LINZESS (LINACLOTIDE)

Linzess Description

If you experience frequent abdominal pain and the discomfort of constipation, you may have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). See your doctor about a prescription for Linzess to relieve your symptoms. Linzess belongs to a newer class of prescription drugs and is known as a guanylate cyclase-C agonist.

Linzess is approved to treat IBS-C in men and women, as well as chronic idiopathic constipation or CIC. Idiopathic simply means that the cause of the constipation is unknown. Both of these conditions can affect your quality of life by robbing you of the opportunity to enjoy socializing, entertaining, travelling, and taking an active part in family outings. It can also cause absenteeism at school or work.

How Linzess Works to Increase Fluid Secretion

Linaclotide, the active ingredient in Linzess, binds to the guanylate cyclase-C receptors in your intestinal tract. By inhibiting the GC-C enzymes from accessing their receptors, there is an increase in fluid secretion so the consistency or your stools is not as dry or hard and you will have an easier time with your bowel movements. This will alleviate your abdominal pain and you can start doing more of the things you once took pleasure in.

Conditions Treated by Linzess

There are several theories regarding the cause of IBS-C. One possible cause is that some people have extra sensitive nerves in their intestines so they experience the pain more than others. Another cause could be that your colon is absorbing too much fluid from the stool or the muscles are not moving fast enough so the stools become dried out and too difficult to pass. Or it may be that because your gut is controlled by signals from your brain, there may be a signal disruption that creates changes in your bowel habits.

These risk factors also apply to chronic idiopathic constipation. Talking to a nutritionist can help you understand how some of the foods you eat can affect your bowel habits and which foods can help reduce your abdominal pain, gas, or bloating.

Before Linzess is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding in case Linzess may be unsafe for your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to be certain Linzess is the right medication for you.

Linzess Precautions

Linzess should be taken thirty minutes before your first meal of the day. You should be patient as it can take up to fourteen days before you notice any improvement in your symptoms and bowel habits. Stop taking Linzess and contact your doctor if you experience severe or ongoing diarrhea and stomach pain. Keep all medications out of children’s reach and never share your meds with anyone.

Possible Side Effects of Linzess

• Gas
• Headache
• Fatigue