This medication is used to treat a certain stomach/abdominal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, or IBS-D). It works by slowing down the motion in your gut. This further effect helps lessen symptoms such as belly pain and diarrhea.
We need to read the Medication Guide provided by our pharmacist before we start taking eluxadoline and each time we get a refill. If have any questions, ask the doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by doctor, usually 2 times a day. The dosage is based on our medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications one may be taking. Be sure to tell the doctor and pharmacist about all the products one uses (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not increase the dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. The condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of side effects will increase. Therefore, properly stop the medication when so directed.
One needs to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help remember, take it at the same times each day. If one is also taking loperamide to help control diarrhea, do not take it on a regular schedule or they may become constipated. However, one may take it occasionally if needed for severe diarrhea. If one develops constipation, stop taking loperamide and tell the doctor right away. Though it helps many, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if one has a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Therefore, take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for more details.
