Comprehensive medication guide to Lubiprostone including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$60 copay for generic Lubiprostone depending on plan; typically Tier 3 on Medicare Part D; prior authorization required on most commercial and Medicaid plans; step therapy requiring OTC laxative failure documentation is common.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$60–$150 retail for generic Lubiprostone for a 30-day supply; as low as $33–$50 with GoodRx or SingleCare discount cards. Brand Amitiza costs $400–$530 retail for the same supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
62/100
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Lubiprostone, sold under the brand name Amitiza, is a prescription medication used to treat chronic constipation and related conditions in adults. It belongs to a drug class called chloride channel activators — a targeted approach to constipation that works differently from over-the-counter laxatives.
The FDA first approved Lubiprostone in January 2006 for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). It was subsequently approved in 2008 for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women 18 and older, and in 2013 for opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults with chronic non-cancer pain. It is available as 8 mcg and 24 mcg soft gelatin capsules.
Generic Lubiprostone became available after Amitiza's patents expired around 2024–2025, making it significantly more affordable for patients. It is not a controlled substance and has no abuse or dependency potential.
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Lubiprostone is a locally acting chloride channel activator. It works by specifically activating ClC-2 chloride channels on the apical (luminal) surface of intestinal epithelial cells. When these channels open, chloride ions flow into the intestinal lumen, and water follows through osmosis — increasing the amount of fluid in the intestine.
This increased fluid softens stool and stimulates intestinal motility (the wave-like contractions that move content through the gut), making bowel movements easier, more frequent, and less painful. Because Lubiprostone acts locally in the gut with minimal systemic absorption, it does not alter serum sodium or potassium levels.
Lubiprostone is metabolized in the stomach and upper small intestine — not through the liver's CYP450 system — which is why it has very few drug-drug interactions. Clinical studies have not shown drug tolerance or chemical dependency with Lubiprostone, distinguishing it from stimulant laxatives that may lose effectiveness over time.
8 mcg — soft gelatin capsule
Used for IBS-C in adult women (≥18 years). Taken twice daily with food and water.
24 mcg — soft gelatin capsule
Used for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults. Taken twice daily with food and water. Dose adjustment required for hepatic impairment.
As of 2026, Lubiprostone is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. However, many patients report difficulty finding it at local pharmacies, particularly at large chain locations. The challenge stems from a combination of factors: Amitiza's patents expired in 2024–2025, and the generic market is still maturing with only a small number of manufacturers. Chain pharmacies stock medications based on local demand, so pharmacies in areas with fewer Lubiprostone prescriptions may not carry it regularly.
Independent pharmacies often have more sourcing flexibility and may have stock when chains don't. Mail-order pharmacy provides the most reliable ongoing supply for stable patients. Asking your doctor for 90-day prescriptions reduces the frequency of the search process.
To find Lubiprostone in stock without spending hours on the phone, use medfinder — a service that calls pharmacies near you to find which ones have your medication available. You provide your medication, dose, and location; medfinder handles the pharmacy calls and texts you the results.
Lubiprostone is not a controlled substance, so there are no DEA scheduling restrictions on who can prescribe it. Any licensed prescriber in the United States can write a prescription for Lubiprostone, including via telehealth. Common prescribers include:
Because Lubiprostone is not controlled, it can be prescribed via telehealth in all 50 states — making it accessible to patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telehealth platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, and Amazon Clinic can provide prescriptions for eligible patients after an online consultation.
No. Lubiprostone is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It has no abuse potential, no dependency risk, and no special prescribing restrictions under federal law. Any licensed prescriber — including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers in all 50 states — can prescribe Lubiprostone without special DEA registration or special authority.
Refills of Lubiprostone are not subject to federal limitations on the number of refills (unlike Schedule II–V controlled substances). Patients can receive up to a year's supply on a prescription with appropriate refills authorized by their prescriber. The non-controlled status also makes Lubiprostone available via telehealth prescription without in-person visit requirements.
The most common side effects in clinical trials for CIC at 24 mcg twice daily were:
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Linaclotide (Linzess)
GC-C agonist approved for CIC and IBS-C. Once-daily dosing on empty stomach. Most widely prescribed alternative to Lubiprostone. Addresses abdominal pain in IBS-C more effectively than Lubiprostone.
Plecanatide (Trulance)
GC-C agonist approved for CIC and IBS-C. Once-daily; pH independent; can be taken with or without food. Favorable tolerability profile.
Prucalopride (Motegrity)
5-HT4 receptor agonist approved for CIC. Once-daily. Promotes pan-colonic motility through a different mechanism — useful when secretagogues are ineffective.
Naloxegol (Movantik)
PAMORA (peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist) approved specifically for OIC. Once-daily oral. Directly addresses the opioid receptor mechanism causing constipation.
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Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
moderateDiphenylheptane opioid that dose-dependently reduces ClC-2 channel activation by Lubiprostone. FDA label states effectiveness for OIC has not been established in methadone patients. Consider PAMORA therapy (naloxegol, naldemedine) instead.
Antihypertensives / Diuretics
minorNot a pharmacokinetic interaction, but Lubiprostone can cause hypotension and syncope. Patients on blood pressure medications or diuretics should be monitored for dizziness, especially after first dose.
Other opioids (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl)
minorNon-diphenylheptane opioids have much less effect on ClC-2 activation than methadone. Lubiprostone is approved and effective for OIC caused by these agents. Monitor for unpredictable bowel symptoms.
Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation, IBS-C, and opioid-induced constipation. FDA-approved since 2006, it has a favorable safety profile with no dependency risk and minimal drug interactions. With generic versions now available at a fraction of the brand cost, it has become more accessible than ever for patients who need it.
The main challenge for patients in 2026 is availability — not a formal shortage, but real-world stock inconsistencies at local pharmacies as the generic market matures. The best strategies are to refill early, ask for 90-day prescriptions, use independent or mail-order pharmacies, and compare generic vs. brand availability when stock is limited.
When you need help finding Lubiprostone at a pharmacy near you, medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to check which ones have your medication in stock, so you don't have to. Just provide your medication, dose, and location — and medfinder handles the rest.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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