Written by: Heather Helmendach, Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Thomas J. Lamb, P.A.
In 2017, Viberzi and Actemra were both identified as having significant adverse side effects. In fact, many have even died as a result of conditions caused by these drugs.
Looking forward into 2018, we will continue to monitor the medical and regulatory literature as well as conduct research concerning the harmful side effects of Viberzi and Actemra, and report on any significant developments.
Viberzi
Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a relatively new drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in adults when the main symptom is diarrhea (IBS-D).
It is usually taken daily in order to reduce diarrhea and abdominal pain, and acts directly in the intestine to decrease bowel contractions.
Potential Viberzi Side Effects
In March of 2017, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication regarding the potential side effects of Viberzi.
The following medical conditions have been observed in patients who have had as few as one or two doses of Viberzi:
- Pancreatitis
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis
- Necrotizing Pancreatitis
- Sphincter of Oddi Spasm
While the FDA found that these conditions were more likely to occur among patients who did not have a gallbladder, these conditions were also observed in patients with a gallbladder.
Free Viberzi Case Evaluation
If you or some one you know used Viberzi and received a diagnosis of pancreatitis or Sphincter of Oddi spasm, then we encourage you to submit a Drug Injury Law Case Review – it is free, confidential, and there is no obligation.
Resources:
Most Recent Article: Viberzi - Pancreatitis Side Effects Can Develop At Any Time While Taking This IBS Drug, According To FDA Safety Warning
Information Page: Viberzi Side Effects
Actemra
Actemra (tocilizumab) is an injection approved by the FDA for the treatment of several different medical conditions:
- Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs);
- Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) in adult patients;
- Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older; and,
- Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) in patients 2 years of age and older.
Potential Actemra Side Effects
According to the FDA, the following side effects have been observed among those using Actemra:
- Pancreatitis
- Heart Failure
- Heart Attacks / Myocardial Infarction (MI)
- Strokes (CVA)
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
At this point in time, there seems to be a significant amount of evidence that Actemra may increase the risk of heart failure and pancreatitis. However, the FDA is still in the process of reviewing the "less convincing" evidence that it causes heart attacks, strokes, and ILD.
To date, they have yet to require these side effects to be added to the drug label.
Free Actemra Case Evaluation
If you or some one you know used Actemra and received a diagnosis of pancreatitis, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, or ILD, then we encourage you to submit a Drug Injury Law Case Review – it is free, confidential, and there is no obligation.
Resources:
Most Recent Article: Despite The High Number Of Actemra - Pancreatitis Cases Reported To FDA, No Warning Added To Drug Label
Information Page: Actemra Side Effects
DrugInjuryLaw.com: Medical & Legal Information About Drug Side Effects (All website content by attorney Tom Lamb)
Drug Injury Case Evaluation - Free. Confidential. No Obligation. (Case review done by attorney Tom Lamb)