Linaclotide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on Linzess for a week now due to chronic constipation. Dr. said to give it a try and see how it works. Took on an empty stomach and waited at least 30 mins to eat, and within 4 hours, I had diarrhea pretty bad and sat there for 20 mins. Then I was fine until my next dose. Again diarrhea but not so much or so long. Still some loose stool, but so much better than not going for days on end! Give it a try and give it more than a few days. Your body takes time to adjust."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on Linzess for a week now due to chronic constipation. Dr. said to give it a try and see how it works. Took on an empty stomach and waited at least 30 mins to eat, and within 4 hours, I had diarrhea pretty bad and sat there for 20 mins. Then I was fine until my next dose. Again diarrhea but not so much or so long. Still some loose stool, but so much better than not going for days on end! Give it a try and give it more than a few days. Your body takes time to adjust."

• Tri...
• February 26, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking this medication for 8 months now, and I have to say that even though it gives me diarrhea and I'm stuck to the bathroom for a little bit of time in the morning, it's much better than dealing with the absolute intense pain and constipation I have had for 20 years. I think Linzess has this interesting side effect that is difficult to deal with sometimes, but for me, it is well worth it. Thank God for Linzess."

• Cra...
• March 17, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I can truly say this medication has changed my life! I have had years of constipation and used suppositories and Miralax on a regular basis. Other oral medications were too harsh and caused me to throw up. I tried Linzess a year ago, and I didn't give myself enough time to adjust to the medication-lots of diarrhea. But my doctor encouraged me to try again and commit to it for a few weeks. Sure enough, the side effects tapered off, and things are mostly regular. It is very expensive, and my doctor had to go through hoops to get the medication approved by my insurance."

• Ale...
• July 2, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I'm 19 and was recently diagnosed with IBS. It was a daily battle with the excruciating pain that would double me over, sweating. I would get a fever from the pain and almost pass out on a daily basis. I tried everything for months and nothing would work. I drank 2 gallons of colonoscopy prep before my colonoscopy, and I still wasn't cleared out. I started Linzess, and within 2 days, I was completely gone of symptoms. Linzess changed my life, and I can be a normal college student again. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE IT AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOU EAT. If you don't, that's when you will experience diarrhea. I would recommend this pill to anyone. The pill is worth the money."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Terrified. My husband takes this 145 mg. He has taken it for over a year. It worked on all diarrhea, and then, after a while, he began to be bedridden for months. Day in and day out, I watch him suffer, and there is nothing I can do about it. He's had diarrhea, horrible stomach pain, extreme bloating, bloody stools, vomiting. He's been to the hospital. It wasn't until recently when his arms, hands, and legs started swelling that it was discovered what was wrong. It doesn't tell you that it also causes blood clots, and it doesn't let you know that there have been multiple deaths. Seeing and knowing what I know, I absolutely know that this medicine will and has caused deaths. I really pray that if you start experiencing this, you stop it before it's too late!"

• dob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took the lowest dose of Linzess for the first time this morning about 45 minutes before breakfast. Then, about 2 hours later, I had a bowel movement. The urge was there, but no diarrhea. I just want help to alleviate the constipation, so if it can make me have a BM every other day - great. So far, no cramping or other symptoms. I will revisit this site with an update after using it for 2-3 weeks. I will not increase the dosage - I just want to use the minimal amount to get the job done. I understand that after about 4-5 months, your body adapts to the BM routine (muscle memory) and will eliminate easier (like being re-trained). I recommend going into use trying the smallest dose possible before jumping into the higher doses, as that will surely cause anybody to experience a hard and most likely negative reaction."

• sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I took the med for a month, it was fantastic, but no insurance, so it was very expensive. So I am not taking it now. Again, the medicine is great. I didn't have any side effects, nor did I have loose stool."

• BB8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered from chronic constipation since my mom said I was in diapers. I will go up to 2 weeks without movement when on no medication. I started on Amitiza 10 years ago, learned how to deal with the side effects, but still hated the nauseousness they caused. I asked my doctor to switch me to Linzess even though she hasn't had any patients on it yet, and so far, I LOVE IT! No terrible side effects. Yes, I get diarrhea on it, but that is common for any medication I take for CIC. I'll take diarrhea over constipation any day. No stomach pain, no bloating, no water retention!"

• Sno...
• January 5, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Unlike most people who post on here, beware: my experience with this drug has been horrific. After taking as directed by the manufacturer, one hour before the first meal, I almost instantly become deathly ill. Cramping and spasms so severe I can hardly breathe and feel like I am going into shock. This lasts for two hours. I couldn't call 911 if I tried. I can't move, I'm so sick. After the episode, I can barely walk, I'm so weak. My chest hurts terribly for hours afterward. I've been so desperate to have a bowel movement that I have tried this drug several times with the same result. Never again! I do eventually have severe diarrhea toward the end of the episode. This drug is not for me."

• lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking Linzess for one month, and for the first time ever, I feel like I can have a normal life. I have suffered with irritable bowel syndrome for 35 years, and it has controlled my life. I have diarrhea for a few hours after taking it, but feel great the rest of the day. I am so excited, but just wish my insurance would cover this new medicine that has saved my quality of life!"

• DSh...
• June 22, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "After suffering most of my life from all the issues related to irritable bowel syndrome, gas, diarrhea, chronic constipation, I have finally found I have a normal life with little or no gas, no more constipation, and rare loose stools. But for anyone who has ever suffered from constipation, having loose stools is a welcome trade-off. Thank you, Linzess."

• DSh...
• June 22, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "After suffering most of my life from all the issues related to irritable bowel syndrome, gas, diarrhea, chronic constipation, I have finally found I have a normal life with little or no gas, no more constipation, and rare loose stools. But for anyone who has ever suffered from constipation, having loose stools is a welcome trade-off. Thank you, Linzess."

• cee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've only been on this med about one week, but it worked immediately. My intestinal motility was vastly improved, I had no cramps, stomach pains, or discomfort. The only side effects I've experienced are diarrhea with some urgency and a slight increase in gas, but with no bloating. I haven't taken any of the significant amount of laxatives I've had to take in the past, the Linzess is all I've had to take. I'm hoping that overtime the urgency for the diarrhea will adjust (I don't mind the diarrhea itself, it's far preferable to the uncomfortable constipation!)."

• CAD...
• August 9, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Diagnosed with IBS-C a few years ago. This is the only medication that has helped. I don't take it daily because of the cost, but it's been just as effective every other day. The first two weeks, it caused severe diarrhea within an hour of taking it, but then it calmed down to regular bowel movements once a day, which is a far cry better than the once a week I experienced before the medication."

• Wlb...
• February 20, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm on day 3 and have had horrible cramps, sweating, nausea, and diarrhea after every dose. Within 1 to 3 hours after taking the pill, I feel sick until it all comes out! But if it helps me go more than 1 time every 10 to 14 days, I'll take these symptoms over that. But I agree, stay close to the potty."

• a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm so glad to finally get relief. I tried everything else with no results. I saw the commercial and asked my doc about Linzess. He agreed I should try it. He told me to take it in the morning, 30 minutes before my first meal. I took it later, and I got diarrhea. Now I take it in the morning, and it works great! I know this sounds dramatic, but I feel like I got my life back during these two weeks. If it works for me, it should work for anyone. $30 copay is the same as buying Miralax, which doesn't really work for me. I'm satisfied."

• Joj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had chronic constipation my whole life. I am 52. I have tried everything on the market. I have chronic pain (fibromyalgia), and in trying to have some quality of life, I moved on to opioid meds, which make the constipation way worse. Linzess 290 has changed everything! I take it at 3-5 am (whenever I happen to wake up). I had been on Amitiza 2x/day, which I still take along with 1 oz of George's Aloe in the am, and 3 oz before bedtime mixed with 2 tsp of Natural Calm (mostly magnesium). I no longer take senna-s or Miralax. I go a lot, 1-2 times per day. No diarrhea, no bloated abdomen, and no pain. I believe that the aloe (which tastes like water) combined with Linzess and Amitiza have changed my life! Lots of fruit and veggies and water too!"

• Cri...
• March 4, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I suffer with CC frequently. Until Linzess, the only relief was magnesium citrate. I use it more on an as-needed basis as it frequently brings on a watery stool for a few hours after taking for a couple of days. It has brought my CC into a manageable situation. There can be slight lower back discomfort when the watery stool occurs, but it prevents all the abdominal pain associated with my CC."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had constipation for one year. My Dr. had me try all the usual after having a colonoscopy. A high-fiber diet did not help. Had a CT of the abdomen and pelvis, with no problems. Also had a gallbladder scan. The first 2 days on Linzess were awful: cramps, bloating, nausea, and unexpected diarrhea. It took about 10 days for me to acclimate. My gastroenterologist tweaked the dose to take the capsule after breakfast. Then, after another adjustment (taking the capsule every other day), everything is fine. Routinely, I do not plan to be away from a bathroom for 2 hours after taking a capsule."

• Moe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was going about every 2 weeks since April and would have an 'explosion.' I would all of a sudden, without warning, start puking and have diarrhea and severe cramping in my stomach area. My doctor started me on the lowest dose of Linzess, worked the first and second days. Had to increase to middle dose due to feeling full and bloated... While taking Linzess, still had an 'explosion' and I am still unable to have a regular bowel movement. I guess Linzess isn't for me. I am requesting additional testing to see if there is something inside that is wrong. I would give anything to have results that some of these people get for relief."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 17, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm classic IBS-C. Haven't had a normal bowel movement in years. I have tried everything and have seen leading specialists in Los Angeles. I've tried soluble fiber, gluten-free, FODMAPS, stool softeners, drugs such as Bentyl, desipramine...nothing works. A leading specialist at UCLA prescribed Linzess. I started with the 145 mg dose - nada - then went to 290 and it was a storm!!! The first time I took it, I thought I would have to go to the ER, I was so sick. After taking it for a few months, the pain got less, but it still gives me explosive, violent diarrhea that can last up to 3 to 4 hours. I take it about twice a week, it's the lesser of two evils theory. I take it at bedtime, and if I'm lucky, I wake around 4 am and go until about 7."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 17, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I'm classic IBS-C. Haven't had a normal bowel movement in years. I have tried everything and have seen leading specialists in Los Angeles. I've tried soluble fiber, gluten-free, FODMAPS, stool softeners, drugs such as Bentyl, desipramine...nothing works. A leading specialist at UCLA prescribed Linzess. I started with the 145 mg dose - nada - then went to 290 and it was a storm!!! The first time I took it, I thought I would have to go to the ER, I was so sick. After taking it for a few months, the pain got less, but it still gives me explosive, violent diarrhea that can last up to 3 to 4 hours. I take it about twice a week, it's the lesser of two evils theory. I take it at bedtime, and if I'm lucky, I wake around 4 am and go until about 7."

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had constipation for years. I tried everything. Laxatives made me so sick until I would throw up and break out in sweats. My Dr. gave me a prescription for this, and I love it!! It works really fast, and it cleans me out. I don't care if it's diarrhea. It's just good to get it out. I may have to go three or four times, but I feel so much better. This medicine is great for me."

• NoL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After many years of chronic bloating and constipation, I finally tried Linzess. I was taking Miralax daily, sometimes twice a day, for about a year but still no relief from the horrible bloating. I'd eat half an apple and have to move my belt buckle. Now, a little over a month on Linzess and I am no longer bloated, I go every day and feel SO much better! No side effects at all. I just learned that taking with food can result in diarrhea or help if you feel constipated again. Will try that if I ever need it."