Does linzess cause weight gain. Linzess Side Effects: Comprehensive Guide to Weight Changes, Dosage, and Alternatives

13.01.202208.06.2023 by alexxlab

Does Linzess cause weight gain or loss. What are the common and serious side effects of Linzess. How to manage Linzess side effects. What is the proper dosage and usage of Linzess. What are effective alternatives to Linzess for treating constipation.

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Understanding Linzess: Uses and Mechanism of Action

Linzess, also known by its generic name linaclotide, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating certain types of constipation in adults. Its primary uses include:

Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

As a guanylate cyclase-C agonist, Linzess works by increasing intestinal fluid secretion and accelerating intestinal transit. This unique mechanism of action sets it apart from traditional laxatives and makes it an effective option for many patients struggling with chronic constipation.

Key Facts About Linzess

Active ingredient: Linaclotide
Drug class: Guanylate cyclase-C agonist
Form: Oral capsule
Typically prescribed for long-term use

Linzess and Weight Changes: Separating Fact from Fiction

One of the most common concerns among patients considering Linzess is its potential impact on body weight. Does Linzess cause weight gain or weight loss? The answer is not straightforward and requires a nuanced understanding of the medication’s effects.

According to clinical trials, Linzess itself does not directly cause weight gain or weight loss as a side effect. However, the drug’s impact on constipation and related symptoms can indirectly affect a patient’s weight in several ways:

Reduced bloating: By alleviating constipation, Linzess may reduce bloating, potentially leading to a slight decrease in weight or waist circumference.
Improved bowel movements: Regular bowel movements can lead to a feeling of lightness and may result in a small weight decrease.
Side effect of diarrhea: In some cases, Linzess can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Severe or prolonged diarrhea could potentially lead to weight loss due to fluid loss and decreased nutrient absorption.

It’s important to note that any significant changes in weight while taking Linzess should be discussed with a healthcare provider. These changes may be due to factors unrelated to the medication or could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.

Common Side Effects of Linzess: What to Expect

While Linzess can be an effective treatment for chronic constipation, it’s not without potential side effects. Understanding these common side effects can help patients better manage their expectations and report any concerns to their healthcare provider.

The most frequently reported side effects in clinical trials of Linzess include:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
Headache

These side effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and often subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if these symptoms persist or become severe, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.

Managing Common Side Effects

To minimize the impact of common side effects, consider the following strategies:

Take Linzess on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
Stay well-hydrated to help manage diarrhea and prevent dehydration.
Avoid foods that may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as spicy or fatty foods.
Use over-the-counter remedies for gas and bloating, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Keep a symptom diary to track the frequency and severity of side effects, which can help your doctor adjust your treatment if necessary.

Serious Side Effects and Warnings: When to Seek Medical Attention

While serious side effects of Linzess are rare, they can occur and require immediate medical attention. Being aware of these potential risks is crucial for patient safety.

Boxed Warning: Risk of Dehydration in Young Children

Linzess carries a boxed warning, the FDA’s strongest warning, regarding the risk of serious dehydration in children younger than 2 years old. This risk is why Linzess is only approved for use in adults and should be kept out of reach of children.

Other Serious Side Effects

Other serious side effects that may occur with Linzess use include:

Severe diarrhea leading to dehydration
Severe allergic reactions

If you experience symptoms of severe diarrhea (such as persistent watery stools, dizziness, or decreased urine output) or signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing), seek immediate medical attention.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Linzess

Proper dosing of Linzess is crucial for maximizing its benefits while minimizing potential side effects. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the specific condition being treated:

For irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): 290 mcg once daily
For chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC): 145 mcg once daily (some patients may benefit from 72 mcg once daily)

Linzess should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. This timing is important because food can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of the medication.

Tips for Taking Linzess Correctly

Take the capsule whole; do not crush, chew, or open it.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not double up on doses.
Store Linzess at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of your symptoms and bowel movements to help your doctor assess the medication’s effectiveness.

Alternatives to Linzess: Exploring Other Treatment Options

While Linzess can be effective for many patients with chronic constipation, it’s not the only treatment option available. Depending on individual health profiles and response to treatment, healthcare providers may recommend alternatives.

Other Prescription Medications

Amitiza (lubiprostone): Another prescription medication for chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS-C
Trulance (plecanatide): Similar to Linzess in mechanism of action, used for chronic idiopathic constipation
Motegrity (prucalopride): A serotonin receptor agonist used for chronic idiopathic constipation

Over-the-Counter Options

Fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose)
Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol, magnesium citrate)
Stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, senna)

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

In addition to or instead of medication, many patients find relief through lifestyle modifications:

Increasing dietary fiber intake
Staying well-hydrated
Regular exercise
Establishing a consistent bathroom routine
Stress management techniques

Long-Term Use of Linzess: What You Need to Know

For many patients, Linzess is prescribed as a long-term treatment for chronic constipation. Understanding the implications of extended use is important for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Safety Profile for Long-Term Use

Clinical trials have not reported significant long-term side effects associated with Linzess use. Most side effects occur during the initial treatment period and often subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, long-term studies are ongoing to further evaluate the safety profile of extended Linzess use.

Monitoring During Long-Term Treatment

Patients on long-term Linzess therapy should:

Attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider
Report any persistent or new side effects
Discuss any changes in symptoms or bowel habits
Have periodic evaluations to assess the ongoing need for treatment

Potential for Tolerance or Dependence

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that patients develop tolerance to Linzess or become dependent on it. However, as with any long-term medication, it’s important to use Linzess only as prescribed and to discuss any concerns about continued use with a healthcare provider.

Special Considerations: Linzess in Specific Populations

While Linzess is generally safe and effective for many adults with chronic constipation, certain populations may require special considerations or monitoring.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The safety of Linzess during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been definitively established. Limited animal studies have not shown harmful effects, but human data is lacking. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss the potential risks and benefits of Linzess with their healthcare provider.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Linzess, particularly the risk of diarrhea and subsequent dehydration. Careful monitoring and potentially starting at a lower dose may be recommended for elderly patients.

Patients with Kidney or Liver Impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as Linzess is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. However, these patients should be monitored closely for any adverse effects.

Interactions with Other Medications

While Linzess has minimal known drug interactions due to its local action in the intestines, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some medications may affect intestinal motility or fluid balance, potentially interacting with the effects of Linzess.

In conclusion, Linzess represents an important treatment option for adults suffering from chronic constipation related to IBS-C or CIC. While it can cause side effects, most are mild and manageable. Understanding the proper use, potential risks, and alternatives to Linzess can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment. As with any medication, individual responses may vary, and ongoing communication with a healthcare provider is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes.

What they are and how to manage them

Linzess (linaclotide) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat constipation in certain adults. Specifically, Linzess can be used to treat:

irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
chronic idiopathic constipation

Here are some fast facts about Linzess:

Active ingredient: linaclotide
Drug class: guanylate cyclase-C agonist
Drug form: oral capsule

If Linzess works for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you take it long term.

As with other drugs, Linzess can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Linzess, including details about its uses, see this article.

Linzess can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Linzess in clinical trials:

abdominal pain
bloating
gas*
diarrhea*
headache*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Linzess use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Linzess.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Linzess include:

abdominal pain
bloating
infections, such as intestinal infection or respiratory infection
gas*
mild diarrhea*
headache*
mild allergic reaction*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Linzess and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Linzess may cause serious side effects. Though serious side effects aren’t common, they can occur. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For further details, you can refer to the prescribing information for Linzess.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Linzess, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

Risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years. *
Severe diarrhea.†
Severe allergic reaction.

* Linzess has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

At this time, Linzess is only approved to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. This is because of the risk of serious dehydration occurring in children taking the drug.

In fact, Linzess has a boxed warning about risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. For more information, see the section below called “Side effect specifics.”

Linzess may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Can Linzess cause weight gain or weight loss as a side effect?

You shouldn’t experience weight gain or weight loss from taking Linzess. Weight changes weren’t reported in clinical trials of people taking the drug.

However, Linzess works to treat certain people with constipation. And constipation may cause bloating, which can lead to weight gain. So, in some cases, treating constipation may cause weight loss.

In addition, Linzess can cause diarrhea as a side effect. If diarrhea is severe, it’s possible for weight loss to occur.

If you notice weight changes during your treatment with Linzess, talk with your doctor. They can help determine what may be causing your weight change to occur and the best ways to manage your weight.

What are the long-term side effects of Linzess?

Linzess hasn’t been reported to cause long-term side effects at this time. Side effects that people taking Linzess reported in clinical trials only occurred during treatment with Linzess.

Your body may adjust to the side effects of Linzess over time so you experience fewer side effects during your treatment. In addition, when people stop treatment with Linzess, side effects should stop as well.

If you have questions or concerns about long-term side effects of Linzess, talk with your doctor.

Is fatigue a side effect of Linzess?

No, you shouldn’t experience fatigue from taking Linzess. This wasn’t a side effect reported in clinical trials of Linzess.

However, it’s possible to develop fatigue from severe diarrhea, especially if you become dehydrated. If you’re feeling more tired than usual during your treatment with Linzess, talk with your doctor. They can help determine what may be causing your fatigue and the best ways to manage it.

Is Linzess prescribed for digestive conditions, such as constipation?

Linzess is currently approved to treat certain types of constipation in adults, including irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

At this time, Linzess isn’t approved to treat other causes of constipation. If you’re experiencing long-term constipation, talk with your doctor to see whether you may have IBS-C or CIC. They can help recommend the best treatment options for you.

If you have temporary constipation, your doctor may be able to recommend an over-the-counter treatment option for you, such as MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol). However, if your condition is long term, they may recommend a prescription for constipation.

If you’d like to learn more about Linzess, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to find Linzess reviews for constipation. However, the best way to determine whether Linzess may be a good treatment option for you is by talking with your doctor.

Does Linzess cause hair loss as a side effect?

No, you shouldn’t experience hair loss from taking Linzess. Hair loss wasn’t a side effect that people taking the drug reported in clinical trials.

In some cases, antidepressant drugs such as Zoloft (sertraline) or Lexapro (escitalopram) may be used off-label to treat IBS-C. Off-label use of a drug is when your doctor prescribes it for a different use than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for. So, though these drugs are most often used to treat depression, your doctor may also recommend them for other uses, such as IBS-C. And it’s possible for these drugs to increase your risk of hair loss occurring.

If you experience hair loss during treatment with Linzess, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine what may be causing your hair loss and the best ways to manage it.

Do side effects of 72-mcg, 145-mcg, and 290-mcg Linzess capsules differ?

It’s possible for side effects to differ based on the dose of Linzess you take. So, people taking a higher dose of the drug may be at an increased risk of side effects occurring from Linzess.

For example, if you take a dose of 290 micrograms (mcg) of Linzess, you may be at a higher risk of side effects occurring than someone taking a dose of 72 mcg. This is because when your body is exposed to more drug, your risk of side effects is higher.

If you have concerns about side effects occurring from Linzess, talk with your doctor about the best dose for you.

Learn more about some of the side effects of Linzess in adults. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Linzess.

Risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years

Linzess has a boxed warning about risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about the risks of taking a medication.

So, at this time, Linzess is only approved to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. This is because of the risk of serious dehydration occurring in children taking the drug.

In animal studies, young animals had severe diarrhea that led to dehydration. In some cases, this was even life threatening. Because of this possible risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Linzess to children younger than age 2 years.

It’s important to note that Linzess wasn’t studied in children under age 2 years. And since animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans, it’s not known exactly how the drug may work in children of any age. However, Linzess is currently only approved for use in adults.

What you can do

If your child is experiencing symptoms of IBS-C or CIC, talk with their doctor. Your child’s doctor can help determine the best treatment plan for their condition.

Headache

It’s possible to experience headache from taking Linzess. Though this wasn’t one of the most common side effects of the drug, it was reported in clinical trials of Linzess for IBS-C. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of people taking Linzess for CIC.

What you can do

If you experience headache from taking Linzess, talk with your doctor. They can help recommend the best ways to manage your headaches. In some cases, they may recommend taking an over-the-counter drug such as Tylenol (acetaminophen).

It’s important to note that headache may also be a symptom of dehydration, which can occur if you develop severe diarrhea with Linzess. Your doctor can help determine what may be causing your headaches and the best treatment option for you.

Diarrhea

You may develop diarrhea during treatment with Linzess. In fact, diarrhea was the most common side effect that people taking Linzess reported in clinical trials. People taking the drug for either IBS-C or CIC reported diarrhea as the most common side effect.

Diarrhea most often began within the first 2 weeks of starting Linzess. This was also the most common reason that people stopped treatment with Linzess.

In most cases, diarrhea was mild in clinical trials. However, it’s possible to develop severe diarrhea from this drug, as well. Symptoms of severe diarrhea may include:

Abdominal pain.
Fever.
Blood or mucus in stool.
Dehydration, which may cause headache or dizziness in mild cases. In severe cases, dehydration can cause kidney or liver damage.

What you can do

Tell your doctor if you experience diarrhea while taking Linzess. They can determine whether it’s mild or severe and the best treatment option for you.

If you do develop severe diarrhea, your doctor will likely recommend that you pause treatment with Linzess to treat your diarrhea. They will also recommend hydrating so you don’t become dehydrated from the severe diarrhea.

Gas

It’s possible to experience gas while taking Linzess. Gas was one of the most common side effects that people taking Linzess reported in clinical trials. Symptoms of gas may include abdominal cramping or bloating.

What you can do

If you notice gas that’s bothersome to you while taking Linzess, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. In some cases, they may be able to recommend an over-the-counter treatment such as Gas-X (simethicone).

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Linzess can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

skin rash
itching
flushing
swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Linzess. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Before starting treatment with Linzess, tell your doctor about any medical conditions that you have. They can help determine whether Linzess is a safe treatment option for you.

Boxed warning: Risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years

This drug has a boxed warning for risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Linzess. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Intestinal blockage. If you have an intestinal blockage, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment option for you. Linzess works by moving your food through your intestines quicker than usual. And if you have an intestinal obstruction, taking Linzess may make your condition worse. In this case, your doctor can help determine the best treatment plan for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Linzess or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Linzess. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Alcohol with Linzess

Linzess isn’t known to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol can make side effects of Linzess worse. For example, both Linzess and alcohol can cause headaches. So, you may be at an increased risk of headaches occurring if you take Linzess and drink alcohol.

In addition, Linzess can cause severe diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration. Alcohol can also increase your risk of dehydration occurring.

If you’d like to drink alcohol during your treatment with Linzess, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Linzess

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Linzess during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Linzess works in your intestines, and only a small amount is likely absorbed into your body. So, a developing fetus would likely only be exposed to a small amount of medication. However, there haven’t been enough clinical trials done in pregnant people to determine whether the drug may increase the risk of congenital anomalies (also known as birth defects).

Most studies in pregnant animals did not show an increased risk of congenital anomalies. Some studies where animals were exposed to large amounts of Linzess did show an increased risk of birth defects. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans.

In addition, Linzess isn’t believed to pass into breast milk. So, a breastfeeding child may not be exposed to the drug. However, it’s not known if Linzess may affect the production of breast milk.

If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking Linzess. They can help determine if Linzess is right for you.

In most cases, side effects of Linzess are mild. But it’s possible to develop severe side effects from this drug, as well.

If you’d like to learn more about Linzess, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

More information about Linzess. For details about other aspects of Linzess, refer to this article.
Drug comparison. To learn how Linzess compares with Trulance, read this article.
Dosage. For information about the dosage of Linzess, view this article.
Interactions. To find out about the interactions of Linzess, see this article.
A look at your condition. For details about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), visit our IBS hub. And to learn more about constipation, see our list of constipation articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

What they are and how to manage them

irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
chronic idiopathic constipation

Here are some fast facts about Linzess:

Active ingredient: linaclotide
Drug class: guanylate cyclase-C agonist
Drug form: oral capsule

If Linzess works for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you take it long term.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Linzess in clinical trials:

abdominal pain
bloating
gas*
diarrhea*
headache*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Linzess use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Linzess.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Linzess include:

abdominal pain
bloating
infections, such as intestinal infection or respiratory infection
gas*
mild diarrhea*
headache*
mild allergic reaction*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

Risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years.*
Severe diarrhea.†
Severe allergic reaction.

Linzess may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Can Linzess cause weight gain or weight loss as a side effect?

You shouldn’t experience weight gain or weight loss from taking Linzess. Weight changes weren’t reported in clinical trials of people taking the drug.

However, Linzess works to treat certain people with constipation. And constipation may cause bloating, which can lead to weight gain. So, in some cases, treating constipation may cause weight loss.

In addition, Linzess can cause diarrhea as a side effect. If diarrhea is severe, it’s possible for weight loss to occur.

What are the long-term side effects of Linzess?

Linzess hasn’t been reported to cause long-term side effects at this time. Side effects that people taking Linzess reported in clinical trials only occurred during treatment with Linzess.

If you have questions or concerns about long-term side effects of Linzess, talk with your doctor.