What is Linaclotide
LinaclotideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLinaclotide is a medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is an amino acid-based drug made of fourteen different amino acids that are linked together with three disulfide bonds. The FDA approved this drug on August 30, 2012.
Linzessis the brand name
Linaclotide Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Linzess
Linaclotide
2012
5
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Linaclotide, also known as Linzess, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) .Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
Helps manage Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
Helps manage chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
Effectiveness
How Linaclotide Affects PatientsLinaclotide has been observed to cause changes in the shape and texture of stools, as measured by the Bristol Stool Form Scale.
How Linaclotide works in the bodyLinaclotide helps people with IBS, especially constipation, by speeding up the movement of food through the intestines and increasing fluid in the gut. It does this by activating a protein called guanylate cyclase-C, which triggers a chain reaction that causes a type of cell to release more chloride and bicarbonate. This reaction also helps reduce pain in the gut by increasing a molecule called cGMP, which acts on the pain-sensing nerves.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Linaclotide is contingent upon the recognized illness. The measure of dosage also differs in accordance with the mode of delivery, as indicated in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
0.072 mg, 0.145 mg, , 0.29 mg
, Capsule, Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated
Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
0.072 mg, 0.145 mg, , 0.29 mg
, Capsule, Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated
Warnings
Linaclotide has two contraindications, and taking it is not recommended for those with any of the conditions listed in the following table.Linaclotide ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Linaclotide may interact with Pulse Frequency
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Common Linaclotide Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Alloin
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Alloin.
Bisacodyl
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Bisacodyl.
Bisoxatin
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Bisoxatin.
Calcium polycarbophil
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Calcium polycarbophil.
Carboxymethylcellulose
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Carboxymethylcellulose.
Linaclotide Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking Linzess may cause side effects in some patients, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, passing gas, and bloating. These effects occur in 2% or more of those taking the drug.
Linaclotide Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Linaclotide?
Five ongoing trials are analyzing the effectiveness of Linaclotide in providing relief from chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
0 Actively Recruiting
Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Linaclotide Reviews: What are patients saying about Linaclotide?
5Patient Review
10/16/2022 I was surprised to read about all the negative experiences people have had. For me, this treatment began working within three hours. I had several bouts of diarrhea, but it was never painful and it really cleaned me out. I would recommend being near a toilet for at least five hours after taking the medication, as you will likely need to use it frequently. This treatment didn't make my stomach bloated; if anything, it did the opposite.
5Patient Review
10/16/2022 I was surprised to hear that other people have had such negative experiences with this medication. For me, it started working within three hours and I had several bouts of heavy diarrhea. It never bothered my stomach, though, and actually made me feel much cleaner. I would recommend being near a toilet for at least five hours after taking the medication, as you will likely not have any solid movements during that time.
4.3Patient Review
5/22/2022 I've had chronic constipation for a long time, and my doctor recommended Linzess. The first pill took effect in about three hours, and yes, like others have said it causes diarrhea. But I can say that it really cleans me out and makes me feel much better.
4.3Patient Review
5/22/2022 I've had chronic constipation for most of my life, and my doctor recommended Linzess. The first pill took effect after about three hours, and yes, it caused diarrhea (sometimes explosively). However, it really cleans me out and makes me feel much better.
3.7Patient Review
10/25/2022 When I first started this medication, it helped a lot. However, after a while it stopped being as effective. Now, I only take it when I need to and that works better for me.
3.7Patient Review
10/25/2022 This medication helped me at first, but then I started to develop a tolerance. Now I only take it when I really need it and that seems to work better for me.
3Patient Review
10/5/2022 Unfortunately, this didn't work for my IBS-C. I tried taking it twice a day at 290 mcg and saw no results. It also made me incredibly dehydrated and gave me hemorrhoids.
3Patient Review
10/6/2022 I've been taking linzess 290 mcg daily for two years to help with my IBS-C, but it seems like it's stopped working recently. I'm still having to take other medications (colace, miralax) and I haven't seen any improvement in days. Hoping to find a different option soon.
3Patient Review
10/6/2022 I've been taking this for two years now and, unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be as effective as it once was. I'm still struggling with constipation despite also taking other measures like Miralax and Colace. If you're thinking of trying this, be aware that it may not provide long-term relief.
3Patient Review
10/5/2022 I'm honestly disappointed in this treatment for IBS-C. It didn't work for me, even when taking it twice a day at 290 mcg. You have to drink a ton of water to not dehydrate, and it can cause hemorrhoids which then bleed. I'm going back to fiber and Miralax; it's also cheaper and doesn't made my life worse.
2Patient Review
8/25/2022 I unfortunately had very negative side effects while taking this medication. I would have to run to the bathroom multiple times after taking just one dose. It was also incredibly expensive, and not covered by my insurance.
2Patient Review
9/13/2022 I am currently taking this medication and it has been an incredibly difficult 14 days. I have struggled with breathing, gas, and what I believe may be a heart attack. This experience has been absolutely nightmarish.
2Patient Review
8/25/2022 I tried this treatment for two weeks, and it unfortunately gave me really bad diarrhea. Three times after taking the medication at the highest dosage, I had to run to the bathroom. It's also pretty pricey (600 dollars) and not covered by my insurance.
2Patient Review
9/13/2022 I am currently experiencing some very intense side effects after taking this medication for two weeks. I am struggling to breathe and am in a lot of pain. This has been an absolute nightmare.
1.7Patient Review
6/12/2022 I would not recommend this drug to anyone. It was watery and made a mess all over the bathroom. I had severe stomach pain afterwards that lasted for six hours. There has got to be a better solution out there.
1.7Patient Review
6/12/2022 This was by far the most terrible medication I have ever had the displeasure of using. It's nothing but water and made an absolute mess everywhere. One day is more than enough for me, I'd rather die than use this again. Six hours later and I'm still in pain. If you're considering this, please be very careful.
1Patient Review
8/28/2022 The first time I took LINZES, I had to run to the bathroom. Unfortunately, I didn't make it and ended up making a mess. Since then, I've been having constant urges to go to the bathroom. It's horrible!
1Patient Review
8/28/2022 I had an immediate reaction to LINZES the first time I took it and ran to the bathroom. Unfortunately, I didn't make it in time and had to clean up afterwards. The urge to go has been constant since then and it's incredibly annoying.
Patient Q&A Section about linaclotide
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long does it take for linaclotide to work?
"If you're constipated, you can typically expect relief within a week. For those with IBS-C, abdominal pain and other symptoms like discomfort and bloating typically begin to improve within the first week, and these improvements continue over the course of 12 weeks."
Answered by AI
Is LINZESS just a laxative?
"It's designed to work in different areas of your intestine and bowels.
LINZESS is designed to work differently than other medications by targeting different areas of the intestine and bowels. It is the first approved treatment in its class."
Answered by AI
Is linaclotide the same as LINZESS?
"Linzess helps to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) by working on the muscles in the intestine."
Answered by AI