Is Lotronex still on the market?

Is Lotronex still on the market?

Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex), a prescription drug manufactured by GlaxoWellcome, and used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women, has been withdrawn after reports of serious complications.

What type of medication is alosetron?

Alosetron is in a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Alosetron works by slowing the movement of stool (bowel movements) through the intestines.

How long does it take for alosetron to work?

This medicine can help reduce stomach pain and discomfort, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. Some or all symptoms may improve within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Stop taking alosetron and call your doctor if your IBS symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

Is alosetron on the market?

Alosetron (Lotronex) was approved for marketing by the FDA in February, 2000, but was withdrawn from the market in November, 2000, because of serious, life-threatening, gastrointestinal side effects.

Is there a generic for Lotronex?

Lotronex (Generic: Alosetron) IBS Drug Side Effects and Dosage.

What are the side effects of Lotronex?

Common side effects of Lotronex include:

• headache.
• stomach upset or discomfort.
• hemorrhoids.
• bloating.
• gas.
• nausea.
• constipation.
• burping with heartburn.

Can you take Imodium with lotronex?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: antidiarrheal medicines, like Imodium, Kaopectate, or Lomotil. enoxacin.

What is the generic name of alosetron?

Lotronex (alosetron) blocks the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines. This slows the movement of stools (bowel movements) through the intestines. Lotronex is used to treat severe, chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with diarrhea as the main symptom for at least 6 months.

Why was alosetron removed from the market?

Alosetron was withdrawn from the market within a year of its release, due to severe complications of constipation and instances of ischemic colitis. Since its reintroduction, alosetron is only being used to treat very severe cases of IBS-D, when all other conventional therapies have failed. Tegaserod (Zelnorm).

When was Lotronex taken off the market?

Lotronex was taken off the market in November 2000, less than 10 months after it was approved, because it was linked to severe intestinal problems and several deaths.

Is Lotronex expensive?

The cost for Lotronex oral tablet 0.5 mg is around $1,178 for a supply of 30 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. A generic version of Lotronex is available, see alosetron prices.

Who can take alosetron?

Alosetron is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have diarrhea as their main symptom. This medicine is only used in severe cases of IBS that have not responded to other therapy.

What are the side effects of Lotronex in humans?

Lotronex side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lotronex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Serious or fatal side effects on the stomach and intestines have occurred in some people taking Lotronex.

When was Lotronex approved by the FDA?

Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride) Information FDA announced on June 7, 2002, the approval of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) that allows restricted marketing of Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride), to treat only women with severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Can Lotronex be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome?

Lotronex is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. After you stop taking this medicine, your symptoms may return within 1 week. Lotronex should be used only by women with severe irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea as the main symptom. Do not start taking Lotronex if you are constipated.

Is Lotronex (alosetron) safe?

In January 2016, the FDA determined that while safety risks for products containing alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex and approved generics) still exist, certain restrictive requirements of the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) programs are no longer necessary to ensure that the benefits of the drugs outweigh their risks.