FAQ

Linzess contains linaclotide as its active ingredient. The inactive ingredients vary depending on the dosage strength of the capsules:

For 145 mcg and 290 mcg capsules, the inactive ingredients include calcium chloride dihydrate, hypromellose, L-leucine, and microcrystalline cellulose. Gelatin and titanium dioxide are used to make the capsule shell.

For 72 mcg capsules, the inactive ingredients consist of calcium chloride dihydrate, L-histidine, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and talc. The capsule shell is also composed of gelatin and titanium dioxide.

If you are having trouble swallowing the capsule, you can open it and mix the contents with either a teaspoon of applesauce or 30 milliliters of water. It is advised not to crush or chew the capsules.

Yes, it's recommended to take Linzess 30 minutes before your first meal of the day, ensuring that you do so on an empty stomach.

Linzess should not be administered to children under 18 years of age as it may be harmful to them.

Linzess can generally be taken concurrently with other medications without significant interactions or safety concerns. However, it's important to avoid specific laxatives like magnesium citrate, sodium phosphate, and polyethylene glycol while using Linzess, as they may heighten the risk of experiencing diarrhea. For a more comprehensive understanding of Linzess, including its potential side effects, appropriate dosage, precautions, and indications, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Linzess, not being a rapid-acting laxative, typically requires some time to show its therapeutic effects. In most cases, individuals may start to observe changes in their constipation symptoms after using the medication consistently for at least one week. However, for patients dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) accompanied by constipation, significant improvements are usually noticeable only after consistently taking the medication for 12 weeks.

Linzess is not intended or prescribed as a weight loss medication. Nonetheless, some individuals who have been using Linzess to manage chronic constipation have reported weight loss as an unintended side effect. This weight loss is primarily attributed to the medication's side effect of diarrhea, which can lead to a significant loss of electrolytes and water from the body among certain patients.

Linzess is not a laxative; instead, it acts as a stool softener. It works by increasing water and chloride secretion in the intestines, which helps soften stools and stimulate bowel movements. Unlike traditional laxatives, Linzess is typically taken once daily and may take about a week to provide constipation relief, depending on the individual's medical condition.

Linzess [package insert]. Cambridge, MA: Allergan; 2017.

Zepbound is a medicine that is given to people who want to lose weight and keep their weight in control. Zepbound has a special drug called tirzepatide in it.
Zepbound is approved by the FDA, which is a group that makes sure medicines are safe and effective. Though it is used by some adults who want to lose weight. But, you have to use it along with exercise and a diet that doesn't have too many calories.