Uses
What is Linzess® (linaclotide) used for?
Linzess® works by increasing the secretion of chloride and water in the intestines, which can soften stools and stimulate bowel movements.
Linzess® is a prescription medicine used to treat chronic constipation or chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults who have had constipation as the main symptom. The safety and effectiveness of Linzess® has not been established in patients under 18 years of age.
How should I take Linzess® (linaclotide)?
Take Linzess® exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Linzess® in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal.
Do not crush, chew, or break a Linzess® capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.
If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open the capsule 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 (NG) or gastronomy tube.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Linzess®.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Linzess® can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration in a child who accidentally swallows this medicine. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.
Keep the capsules in their original container, along with the packet of moisture-absorbing preservative that comes with this medicine. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
How do I store Linzess® (linaclotide)?
Linzess® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Linzess® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Linzess® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush Linzess® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using Linzess® (linaclotide)?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Linzess® or other medications.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
- You have a blockage in your intestines.
Linzess® should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old. Linaclotide can cause severe dehydration in a child. Do not give this medicine to any child or teenager without the advice of a doctor.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Linzess® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Linzess®. Linzess® is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk
- B=No risk in some studies
- C=There may be some risk
- D=Positive evidence of risk
- X=Contraindicated
- N=Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur from Linzess® (linaclotide)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Linzess®: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Linzess® and call your doctor at once if you have:
- Severe or ongoing diarrhea
- Diarrhea with dizziness or a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out)
- Signs of an electrolyte imbalance – increased thirst or urination, leg cramps, mood changes, confusion, feeling unsteady, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, muscle weakness or limp feeling
- Severe stomach pain
- Black, bloody, or tarry stools
Common side effects may include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Bloating or full feeling in your stomach
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Linzess® (linaclotide)?
Linzess® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Does food or alcohol interact with Linzess® (linaclotide)?
Linzess® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Linzess® (linaclotide)?
Linzess® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Linzess® (linaclotide).
What is the dose of Linzess® (linaclotide) for an adult?
Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
290 mcg orally once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:
145 mcg orally once a day.
What is the dose of Linzess® (linaclotide) for a child?
The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How is Linzess® (linaclotide) available?
Linzess® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Capsule, gelatin coated: linaclotide 145ug
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Linzess®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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