Information for the public

What has NICE said?

What has NICE said?

Lubiprostone is recommended as a possible treatment for people with chronic idiopathic constipation:

  • who have previously been treated with 2 different types of laxatives at the highest possible recommended dose, for at least 6 months, but these haven't worked well enough, and

  • when invasive treatment is being considered.

If treatment with lubiprostone has not worked after 2 weeks, your doctor will talk to you about whether or not you should keep taking this medicine. Lubiprostone should only be prescribed for you by a doctor who is experienced in treating chronic idiopathic constipation, after they have carefully considered your previous treatments.

What does this mean for me?

If you have chronic idiopathic constipation, and your doctor thinks lubiprostone is the right treatment, you should be able to have the treatment on the NHS. Lubiprostone should be available on the NHS within 3 months of the guidance being issued.

  • Information Standard