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How often does diarrhea occur with Linzess?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Sep 18, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

In studies with Linzess, the number of people who experienced diarrhea differed based on why they were receiving Linzess and the dose they were taking. In general, diarrhea may occur in up to 20% of patients taking Linzess, may be more frequent with higher doses and some patients may need to stop treatment due to this side effect.

Diarrhea, which can be severe in some people, is the most common side effect of Linzess. Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of starting treatment. Stop the medicine and call your doctor right away if you experience severe diarrhea during treatment.

Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Functional constipation (FC) in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age

Other common side effects include:

Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.

Related questions

How soon does diarrhea start with Linzess?

Diarrhea, which can be severe, is the most common side effect of Linzess. Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of starting treatment. Stop the medicine and call your doctor right away if you get severe diarrhea during treatment.

In studies, some people stopped treatment due to diarrhea or other stomach side effects. Diarrhea appears to be dose-related, which means that diarrhea may be reported more frequently in people who take higher doses of Linzess.

Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.

These are not all the possible side effects of Linzess.

This is not all the information you need to know about Linzess (linaclotide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References
  • Linzess [prescribing information]. June 2023. North Chicago, Illinois. AbbVie and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. Accessed Sept 18, 2024 at https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/linzess_pi.pdf#
  • Kalola UK, Patel P, Chowdhury YS. Linaclotide. [Updated 2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578208/
  • Linzess FDA Approval History. Drugs.com. Accessed Sept 18, 2024 at https://www.drugs.com/history/linzess.html

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