Trulance and Cramps: What Users Say

• JLB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been on Linzess for several years with occasional diarrhea, but not painful. It has worked very well for me. My insurance company recently required I try Trulance for 3 months. I am just starting on my 3rd month, and I can count on one hand the number of days I have not had explosive diarrhea. Within about 2 hours of taking it, my guts start grumbling and rolling, followed by cramping, then usually 2 or 3 trips to the bathroom within a couple of hours time period. I have had hemorrhoids swell up and bleeding at one point, it was so bad. My next biggest complaint would have to be the packaging! It’s ridiculous, almost impossible to pull the insert out without ripping it open."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "So an update from my review yesterday. I took half a pill yesterday after just being given samples. It took like 6 hours to kick in. I had to do an enema to get the ball rolling, but as soon as I did, I passed everything I've eaten in 30 years! Yippee, relief! I took half today and it worked in 2 hours. Zero pain, mild bloating, mild cramping, and full relief. I had three trips to the toilet and pretty much nothing left now. Half a pill is worth a try for anyone who can't handle a whole pill. Seemed to clear out within an hour or two, then I could go about my life. Good luck, guys!"

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

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have tried everything: Phillips pills, Linzess, Almatiza, tea tree root, Milk of Mag for a whole year. Miralax also worked, but bloated me and didn't empty my bowels. I have UC, so fiber is out of the question. Trulance works great, I don't have the diarrhea people talk about, but I do go about 3-4 times a day. But, not bad like having pooping on myself. You feel small cramps, just go to the restroom. The only reason I didn't give a 10 is that it does flare up hemorrhoids, so I have to use cream every day. But I do not care at this point, I'll buy a case from Amazon if needed. I also have gastritis, so not looking bloated/pregnant. I love it."

• IBO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had countless EGDs (an upper GI endoscopy), CTs, MRIs, small bowel studies, gastric emptying studies, food allergy and intolerance studies, and nothing ever helped or was found to be abnormal. I've tried Linzess, Amitiza, IB Guard, FD Guard, and now Trulance. I've also been to about 8 different GI doctors in multiple cities and even reached out to the Mayo Clinic. I've been told I can't be helped and dismissed by several doctors. Linzess caused explosive diarrhea and severe dehydration to where I was admitted, and Amitiza did absolutely nothing. I was prescribed Trulance, which cost over $75 with insurance, and after taking two pills, experienced nonstop horrible cramping and pure liquid stool. I was so dehydrated I passed out at work because nothing would stay in my system. I am now stuck on a low FODMAP, gluten-free, soy-free, minimal sugar, and soft foods just to try and maintain a semi-normal life. I have to take Compazine to not vomit after every meal and Hyoscyamine to make the cramps tolerable."

• HJB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had idiopathic chronic constipation for about 2 years now. Nothing over the counter ever worked for any more than a few days or so. Only a few times over the past two years or so, I've got to the point of feeling relief when I was forced to take a colon cleanse such as GoLytely due to not going for 2 weeks at a time. My doctor has prescribed me Relistor, Linzess, and now Trulance. Relistor and Linzess, just like every other medication I tried, lasted for a few days of small bowel movements, then slowly stopped working at all. I took Trulance for the first time this morning - I have had normal to medium bowel movements since taking it over 12 hours ago. Mild cramps that come and go, mild dizziness as I get with all constipation meds, but overall can't complain at the end of my first day. Hoping this drug continues to work and clears me out as I constantly am backed up for weeks, and I am sure I have about 30 more trips to the bathroom left before I am completely empty."

• Jsa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Been on 3 weeks. No diarrhea in either Linzess or Trulance. Overall, Trulance was a bit better. Still need Colace every day. Have headache, leg cramps, slight rash, warmth, and fatigue. Maybe depression. Doctor says not side effects. Duh!!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After years of trying everything on the market, including Linzess and Amitiza, I was given samples. It has been working great! I do have days of loose stools, but the alternative to me is worse. I go every day, and my bloating is gone! No cramping, headache, or bloating. I would recommend this medication. I'm not sure the cost, though, I haven't purchased from the pharmacy yet. I hope it is not too expensive! Drug companies need to know that what we go through is awful, and these drugs should be covered by insurance!"

• FOS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Five days of taking this medication and not impressed. Had diarrhea twice, for which I'm thankful after reading some of the reviews. All I'm getting from this medication is a stomach so bloated it would appear I'm in my 9th month of pregnancy and cramps that have me constantly running to the bathroom with absolutely no results. Glad this was a sample and I didn't pay any money."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Was on both Lactulose & Relistor for over 2 years. Just started Trulance, and what an amazing drug. Within an hour, had a decent bowel movement without abdominal cramps, bloating, & flatulence. 5 stars out of 5."

• 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."

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2019

"I had occasional constipation. I took one pill, and within two hours, had an uncontrollable feces storm that necessitated a four-hour cleanup and now will require a portion of my bathroom to be repainted. Cramps have since ensured. Trulance is a particularly harsh medicine."

• Ale...
• April 19, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I used to have to push very hard to be able to poop. It would take me 20-30 minutes just sitting there and making a huge effort. I started developing severe abdominal pain to the point I couldn’t even walk. Several times I dropped on the floor, unable to walk. I thought the pain was related to my IUD device, so I removed it, hoping it would help. It was on that visit that my gynecologist recommended that if the pain didn’t go away, it was possible I had chronic idiopathic constipation and that a new treatment called Trulance was available. The pain didn’t go away, so I decided to try some over-the-counter laxatives, but they would make me get diarrhea. So finally, I changed my diet, and I noticed that as long as I didn’t eat any processed foods, I would be okay, but as soon as I ate anything ‘unhealthy,’ I would get cramps again."

• Kha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 21, 2020

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "This drug worked fairly well for me the first couple of months I took it. It gave me stomach cramps and diarrhea, but I was willing to deal with it if it meant not constantly being 'backed up.' However, after a few months, I would get varied results when taking it. Some days it would provide a bowel movement, and other days only severe cramps with no BM. After about a year of taking it, it seems to no longer work for me, unfortunately."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Thank God for this pill! Was on Linzess for about 3 months, and even though it worked, I could not even leave my house! Started having to take it only when I knew I would be home. I then started taking Trulance, and I don’t have as much cramping as I did on the Linzess, and also it works great. Still will have liquid stool at times, but nothing like the other med! Definitely recommend this. I also can take this at night, unlike Linzess. My doctor said I can take it freely, which is so nice."

• Owi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "IBS-C and Linzess did not work for me. Been using Trulance for almost 4 months now, and overall it has really helped me. It works best for me either right before or right after a meal, about an hour after taking it, my stomach starts to rumble and grumble, and within a few hours it does give you diarrhea (some days worse than others), and with me, it’s usually more than 1 trip to the bathroom. I will say it’s not super consistent for me, some days I go, and other days I get the rumbling without going, but I’ll take that over not being able to go for weeks at a time. Sometimes I get cramps and lots of gas and dizziness, but usually only when I ate bad food or haven’t eaten at all."

• Kay...
• August 11, 2017

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "2 days of this medicine and I have been extremely sick! Nonstop going to the bathroom, cramping, nausea. It's unreal. I'm skeptical to stop because what if I needed the cleanse? But I can't take this sickness."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2022

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "My doc gave samples. After the first pill, no issues. I took it in the evening and had a small BM the next day. Not that impressed, I took the second pill the following evening. The next day, another small BM. I was hoping for more output. However, I also woke up with a headache that just lingered the whole day. At night, after dinner and before taking my third dose, I began experiencing the worst colic pain and cramping of my life! I was writhing in pain! I could hear my bowels gurgling from time to time, but no diarrhea or nothing else was coming out, no matter how long I tried on the toilet. Just pain and cramping all night. Obviously, I skipped my third dose as I did not want to risk more nightmarish pain! The next morning I finally was able to have two small bowel motions, but I also felt wiped out and was still feeling dull pain and cramping. Have not had the chance to reach out to my doctor yet, but I am pretty sure I am passing on this drug!"

• Ale...
• May 18, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Took this Trulance at 2 pm and got some movement. A while later, some cramping. Then by 4 pm, was on the toilet nonstop. Only one pill. NO, NO, NO! I do not recommend this Trulance. I'm having some gross feeling in my gut now. 7 1/2 hours later. Glad some have good luck. But I did not. So disappointed, pharmacist told me many have good luck. Just not me."

• 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."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2021

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had chronic constipation as long as I can remember. I have taken this medicine about four times now, and I cannot say no enough. I am truly thankful that I don’t have to work tomorrow. I was up all night with the worst diarrhea I have ever had. And that’s saying a lot because I have taken several laxatives. I imagine this medication is similar to the stuff you drink before a colonoscopy. I have no energy. I keep trying to drink water, and I’m so scared to move because I don’t know if I’m finished yet. I see that some people had a good experience, but each time I took this, my stomach felt so bad with cramps and diarrhea. I waited a few days and tried it again after trying half a pill the last time, and I am just going to go ahead and say no. I wish I could get my $25 back."

• 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."

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been taking Linzess 290 mcg capsules since 2017 for IBS-C. Also taking up to 1,200 mg (Colace) per day. Sometimes would need 20 mg of Dicyclomine for abdominal cramps. I stopped taking Linzess on Sept 9, 2022; started Trulance the next day. Had two normal BMs that day. Began having incredible lower abdominal pain the next day. Constipation continued. The abdominal pain continued nonstop for days. Day 9, I had diarrhea six times in 45 minutes. Day 15, stopped taking Trulance. Day 18, I tried it again, no change in cramps. Day 19, had a fever of 100 in the evening, feeling sick. Day 20, feeling better, took two laxatives plus MiraLAX. Some residual abdominal soreness. Will not be trying Trulance again, will probably go back to Linzess."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "First day on this med, and I think I passed candy from the 1st grade! Cramping a bit, but it's definitely doing its job."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2018

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "After taking this pill, 1 hour felt cramping and gas. Started with normal bowels, then explosive diarrhea."