My doctor prescribed 145 mg Linzess over a month ago. The first week, it seemed to completely empty by bowels on the 2nd day but after that I am lucky if it works one day a week. I also take a fiber supplement, drink a lot of water, exercise daily and run 10 miles on the weekend. I am experiencing horrible smelling gas, bloating, and mild cramps accompanied by bloating and worse constipation. Should I stop taking it and save $20 a month?
How long should I give Linzess a chance to work before stopping it?
Question posted by jmiguel on 15 Jan 2016
Last updated on 8 February 2024 by brensue
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5 Answers
brensue
8 Feb 2024
I took 2 Dulcolax pills the night before on empty stomach which helped.
Curious how you got Linzess for $20 a month. I’m having to pay over $200 a month and some people more than that.
heartnbutterfly
20 Oct 2023
This is an old thread, but for some people fiber actually causes constipation. I've heard this from 3 different GI's. My brother's GI was recently treating him for chronic diarrhea (he doesn't take Linzess) & he was advised that he should start using Metamucil to help firm things up.
Maybe you need a higher dose?
chuck1957
17 Feb 2016
JMIGUEL; hope you see the other post and double check with the doctor again. It's always nice to hear from someone that has had to take it and get someone that has taken it. And being fairly new on this and a newer medication they should have spent more time talking with you hope its working now for you and your feeling better.
jmr30183
16 Feb 2016
Since this posting is one month old, I'm not sure if you have continued with Linzess or not. But I'll answer as if you are still taking it-
I suffer from Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) and it was a miracle drug for me. I started on 145mcg daily and it worked very well (too well sometimes, causing diarrhea) for the first two months. Then things started to slow down again and my gastroenterologist increased me to 290mcg (max dose). It has remained effective for more than six months now.
A few important things- my doctor or pharmacist didn't mention this, but I discovered in my own research that you should take Linzess 30 minutes prior to eating! Doing so made a very significant difference and the drug has worked consistently since I started doing that.
You mention that you take a fiber supplement. For many people, these (such as Miralax or herbal fiber supplements) work very well, but for me they only increase my cramps and make me feel even more bloated. The game changer for me was drinking two fruit/yogurt shakes (organic, no added sugar) that I make daily and I add up to 1-cup of raw spinach. It makes the shake a hideous green color, but it doesn't taste bad at all. I also eat a spinach salad several times per week, with just a little ginger dressing and a few cherry tomatoes.
I also found a brand of organic cereal called "Mom's Best" and their shredded wheat (similar to Frosted Mini-Wheats) has 6g of fiber per serving. I eat at least two servings per day even if I have to force it down. It is sold at Kroger and Kroger-owned stores (such as Barney's in California) and Target Stores. The one that I eat is called "Sweetened Wheat-Fuls" but the also have a Raisin Bran with 6g of fiber per serving.
You are doing a great job of exercising daily and drinking plenty of water. I can take the medicine and eat the right food but if I don't get some exercise daily, my constipation returns. In the winter, I'll even vacuum the baseboards and crown moulding, behind the appliances and anywhere else I can find for the physical activity!
Final question- has your doctor discussed a drug called Amitiza as a possible alternative? I tried it before Linzess and it didn't work for me, but it seems to be effective for some people.
I wish you the very best!
aramirez77
2 March 2022
Hi I am doing a study on linzess and would love to speak to you about your success on it would you be interested in sharing your experience with me ?
chuck1957
16 Jan 2016
JMIGUEL' don't stop yet until you talk with the doctor about it. Now one question if you are taking a glass of water and the fiber with or at the same time as the Linzess, This could be the problem they have to be taken a few hours before the fiber or a couple hours after you take the fiber They well stop the medication from working if they are taken to close together try this if this is what you're doing still problems check with the doctor.
Related topics
constipation - chronic, doctor, prescription, linzess
Further information
- Linzess uses and safety info
- Linzess prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Linzess (detailed)
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