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Is Amitiza Safe to Take?

Amitiza is a brand name for the prescription oral laxative medication lubiprostone. Despite its effectiveness in relieving chronic constipation in women and men and irritable bowel syndrome in men, Amitiza poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

  1. Types

    • Though unpleasant, the most common side effects of Amitiza generally pose no long-term health complications. Common side effects of Amitiza include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence and headaches.

    Features

    • Side effects from Amitiza are most common when taken twice per day as opposed to once, according to FDA clinical trials published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Risks

    • Infrequently, patients experience allergic reactions to Amitiza, causing chest tightness and shortness of breath. Fainting, rectal bleeding and increased heart rate are additional rare risks associated with Amitiza, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Pregnancy

    • Amitiza is not safe for use during pregnancy, and women who are of child-bearing age should use some form of contraception while taking the drug, suggests the Mayo Clinic.

    Considerations

    • Amitiza is not safe for use in children, and men should not use the drug for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If you have a history of bowel blockage or severe diarrhea, it may not be safe for you to take Amitiza, warns the Mayo Clinic.

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