Key takeaways
- Examples of more common side effects of Iqirvo include weight gain or loss, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Iqirvo may also cause serious side effects including bone fractures and gallbladder problems.
- If side effects from Iqirvo become difficult to tolerate, talk with your doctor about coping tips or other treatment options.
Iqirvo (elafibranor) is approved to treat a certain liver condition called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in adults.
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Iqirvo can cause.
Iqirvo can cause certain side effects, some more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. Talk with your doctor if side effects do not go away, get worse, or become too difficult to tolerate.
More commonly reported side effects of Iqirvo include:
- weight gain or loss
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation
- joint pain
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- dry mouth
- muscle pain
- skin rash
Allergic reaction is also possible with Iqirvo. It was reported in the drug’s studies when the drug was given above the recommended dose.
What to do if you experience an allergic reaction
Mild allergic reactions, such as rash, can be treated with medications including oral steroids and antihistamines. Your doctor may also recommend stopping Iqirvo temporarily until symptoms resolve.
Serious allergic reactions, such as swelling or trouble breathing, could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if you experience these symptoms. If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Irqivo, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Serious side effects of Iqirvo that have been reported include:
- bone fractures
- drug-related liver damage
- gallbladder problems
- severe muscle problems
If you have serious side effects from Iqirvo, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Note: Iqirvo may cause side effects other than those listed in this article. For more information talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or refer to the drug’s prescribing information.
Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking this drug and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Digestive side effects were more commonly reported in Iqirvo’s studies.
There may be things you can do to help make certain Iqirvo’s side effects more manageable. If you have ongoing, worsening, or bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest tips for managing them or recommend other available treatment options for your condition.
Medical Perspective“Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Colace (docusate sodium) or Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350), can be used to help relieve mild constipation. You can also try taking the medication with food to help relieve nausea and abdominal pain.”
— Kristina D. Carter, PharmD, MBA, MHA
Learn more about medications for diarrhea.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Discuss your health history with your doctor before starting treatment with Iqirvo. This drug may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- muscle problems
- fractures
- bile duct blockage
- decompensated cirrhosis (advanced liver scarring)
- previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
Like most drugs, Iqirvo can cause side effects that range from mild to serious.
If you experience side effects with Iqirvo that are bothersome or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience side effects that feel life-threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about side effects of Iqirvo.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.



