The Collective Works of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

I have a secret that I need to get off of my chest. I have IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and I try very hard to hide it. It is very uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with the symptoms. IBS is an intestinal disorder that causes constipation, diarrhea, gas, and general pain in the abdomen. It affects both women and men of all ages and doesn’t have a cure. Doctors don’t have any scientific data for what causes IBS, only theories. One of the most recognized theories is that suffers have a discontent between their brains and their intestines that keeps the intestines from work properly.

The symptoms are sudden and can come at any time. Contrary to popular believe, IBS is not associated with eating any particular foods. Some people believe that is the case, but all medical research has shown that the actual thought of the symptoms can actually cause the onset of an episode. More credence is given to the amount of food that a person ingests. Eating a large meal often triggers symptoms. Stress is also believed to be a major cause of IBS. Exercise and relaxation are often recommended by doctors to help alleviate IBS symptoms.

Irritable bowel medication can help lessen the effects of IBS.  The most used drug is Imodium AD.  It works great on stopping the involuntary movements of the bowels that cause diarrhea, but has side effects.  Stomach cramps are the most common side effect of Imodium.  A commercial drug named Zelnorm was approved by the FDA in for the treatment of IBS around 2002.  It was removed from the market by the FDA on March 30, 2007.  Novartis continued to provide the drug for about a year through a special program with the FDA.  They eventually removed the drug due to reports of serious side effects.

"These reports include 21 patients taking Zelnorm who have experienced serious consequences of diarrhea, 20 patients who have been diagnosed with ischemic colitis, and 3 patients diagnosed with other types of intestinal ischemia. In some patients, these adverse events have led to hospitalization, surgery, and even death."

After the drug was removed from the market a serious debate took place which eventually changed the laws governing how drugs could be advertised to the general public.  Zelnorm was one of the most heavily advertized drugs during its availability.

With the removal of this popular drug, there are few options for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.  Suffers are still trying to cope with their disease that doctors dismissed as a physiological disorder.  Living with IBS can be challenging at times.  No one should need to feel like they have to stay home because they don’t know if they will have problems once they are away.