No Apparent Abuse Potential with Eluxadoline for IBS-D

Eluxadoline is approved for treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Because its mechanism of action is via interaction with opioid receptors, eluxadoline has a theoretical risk for abuse. However, the drug has minimal systemic absorption when taken orally, which would seem to minimize this risk.

To assess the risk for abuse with use of eluxadoline for IBS-D, researchers analyzed pooled safety data from approximately 2800 patients who received placebo or eluxadoline 75 mg or 100 mg in three industry-funded, randomized, controlled trials (one phase II and two phase III studies). The occurrence of adverse events potentially related to abuse (e.g., mood swings, sedation) during treatment or after treatment (potential with…