CIC IS A CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITION
If your constipation keeps coming back or seems to last for a long time—3 months or more—it could be Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). "Idiopathic" means the cause is unknown.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CIC?
CONSTIPATION
Lumpy or hard stools
Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
Incomplete bowel movements
WHAT CAUSES CIC?
Researchers believe several factors may contribute to the development of CIC.
FLUID ABSORPTION
The colon may be absorbing too much fluid from stools, or the muscles in the colon may be moving too slowly. This can cause stools to become dry, hard, and difficult to pass.
MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS
The muscles of the colon may be contracting too slowly, which can reduce the movement of stool through the colon and cause infrequent stools.
NERVE SENSITIVITY
Some patients may have less nerve sensitivity, which may reduce the urge to have a bowel movement. Other patients may have extra-sensitive nerves, which can cause discomfort.
WHILE ESTIMATES VARY, AS MANY AS 28.5 MILLION ADULTS IN THE U.S. MAY HAVE CIC
OVER 3 MILLION PATIENTS HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED 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 relieve belly pain as well as overall abdominal symptoms, and lets you have more frequent and complete bowel movements that are easier to pass.
*IQVIA Total Patient Tracker – June 2020
“After 2 weeks of taking LINZESS, I noticed a change in my bowel movements…I felt I could go completely.”
Dian, 43
Diagnosed with CIC in 2011