I have been told that Zavesca can cause diarrhea and gas. Is this true?
Yes, diarrhea and gas are two of the most common side effects for people taking Zavesca.1 The way Zavesca works is by limiting overproduction of fatty substances in your body’s cells called glycosphingolipids (gli-coh-sfing-goh-lip-ids), or GSLs.1 The same way Zavesca decreases production of the GSLs, it also limits how the body digests carbohydrates.1 Carbohydrates are found in grains, bread, rice, and flour. Simple sugars, found in things like soda, cookies, or desserts, are also carbohydrates. Zavesca may affect how long carbohydrates stay in the intestines, so carbohydrates may be digested more slowly than normal and can cause diarrhea and gas. While many people who take Zavesca may get gas, loose stools, or diarrhea, in most patients these side effects will go away or decrease over time.1 Taking the simple step of reducing carbohydrates in your diet may help manage these side effects. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter medications to help control gas and diarrhea.
