Hello everyone. I have been prescribed by my doctor with Linzess. I have chronic GI disorders abdominal, pain, feeling bloated (severely uncomfortable). I started yesterday but when I woke up this morning, I had this pain, distention in my whole abdomen that extended to both sides. I took 3 aspirin but it did not help. I took Ibuprofen but just weans off the pain. Should I continue this medication? I understand that there is no generic equivalent foe Linzess but I'm on Medicare and I find the medicine expensive, is there a good alternative for this?
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Answers Page 2
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endlessPred
2 July 2013
Excellent answer.
Please be sure to drink plenty of water with this. Not soft drinks. You don't want to add sugar to the fermenting bowel material as it will cause even more gas. See if the doctor will send you to a dietician so that you can learn how to adjust your diet as well. Continue taking the medication as prescribed. Let the doctor know of the cost issue. He may have samples for you. Hope you are doing better soon. I agree that you should not take aspirin or any NSAID while treating your GI problem. Also no pepto or Imodium or laxative. Watch for signs of bleeding or vomiting. If so don't hesitate to go to the ER. Vomiting may be a bowel obstruction or internal bleeding. Once your system is purged, follow his next steps. Hope you will be better soon.
Votes: +1
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endlessPred
2 July 2013
From Drugs.com linaclotide ↔ food Moderate Food Interaction Taking linaclotide with food may increase gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. The absorption of any other oral medication you may take can be affected if you develop frequent or severe diarrhea. To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal intolerance, linaclotide should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
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Karangahan
2 July 2013
Thank you for all your replies. I really do appreciate it. I'm feeling a little better now but not completely well.
I will note all your suggestions. I will stop taking aspirin. I never thought of the repercussion of aspirin and ibuprofen to my stomach until today. I never,realized that I am doing harm than good to myself.
KA
Karangahan
2 July 2013
Is there that anyone could suggest as alternative to Linzess which I can mention to my doctor. i like my doctor as he listens and open to suggestions from his patients.
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endlessPred
2 July 2013
Did he indicate you will stay on this or is this to give you relief for now? Again, changing your diet to accommodate may be extremely helpful and save expense.
Not sure what you feel is expensive, but I applied through AARP for secondary drug coverage and it has been extremely helpful. My Med's are very expensive and this saves me a few thousand per year picking up those copays... Copays are far more reasonable. Just thought you should look into it as the new sign up period is coming in the fall. If you don't do the computer comparison, they will talk you through it. Better to do so before the fall.
KA
Karangahan
2 July 2013
Endlesspro, Thank you. I am trying to change my diet with more fibers.
I don't know if the Linzess is for emporium relief or for permanent medication.
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endlessPred
2 July 2013
Take it a day at a time. Apples are really good. Watermelon is excellent. Things like that help. Raw carrots with hummus. After a while you won't miss high sugar foods. Intact all of these foods are very sweet, except hummus, mine has garlic! Browse the grocery store and if you don't buy it for the house, it won't be there later. Stay in touch. Happy to talk with you anytime. Stay strong. Karen
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citygirl35
27 Aug 2014
Hi, I have been on Linzess also for a month and I feel great. No pain no bloating but I only go to the restroom when I take the pill about 3 times in a row and then its over. So, that part is not so bad. My Doctor also gave me pantoprazole 40mg 1x a day and maybe that is why I have no more pain. It is a time release tablet and it works well. I hope this helps.
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jofit
10 Sep 2015
I've been diagnosed with Idiopathic IBS and have been taking Linzess 145 which has been working for months. Then I guess because of a change in diet, my digestive system just stops working. I am sure there are foods that I am not supposed to eat. I'd like a list. Any ideas??
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PhillyinKansas
16 Jan 2016
I have had IBS-C for twenty two years. I do not have it all the time... I have exacerbations and remissions. I had an episode for six weeks in October so severe I went to the ER... where of course they did nothing. I asked my doctor about Linzess and I got the lower 145 dose. The first day I took it, the pain was gone. The second day... I could feel movement (something I hadn't had for six weeks... I took it for two weeks and went into remission. Then I thought... well , it's for motility and pain relief... I have both... why am I taking it. I thought I would take it every few days... but when my IBS-c is in remission... it's too much for me so I am going to use it as needed... NOT as a maintenance drug. It is still the best thing ever... IBS is so hard to function with when you have a full blown attack... and this stuff works great for me. Good luck to everyone.
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wogga
14 Nov 2017
Trulance is available as an alternative to Linzess. Trulance has a similar CIC (Chronic Idiopathic Constipation) rate of effectiveness, but doesn't need to be taken with food or drink. It also has a much lower side-effects profile (eg: diarrhea less than 5% with Trulance vs 20% of Linzess patients) It is likely that it will also be approved by the FDA by January 2017 for IBS-C patients. It is priced the same for insurers and copays, so it should be considered by current Linzess patients
Karangahan, Sorry that you are feeling poorly. According to drugs.com the symptoms you describe are common side effects. Linzess is for IBS with constipation. So as the medicine gets in your system and begins to do its job, the constipation will ease up and with it, the bloating and abdominal pain. One thing I need to caution you about is that both aspirin and ibuprofen are very hard on your stomach and might aggravate your symptoms/pain. They can also cause GI bleeding. I would recommend Tylenol, but ask that you call your doctor to find out what he wants you to take. Hope this helps. Kathy
Votes: +2
KA
kathyhanson
2 July 2013
I forgot to add something, K. I take hyoscyamine (hyomax) for IBS. It is generic and very inexpensive. Maybe that would work for you. But most of the IBS meds are for IBS with diarrhea. So, it might cause you more problems. For the occasional constipation with IBS that I get (you know it goes back and forth) my GI doc told me to use Miralax until it is resolved. For really stubborn constipation, he told me to take Senokot. But don't use these unless your doctor tells you to. I don't know all of your medical conditions and these 2 meds could cause you problems. I am just sharing what my doc told me. Check with your doctor. Regardless of the meds you take, like Karen said, lots and lots of water is essential. Kath
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mapyron
13 Dec 2013
I agree... IBS with altering constipation and diarrhea --maybe the hycosamine--but when goes to constant chronic constipation with lots of pain, then that doesn't work--in my experience...
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Debra carr
26 Sep 2015
Why is Linzess so expensive? I was just given this 2 days ago but I couldn't afford it a totally outrageous price. A medication I received for Ibs. My doctor has tried me on other medications that do not work what is a person supposed to do. I've been in tears for two days over this because I know I need it but that's not an option. What should I do
