Viberzi Lawsuits Now Being Investigated by Bernstein Liebhard LLP, after FDA Warns of Increased Risk for Pancreatitis, Death in Patients without a Gallbladder

NEW YORK, March 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The nationwide law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP is now evaluating potential lawsuits involving Viberzi, a drug marketed by Allergan to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). In a March 15^th Drug Safety Communication, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned that Viberzi should not be used in individuals without a gallbladder, after a review of its adverse event database indicated that these patients face an increased risk for serious pancreatitis that could result in hospitalization and death.

"Pancreatitis is a dangerous disorder that can have significant long term consequences for a patient's health. Compensation may be available for individuals who developed this serious complication while taking Viberzi, as well as their surviving loved ones," says Sandy A. Liebhard, a partner at Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationwide law firm representing victims of defective drugs and medical devices. The Firm is now offering free, no-obligation case reviews to individuals interested in pursuing a Viberzi lawsuit for pancreatitis or death.

Viberzi and Pancreatitis

Viberzi (eluxadoline) was approved by the FDA in May 2015, and is indicated for use in adults with IBS-D. The medication activates opioid receptors in the gut to decrease bowel contractions, and is considered a controlled substance. The FDA estimates that from May 2015 through July 2016, 34,000 patients received a Viberzi prescription from a U.S. retail pharmacy. Approximately 64,000 prescriptions were dispensed during that time.

According to the FDA, 120 reports of pancreatitis or death were reported among Viberzi patients from the time of its approval through February 2017. At least 56 of these patients lacked a gallbladder and received the recommended dose of the drug for patients without a gallbladder. Seventy-six patients were hospitalized, two of whom died.  Some cases of pancreatitis or death were associated with a sphincter of Oddi spasm, which affects a muscular valve in the small intestine that controls the flow of digestive juices to the gut. Serious cases of pancreatitis or death occurred after one or two doses of Viberzi, while pancreatitis was also reported with prolonged use.

The two patients who died did not have a gallbladder. One fatality was associated with pancreatitis, while the other death was associated with sphincter of Oddi spasm. The pancreatitis death was preceded by acute, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting within 60 minutes of taking a single Viberzi dose. The patient died three days after their initial dose. The patient who developed sphincter of Oddi spasm experienced severe abdominal pain and vomiting shortly after taking the first dose of Viberzi.

Viberzi patients who lack a gallbladder may be entitled to compensation if they developed serious pancreatitis while using this medication. The surviving loved ones of Viberzi patients who died as a result of these adverse events may also be eligible to pursue a claim for wrongful death To learn more about filing a Viberzi lawsuit, please visit Bernstein Liebhard LLP's website, or call 800-511-5092 to arrange for a free, no obligation case review.

About Bernstein Liebhard LLP
Bernstein Liebhard LLP is a New York-based law firm exclusively representing injured persons in complex individual and class action lawsuits nationwide since 1993. As a national law firm, Bernstein Liebhard LLP possesses all of the legal and financial resources required to successfully challenge billion dollar pharmaceutical and medical device companies. As a result, our attorneys and legal staff have been able to recover more than $3.5 billion on behalf of our clients. Bernstein Liebhard LLP is honored to once again be named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List," recognizing the top plaintiffs firms in the country. This year's nomination marks the thirteenth year the firm has been named to this prestigious annual list.

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Contact Information:
Sandy A. Liebhard, Esq.
Bernstein Liebhard LLP
info (at)consumerinjurylawyers(dot)com
http://www.rxinjuryhelp.com/
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