FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IBS-C, CIC & LINZESS
IBS-C, CIC & CHRONIC CONSTIPATION
What’s the difference between occasional and chronic constipation?
Sudden or short periods of difficult, infrequent, or incomplete bowel movements may be occasional constipation. Constipation symptoms that keep coming back or seem to last for a long time—more than 3 months—could indicate a medical condition known as chronic constipation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) and Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) are types of chronic constipation.
Is there a cure for IBS-C or CIC?
There is no known cure for IBS-C or CIC, but LINZESS can help you proactively manage your symptoms and is proven to treat multiple symptoms of IBS-C. Healthy diet and lifestyle habits may also help you manage your symptoms.
WHAT LINZESS DOES & HOW IT CAN HELP
How is LINZESS different than a laxative?
LINZESS can help you proactively manage symptoms of IBS-C or CIC. It was the first approved treatment in a class of drugs that work differently than other medications. The once-daily prescription acts locally in the intestine and is thought to work in 2 ways: by helping to calm pain-sensing nerves* and by accelerating bowel movements.
*This was seen in animal studies, and the relevance to humans is not known.
What does LINZESS do?
LINZESS helps you have more frequent and complete bowel movements and helps relieve belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms* (pain, discomfort, and bloating) associated with IBS-C.
*Abdominal symptoms were studied in combination, not individually.
When can I expect to start seeing my symptoms improve with LINZESS?
Constipation relief is typically felt in about 1 week. IBS-C patients may begin to experience relief of belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms* (pain, discomfort, and bloating) in about 1 week, with symptoms typically improving over 12 weeks.
*Abdominal symptoms were studied in combination, not individually.
GETTING TREATMENT & MORE RESOURCES
How do I start a conversation with a doctor about my symptoms?
In order to help you find the right treatment, your doctor needs to know all of your symptoms and how they’re affecting you. The quick 5-question Gut Check helps summarize your symptoms. You can then use your summary as a conversation guide when speaking to the doctor.
Besides talking to a doctor, where else can I find information about IBS-C or CIC?
The following resources can help you learn more or stay informed about your condition.
Helpful Links for IBS-C
Helpful Links for CIC
YOUR LINZESS PRESCRIPTION
How much does LINZESS cost?
Check the LINZESS Pricing page to learn more about the cost of LINZESS and the LINZESS savings card.
Why do I need to take LINZESS daily?
LINZESS was studied and shown to be effective when taken once daily. When taken daily as prescribed by your doctor, LINZESS may help you proactively manage your symptoms of IBS-C or CIC. If you stop taking LINZESS, your symptoms may return in about 1 week.
What is the best time of day to take LINZESS?
Take LINZESS on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day. Remember to take LINZESS daily, as prescribed by your doctor, to proactively manage your symptoms.
How do I know if LINZESS is working for me?
When LINZESS is taken daily, your constipation and abdominal symptoms may improve over time. Constipation relief is typically felt in about 1 week. IBS-C patients may begin to experience relief of belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms* (pain, discomfort, and bloating) in about 1 week, with symptoms typically improving over 12 weeks.
*Abdominal symptoms were studied in combination, not individually.
Is it common to experience diarrhea when starting LINZESS?
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of LINZESS and can sometimes be severe. Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of treatment. Stop taking LINZESS and call your doctor right away if you experience severe diarrhea while taking LINZESS.
What should I do if I experience any severe side effects?
Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.
Where should I store LINZESS?