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A man and woman sitting at a picnic table in a garden happily discussing constipation treatment options. A man and woman sitting at a picnic table in a garden happily discussing constipation treatment options.

CONSTIPATION TREATMENT OPTIONS

TYPES OF TREATMENTS & WHEN TO CONSIDER A PRESCRIPTION

When you’re experiencing constipation, your initial reaction might be to grab an over-the-counter treatment from the pharmacy aisle. But if your symptoms keep coming back and you don’t know why, it could be a chronic medical condition—and you may want to consider a daily prescription treatment.

An icon of different types of over-the-counter medications. An icon of different types of over-the-counter medications. An icon of different types of over-the-counter medications.

OVER-THE-COUNTER TREATMENTS

Over-the-counter medications for occasional constipation may include:

  • Laxatives (like MiraLax®, Phillips’® Milk of Magnesia, or Dulcolax®)
  • Fiber products (such as Metamucil®)
  • Stool softeners (like Colace®)

These treatments may provide relief for occasional constipation, but should not be taken for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor.

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An icon of a closed prescription medication bottle labeled "Rx."An icon of a closed prescription medication bottle labeled "Rx."An icon of a closed prescription medication bottle labeled "Rx."

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

If you have more than occasional constipation, talk to a doctor about prescription options, like LINZESS.

LINZESS is a once-daily prescription treatment for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) or Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). It 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.

HOW LINZESS CAN HELP

*Abdominal symptoms were studied in combination, not individually.

“After about a week of being on LINZESS, my bowel movements became more regular…and then my pain started to subside.”

Nan, 54
Prescribed LINZESS for IBS-C

Icon of a stomach twisted like a towel to represent belly pain due to IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation).

COULD IT BE MORE THAN OCCASIONAL CONSTIPATION?

Answer 5 quick questions to learn more about symptoms of IBS-C and how LINZESS may help.

CHECK MY SYMPTOMS
TIPS FOR MANAGING CONSTIPATION
LINZESS PATIENT STORIES
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IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

  • Do not give LINZESS to children who are less than 6 years of age. It may harm them. LINZESS can cause severe diarrhea and your child could get severe dehydration (loss of a large amount of body water and salt).
  • You should not give LINZESS to children 6 years to less than 18 years of age. It may harm them.
  • Do not take LINZESS if a doctor has told you that you have a bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction).

Before you take LINZESS, tell your doctor about your medical conditions, including if you are:

  • Pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if LINZESS will harm your unborn baby.
  • Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You and your doctor should decide if you will take LINZESS and breastfeed.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Side Effects

LINZESS can cause serious side effects, including diarrhea, the most common side effect, which can sometimes be severe. Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of LINZESS treatment. Stop taking LINZESS and call your doctor right away if you get severe diarrhea during treatment with LINZESS.

Other common side effects of LINZESS include gas, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distension). Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital 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.

These are not all the possible side effects of LINZESS. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is LINZESS?

LINZESS® (linaclotide) is a prescription medication used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‑C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). "Idiopathic" means the cause of the constipation is unknown. It is not known if LINZESS is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.

Please also see Medication Guideopen pdf in new tab within Full Prescribing Information.open pdf in new tab

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IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

  • Do not give LINZESS to children who are less than 6 years of age. It may harm them. LINZESS can cause severe diarrhea and your child could get severe dehydration (loss of a large amount of body water and salt).
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