Rated For Constipation Report
The drug works wonders. Problem is people hate to read. I failed to read instruction in detail and it didnt work. After battling ibs in numerous ways, decided to read the insert thoroughly. Specifies take on an EMPTY stomach and 30 minutes prior to eating. With plenty of water. Not after breakfast, not after dinner. Once i abided, the drug worked for me and brought normalcy back to my daily life
Is Linzess Used For Other Digestive Conditions Such As Opioid
At this time, Linzess is not approved to treat opioid-induced constipation , diarrhea, or gastroparesis. Linzess is approved to treat only irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation . However, the medication may be used off-label for other digestive conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that the Food and Drug Administration has approved is prescribed for a purpose other than what its approved for.
OIC is a condition that may occur in people taking opioids because constipation is sometimes a side effect of opioid treatment. A study of Linzess showed that the drug may ease constipation related to opioid medications.
Linzess can cause diarrhea as a side effect. In some cases, the diarrhea can be severe. Due to this risk, its unlikely that your doctor will recommend Linzess for diarrhea, including irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.
There havent been any clinical trials to see whether Linzess is a safe or effective treatment option for gastroparesis. This is a condition that can cause food to move slowly through your digestive system. Linzess works to speed up your digestion and decrease abdominal pain, so it may ease symptoms of gastroparesis. However, at this time, the drug is not approved for this use.
If youre interested in Linzess for OIC, talk with your doctor. They can also advise you on treatments for diarrhea and gastroparesis.
Is Linzess Prescribed For Weight Loss Or Weight Gain
No, Linzess is not approved for weight loss or weight gain. In the drugs studies, the reported side effects did not include any changes in weight.
However, Linzess may cause diarrhea, which can be severe at times. Having diarrhea over an extended period may lead to weight loss.
In addition, abdominal distension is a side effect of Linzess. Its possible for bloating to cause weight gain.
If youre interested in help with weight loss or weight gain, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the best treatment plan for you.
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Can I Take Linzess At Night
Medical drugs work great until theyre used the wrong way. A bit too much or a bit too late can make a drug ineffective or increase the severity of side effects, respectively.
Similarly, some drugs are supposed to be taken at a specific time of the day under specific conditions . But some patients find it difficult to stick to the right schedule and others may simply forget to take the drug at the right time.
This article aims to explain the correct usage of LINZESS, what happens when its used incorrectly, and whether it can be taken at night.
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How To Use Linzess
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking linaclotide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not break or chew the capsules.
If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, it may be opened and the contents mixed in a teaspoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away, without chewing it. Do not save the mixture for future use.
You may also empty the capsule’s content into an ounce of water. Swirl the mixture for 20 seconds and drink right away, without chewing it. Add another ounce of water to the cup, swirl for 20 seconds and drink right away to get your whole dose. The water mixture may also be given through a tube into the stomach . If you are giving this medication through a tube, ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to give it.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
What Medications Are Similar
Linzess is the first approved drug belonging to the class of guanylate cyclase-C agonists. Trulance is another GC-C agonist used to treat CIC and IBS-C in adults.
Either of these medications may be prescribed to treat the targeted condition. It is not recommended to take these drugs together. Ask your pharmacist or a healthcare provider if you have questions.
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Are There Any Symptoms That Linzess Has Stopped Working
If your symptoms of IBS-C or CIC begin to come back, it could mean that Linzess has stopped working for you. Symptoms of these conditions can include:
- straining when trying to have a bowel movement
- infrequent bowel movements
If you notice that your symptoms seem to be coming back or worsening, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a different treatment.
Accessible Drug Containers And Labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesnt.
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Pregnancy And Breastfeeding While Taking Linzess
Its not known if its safe to take Linzess during pregnancy. If youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting Linzess treatment. Theyll let you know if this drug is safe for you to take or discuss other treatment options with you.
Its not known if Linzess is safe to take while breastfeeding. Linzess isnt thought to pass into breast milk. But its not known if Linzess affects your bodys ability to produce breast milk.
If youre breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Linzess.
Common Side Effects Of Linzess
Linzess can cause side effects just like any other medication can, and for many people with IBS-C or CIC, the benefits of taking it will outweigh any side effects they may experience. Here are the most common side effects of Linzess:
- Gastroenteritis
- Abdominal distension
Because Linzess works by decreasing gastrointestinal transit time, diarrhea is the most common side effect. Experiencing one or more of these side effects while taking Linzess is normal, and although they may be uncomfortable, many people will begin to feel relief from their chronic constipation soon after starting Linzess.
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Share Your Medical History With Your Doctor
Sharing your complete medical history with your doctor is important to help your doctor understand how well Linzess will work for you. Giving a complete list of all the medications and supplements youre taking to your doctor will allow them to see if anything youre already taking will interfere with Linzess and cause possible side effects. Your doctor will adjust your dose if needed or switch you to a different medication, like Amitiza, if side effects persist.
What To Do In Case Of Overdose
If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
This drug comes with several precautions.
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Taking It In The Morning
Unlike many other supplements and medications, ashwagandhas benefits are not immediate. It can take days to weeks before you begin to notice its effects.
For example, in one study including 60 people who took 300 mg of ashwagandha daily, it took upward of 10 weeks for them to observe its full effects on their sleep quality, compared with those in the control group .
As such, choosing when to take ashwagandha largely depends on your personal preference.
If youre taking ashwagandha as part of your supplement routine for general health, you may wish to take it in the morning along with any other vitamins or supplements.
That said, taking ashwagandha on an empty stomach may lead to mild stomach discomfort in some people. Therefore, you may wish to take ashwagandha after breakfast or after eating a small snack.
Alternatively, you can try adding ashwagandha to a smoothie, drink, or other meals.
I Have Kidney Problems Do I Need To Take A Lower Dose Of Linzess
Its not likely. Linzess is broken down inside the digestive tract, so it should not affect the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, you should be able to take the standard Linzess dosage for your condition. But always take the dosage your doctor recommends.
If you have questions about your current dosage, talk with your doctor.
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Do Side Effects Of Linzess Vary Depending On The Strength
In some cases, yes. For example, diarrhea was the most commonly reported side effect in studies of Linzess. The risk of having this side effect was higher in people who took 290 micrograms of Linzess per day than in those who took lower doses.
Also, certain side effects, such as viral gut infections and headache, were only reported in people taking a daily dosage of 290 mcg.
If you have bothersome side effects from Linzess, talk with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage to help relieve your side effects.
Linzess For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
Linzess is approved to treat a digestive condition called chronic idiopathic constipation . With CIC, youre frequently constipated for an unknown reason. Chronic means long term, and idiopathic means the cause isnt known.
Symptoms of CIC can include experiencing the following within a 3-month period:
- passing stools that are lumpy, hard, or like pebbles
- having fewer than three bowel movements per week
- having trouble emptying your bowels
Effectiveness for CIC
Linzess is an effective medication for adults with CIC. In fact, the drug is mentioned as a treatment option for people with CIC in guidelines from The American Journal of Managed Care. For information about how Linzess performed in clinical trials, see the drugs prescribing information.
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What Is Linzess Used For
Linzess is prescribed to treat specific bowel problems such as IBS and CIC. It also improves stool texture and lessens symptoms such as:
Linzess is not approved for use in children and should not be used in children younger than 2, as it can cause severe dehydration in this age group.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
Is Linzess A Laxative
No. Linzess is not a laxative. Like Linzess, laxatives can help relieve constipation, but they work in different ways than Linzess. Laxatives help loosen stool so you dont strain as much when having a bowel movement. In addition, laxatives may help bowel movements occur more often. Examples of laxatives include:
Laxatives are usually a short-term treatment, while Linzess is typically taken long term.
Linzess works by increasing the amount of fluid in your intestines. The drug also helps food move more quickly through your digestive tract. In addition, Linzess may ease pain in your digestive system. For more information, see the section below called How Linzess works.
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What Other Medications Interact With Linzess
No drug interaction studies have been conducted with Linzess. However, you should still tell your healthcare provider about your medication history before starting Linzess. Keep a list of all the drugs you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.
Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without your healthcare provider’s approval.
What If I Miss A Dose
If you miss a dose of Linzess, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose as scheduled the following day. You should not take two doses of Linzess at once to try to make up for a missed dose.
To help make sure you dont miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
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If You Take More Than The Recommended Amount Of Linzess
Call your doctor right away if you believe youve taken too much Linzess. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
What Are Reasons I Shouldnt Take Linzess
Linzess should not be used:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in linaclotide capsules. Ask a healthcare provider for a list of the ingredients.
- If you have any stomach or intestinal blockage and inflammatory bowel disease history. Consult your healthcare provider first.
- In children under age 6 due to the risk of severe side effects.
- In children ages 6 to 17. Linzess is not approved for this use.
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When Do Side Effects From Linzess Go Away
How long side effects of Linzess last may depend on several factors, including which side effect you have and how your body responds to Linzess.
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of Linzess. In one study , diarrhea improved within 1 week for some people taking Linzess. But how long diarrhea or other side effects last for you can vary.
If you experience side effects from Linzess that are bothersome or dont go away, talk with your doctor.
How Should I Take Linzess
Take Linzess exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Take Linzess in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce or bottled water. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.
Even if you have taken this medicine with applesauce, wait at least 30 minutes before eating a full meal.
If needed, medicine from the Linzess capsule may be given through a nasogastric or gastronomy tube.
Carefully follow instructions for mixing medicine from the capsule with applesauce or water, or giving the medicine through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Linaclotide can be fatal to a child who accidentally swallows this medicine. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.
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Should I Expect Nausea With Linzess
Nausea was not a side effect reported in clinical trials of people who took Linzess. However, nausea has been reported since the drug came on the market.
You may be nauseous due to the constipation you experience from IBS-C or CIC. Nausea is a symptom of constipation.
Your doctor may be able to suggest possible treatments for any nausea you have.
What Should I Watch For While Using This Medication
Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of this medicine. It often begins within 2 weeks of starting this medicine. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor if you get severe diarrhea.
Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.
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Dosage: How Much Of Linzess Should I Take
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form :
- For chronic idiopathic constipation:
- Adults145 micrograms once a day. Some patients may need 72 mcg once a day.
- Children 2 years of age and olderUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Children younger than 2 years of ageUse is not recommended.