Plecanatide and Bloating: What Users Say (Page 2)

• jrz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2023

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was prescribed a particularly unpleasant drug, which I took as directed: one 3 mg pill. Shortly after ingestion, I was forced to rush to the bathroom. Three hours later, I had experienced diarrhea nine times in a row and was headed back for the tenth time. The experience was extremely uncomfortable, with cramping, bloating, and a persistent need to go. Despite being instructed to take the drug on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I have no intention of taking it again on Friday."

• Jay...
• July 12, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After being on Linzess for 2 years, where that med caused me a range from horrible diarrhea to not working at all, so my gastro put me on this new med. It seems to work within the hour of taking it, and I do not get serious diarrhea like Linzess gave, so that's great. I am bloated, but it's too early to tell if it's from this med or not, since I've only been on it for 2 weeks. I just hope it doesn't cause me weight gain like Linzess did. One thing I do notice is that I feel tired since taking this medicine, which I don't think is just a coincidence. I'm going to try this for a month and see if that side effect goes away."

• red...
• February 18, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have IBC, and after years of laxatives and enemas, which stopped working, I was put on Linzess for just shy of two years. I gained weight, had horrible bloat and brain fog feeling. I could not take Linzess every day, and in the last few months, Linzess raised my blood pressure. I just started Trulance for a week. I had diarrhea movements within two hours but do not feel bloat or that horrible brain fog anymore. I also stopped gaining the weight Linzess was causing. I am praying this will keep working for me."

• Pic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Have had CIC (chronic idiopathic constipation) forever. Have had a colon bypass. This drug is not working for me. I am on day 4. Very bloated. Feel as if I need to go to the bathroom but can't. I was on Linzess for a few months. At first, it worked well, then it took longer and longer to work, and then it quit altogether. Felt awful, bloated. Quit taking. My doctor, whom I adore, suggested Trulance. Gave me a one-week sample. I won't finish. It hasn't worked since day one, and once again I feel awful and bloated. Also today, I am itching like crazy."

• Kiw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I waited a while to review this medicine to get my full opinion. The first day, I was skeptical due to bloating and discomfort. The second day, it worked, and it was extreme. I had to figure out what worked best with my body. Please know everyone's body is different, and this medication can definitely help if you find the right routine. To avoid the explosive trips to the bathroom, I learned if I take a full pill on day one and a half pill on day two, then skip the third day, I have been having regular bowels daily. Sometimes they are looser, but at least I don't have the pain and discomfort from constipation. I have tried for years so many different probiotics and docusate and Miralax, pure aloe vera, prebiotics, so many different things. This medicine has truly helped me. The first few days, I almost stopped taking it due to the bloating, however, this went away once I got cleared out and on a regular routine. I hope this helps someone unsure of this medicine. I make sure I take it 4 hours prior."

• Spe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Tried Trulance for 3 weeks. Have a history of IBS-C. Have taken Miralax for 3 years each night. It worked, but lots of bloating and discomfort. The first week on Trulance was okay, but hard stools. Progressed to very hard stools, terrible bleeding, internal and external hemorrhoids. Tried adding Citrucel upon doctor suggestion. Made everything worse. Stopped taking it, using stool softeners, but will probably go back to Miralax. Maybe I’m different as I have celiac, but I do not recommend. I’m now backed up with terrible pain."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I tried one tablet around 2 pm, and within the hour, I was on the toilet with a runny evacuation, then bloating, then more diarrhea, more gas, even more runny evacuation. This lasted until maybe 8:30 pm. That night, I experienced pains running through my body, my arms and legs hurt so badly. It’s hard to describe, not sure what that was. I think it was from the Trulance medicine, so I’m scared to take another one. I had a loose evacuation the next evening, and this was without taking another tablet on day two. I’m considering taking the tablet every other day but not sure. Someone mentioned weight, which is a huge neon green, orange, and red flag for me to stop. I want to lose weight, not gain it. Plus, I’d think cleaning out would reduce one's weight. Anywho, my verdict is on the fence for now, I don’t know. I am elated to have a BM, given I can maybe go once a week."

• Sof...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 13, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "This medication has given me a lot of relief. I would say I am 85% back to what my bowel used to be 4 years ago before the symptoms appeared in my life. I have been to 3 gastro doctors and have tried Montegrity, Lynzess, and Amitza. All of them gave me side effects that I could not live with. I went into depression as no one could, until this day, tell me what is exactly wrong with me. My symptoms are bloating, like extreme to the point I have to lay down for periods of time because of how uncomfortable it is. Also, constipation followed by diarrhea. I have tried elimination diets as well for over 3 years, and nothing seemed to help. My last gastro doctor recommended Trulance, and so I tried it, and immediately I had a bowel movement and with no headaches, stomach aches, or bloating. I did experience diarrhea, but I take that before constipation any day. I find it works best when I take it in the morning with a full bottle of water on an empty stomach and then eat breakfast. I need to go to the bathroom immediately."

• She...
• January 18, 2022

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I’ve had constipation for as long as I can remember. Things would work, but my body would get used to them, and it would stop. I have IBS with constipation. I take muscle relaxers, but not every day. When I took Trulance, my first few days I had to wear a diaper to bed! Then if I took it every few days, it worked better. Then it didn’t work. Now I’m taking it every day. I am very bloated, nauseous, and have pain in my colon. I was hoping this would be the answer. Linzess did nothing. The doctor couldn’t believe it! Me neither."

• Gym...
• July 1, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Started it 8 days ago. 4 days, nothing. Had to use magnesium citrate pills, 3 in the morning and 3 at night with the Trulance. My doctor wants me off magnesium citrate and just rely on Trulance (new doctor doesn't know how my body shuts down yet). Gives me bloating and gas, where magnesium citrate didn't. Just pleasing the doctor till more tests are run."

• Sto...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 11, 2022

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I’ve taken Trulance for a little over a year now, and what once was an answer to my prayers is now nothing but a waste of time. I was going regularly for the first 10 months or so. Today is day 4 without going. I have pain, bloating, irritability, nausea, and just want to cry. I asked my doctor if this is normal after taking it for this long and was told they have heard that happens. Sadly, I am back to square one."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have tried other medications for constipation, but nothing compares to Trulance. I find that I have to drink a lot of water with it (I aim for a gallon) to help flush out my gut. When I have a bowel movement, I no longer feel bloated. I want to have a bowel movement on my own; however, until there is a solution, I will continue to take Trulance."

• Lad...
• March 20, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Been on for over a month now, have a mild rash, and it still has me having liquid movements in two hours after taking it. Also has me gaining more weight than even Linzess did. Have gained 6 pounds in a month, and every morning, bloated and can tell body waiting for meds to go again, plus food non-digestion can tell what I ate when I go tired of all of this."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "First time taking this for my irritable bowel syndrome and constipation was yesterday after breakfast, and exactly 1 hour after taking the pill, my stomach was rumbling, and I had diarrhea. I pooped about 8 times yesterday with the constant “gotta poop” feeling all day. I was liquid pooping after the 2nd trip, even at bedtime, I felt the “gotta poop” feeling, but only pooped once during the night. I did have bloating and gas, but I was afraid to fart because it felt like I’d poop on myself. I took Linzess for 1 month and gained 15 pounds! So I stopped taking it immediately, plus, it never made me poop ever. Today is day 2 on Trulance, I took my pill 10 mins ago and already feeling things moving in my tummy. No side effects for me except the poops all day. I definitely wouldn’t take this before I had to work that day."

• Rsa...
• January 9, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have taken Linzess and Amitiza with no success, so I was prescribed this medication Friday. Took it at 5 pm, didn't 'work' until 7. Saturday and Sunday, it also took two hours to pass through my system. Monday, I took it at 4:30, at 6:30, I had drank at least 24 oz of water to help it pass through... still nothing but getting more and more bloated. I took another pill at 6:45 hoping it would work. Drank another 24 oz of water... at 11, after doing anything possible to stop my worst bloating belly ever... (walking, rubbing my belly, water), so I'll keep going but not feeling like this is going to help."

• Mhm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I’ve been on Trulance for almost 3 full months now. I’ve had IBS for over 10 years and tried every medicine, supplement, and over-the-counter type of relief, most of which never worked. Trulance has given me great results, almost every single day. Still, 1 day a week or so I’m constipated. I do experience the side effects of cramping and bloating all day after the medicine and sometimes nausea. Some days I’m in the bathroom 2-5 times, and sometimes it’s just diarrhea, but it’s not too bad. I’m still trying to figure out how to manage these symptoms, but they are much more welcome than the pain and agony I felt constipated for a week at a time. Hopefully, I can get used to the side effects because this is the only thing that works for me, and I don’t want to stop taking it. I usually take it on an empty stomach, I’ll try it with food. Overall, happy with Trulance!"

• Meh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I’ve been taking Trulance for a week so far and have noticed great results! I’ve had IBS for 10 years and nothing else works. Linzess was too harsh on me and gave me severe side effects. My doctor recommended Trulance and I was nervous due to some reviews to try it. The first 3 days it worked perfectly! Some slight cramping and bloating after taking it, then a few hours later I was able to use the bathroom with no issue. The next 3 days it didn’t work, maybe I didn’t eat or drink enough. The 7th day it worked perfectly again! Had no issues on the 7th day or side effects. Only a week in, but I can already tell this is going to be something I take daily and get much-needed relief with. May not work every single day, and I still need to get used to it more, but so far, I am very happy with my experience! Also, for reference, I split the dosage each day and found that works best for me."

• Ran...
• October 4, 2017

"I had been prescribed this by my MD. I have Crohn's for the past 6 years after first being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in '03. Had colon removed due to UC for 'cure' in '05. I go between constipation and diarrhea normally since the operation, but diarrhea mostly because I have no colon. Been having problems with constipation, bloating, and feeling toxic on and off for the past several months. The first day I tried this, I was having such severe abdominal cramping. I went one time when there was moderate diarrhea (again, normal because I can't form solid stool due to no colon). After that, I was on and off the toilet multiple times with little coming out, but enough to excoriate my butt. Couldn't even keep up with the cream I was using. The awful cramping continued."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "My doctor provided a sample of Trulance to try. I experienced explosive diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. I was dehydrated, and the next day I felt low energy. I don't think this medication is for me."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "First time taking Trulance, it did nothing over 5 days, except stomach grumbling, headaches, and mild dizziness. Trying it again, and now I get watery diarrhea within a few hours of taking it, which takes up half my day. I cut back to every other day with the same results. I also have diverticulosis, which flares up terribly after all the diarrhea. Now I'm getting indigestion and some reflux, along with bloating. Not sure if this is the answer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking Trulance for 2 weeks, the jury is still out! I do feel better, no bloating or GI problems, and the gas is getting better, but the diarrhea is explosive. Trulance claims you don't have to plan your day around taking it, well, that's a total lie! Because a few hours after I take it, my stomach starts to bubble so bad it's like someone blowing into my stomach through a straw. Then the diarrhea starts, and I go a couple of times, so I have to plan what time of day I can take it, so it's day by day. But I do feel better, I feel emptied out. I don't look as bloated as before, today is the first day I have had solid stool since starting it, so we will see. It does say that you can have diarrhea for the first 4 weeks. I go back to my GI doctor in a couple of weeks, so I will see what he says then, but I will keep taking it till then."

• Gla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been suffering with chronic constipation since I was born. The last 2 years have been very rough. I was diagnosed with IBS-C. I deal with chronic nausea day and night, constant bloating like I'm 9 months pregnant, and severe constipation. I literally will not have a bowel motion (BM) unless I take a laxative, and I'll only have a small BM, leaving me with no relief or very minimal relief. I tried everything on the shelves, I was taking 4 capfuls of Miralax a day. One doctor had me drink an entire bottle. I've taken Linzess, Amitzia, everything. A doctor tried me on Trulance. The first 2 weeks were great, I thought I found my miracle drug. I was having full, complete bowel movements. My bloating went all the way down to the point I lost weight. I was 180 lbs with bloating, after the relief from Trulance, I'm 173 lbs. When I ate, I didn't feel overstuffed or the feeling of food just sitting in my stomach... Trulance has stopped working, and I'm once again backing up."

• Cis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had IBS for the last 15 years or more. I couldn't eat anything without being sick. Then, after taking chlorestamine for 7 years, I felt so much better. Got diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and suddenly I have constipation. I'd go a week without going. Not sure which is worse. Tried Movantik and all over the counter. I take this every 3 days. It cleans me out. Take this early because, to me, you will have water coming out at the end. Bet I've gone 15 times so far today. Stomach feels bloated."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2025

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have had severe chronic constipation since childhood. OTC medications, herbal supplements, teas, dietary changes, etc. never provided a consistent solution. Pros: Trulance has changed my bowel habits entirely. From 1 bowel movement bi-weekly to 3-4 a week. It has significantly reduced symptoms of bloating, nausea, vomiting. Cons: The most foul, putrid-smelling flatulence and diarrhea upon starting the medication. Urgency. Make sure you take it at night when you are in the comfort of a nearby bathroom with baby wipes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 30, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "This is the worst prescription I have ever taken. This horrible little pill caused severe stomach pain, bloating, and brain fog. I will never take this again in my life. This stuff is toxic!"