S1151 The Impact of Vibrating Capsule Treatment on Concomitant Constipation Medication Use

Introduction: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is commonly managed with pharmacologic treatments, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (RX) medications. However, many patients report dissatisfaction due to limited efficacy and adverse effects. The Vibrating Capsule (VC), a US Food and Drug Administration-approved non-pharmacologic treatment, offers an alternative, though its effectiveness in reducing a need for other constipation treatments is unclear. The aim was to evaluate the impact of VC on the use of constipation medications and its correlation with symptom relief. Methods: We performed a post-marketing analysis of CIC patients, prescribed 5 VC capsules weekly. Data on medication use and patient-reported symptoms as recorded on a digital stool diary were collected at baseline (pre-treatment) and 2 months after treatment. Results: Of 1,143 patients prescribed VC, 99 kept diaries for 2 months and provided information about their constipation medication use. Mean age was 53 years, with 46% over 55; 87% were women. After 2 months, 35% of patients significantly decreased (P < 0.0001) use of other constipation medications, and 74% no longer required medication (P = 0.0238). The proportion of patients using ≥3 medications dropped from 37% to 18% (P < 0.0001), and those on 1–2 medications rose from 43% to 48% (P = 0.0366). The average number of medications per patient declined significantly from 2.0 to 1.3 (P < 0.0001).The number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) increased by 2.2/week, stool consistency (BSS) improved by 1.1 points and straining effort (1–4 scale) decreased by 1.2 points (all P < 0.0001); toileting time decreased by 9.7 minutes (P = 0.001). A correlation analysis of medication changes and CSBM showed that 42% of patients decreased medication use and had a significant increase of 2.4 CSBM/week (P < 0.0001). Also, 43% maintained their medication use, with a similar increase of 2.1 CSBM/week. (P < 0.0001) and 10% increased their medication use with an increase of 2.7 CSBM/week. (P = 0.0004). Conclusion: VC therapy significantly reduced constipation medication use and improved clinical outcomes in patients with CIC. Correlation analysis showed that reducing or maintaining medication use was associated with meaningful improvements in constipation symptoms. These results highlight that VC is an effective treatment for constipation and decreases the use of other medications whilst improving bowel symptoms.

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Publication Details

Journal
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Published
2025-10-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.14309/01.ajg.0001132064.13527.1d
Primary Topic
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
Type
article
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article

S1151 The Impact of Vibrating Capsule Treatment on Concomitant Constipation Medication Use

Ali Rezaie, Leila Neshatian, Satish S.C. Rao
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
article

S1151 The Impact of Vibrating Capsule Treatment on Concomitant Constipation Medication Use

Ali Rezaie, Leila Neshatian, Satish S.C. Rao
article en

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is commonly managed with pharmacologic treatments, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (RX) medications. However, many patients report dissatisfaction due to limited efficacy and adverse effects. The Vibrating Capsule (VC), a US Food and Drug Administration-approved non-pharmacologic treatment, offers an alternative, though its effectiveness in reducing a need for other constipation treatments is unclear. The aim was to evaluate the impact of VC on the use of constipation medications and its correlation with symptom relief. Methods: We performed a post-marketing analysis of CIC patients, prescribed 5 VC capsules weekly. Data on medication use and patient-reported symptoms as recorded on a digital stool diary were collected at baseline (pre-treatment) and 2 months after treatment. Results: Of 1,143 patients prescribed VC, 99 kept diaries for 2 months and provided information about their constipation medication use. Mean age was 53 years, with 46% over 55; 87% were women. After 2 months, 35% of patients significantly decreased (P < 0.0001) use of other constipation medications, and 74% no longer required medication (P = 0.0238). The proportion of patients using ≥3 medications dropped from 37% to 18% (P < 0.0001), and those on 1–2 medications rose from 43% to 48% (P = 0.0366). The average number of medications per patient declined significantly from 2.0 to 1.3 (P < 0.0001).The number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) increased by 2.2/week, stool consistency (BSS) improved by 1.1 points and straining effort (1–4 scale) decreased by 1.2 points (all P < 0.0001); toileting time decreased by 9.7 minutes (P = 0.001). A correlation analysis of medication changes and CSBM showed that 42% of patients decreased medication use and had a significant increase of 2.4 CSBM/week (P < 0.0001). Also, 43% maintained their medication use, with a similar increase of 2.1 CSBM/week. (P < 0.0001) and 10% increased their medication use with an increase of 2.7 CSBM/week. (P = 0.0004). Conclusion: VC therapy significantly reduced constipation medication use and improved clinical outcomes in patients with CIC. Correlation analysis showed that reducing or maintaining medication use was associated with meaningful improvements in constipation symptoms. These results highlight that VC is an effective treatment for constipation and decreases the use of other medications whilst improving bowel symptoms.

The American Journal of GastroenterologyVol. 120(10S2)
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
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