regulated by the FDA and some may have negative interactions with other medications you’re taking (which is why you should speak with your doctor first).Prescription Drugs - There are quite a few IBS medications on the market that work in a variety of ways. There are antispasmodic drugs that slow the movement of the digestive tract, antidiarrheal medicines that are sold over the counter like Imodium or Kaopectate and antidepressants that help to minimize IBS symptoms. Discuss these options with your doctor before trying anything. Additionally, all medications have potential side effects so always consider the risks versus the benefits. Your best choice is to try diet, exercise and relaxing as your first line of defense against IBS and IBS-D.
