Linaclide® (Linaclotide)

Dosage form:

Capsules 72 mcg, 145 mcg, 290 mcg

What is Linaclotide (Linaclide®) used for?

• It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).
• It is used to treat constipation. 

Important notes before taking Linaclotide (Linaclide®):

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a bowel block.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor. 

Important notes while taking Linaclotide (Linaclide ®):

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

• If you get diarrhea, you will need to make sure to avoid getting dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and watch for weight loss. Talk with your doctor.
• Children who take this drug by accident, especially children younger than 2 years of age, may have severe side effects, like severe diarrhea and dehydration. If a child takes this drug by accident, get medical help right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Linaclotide side effects:

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Swelling of belly.
• Sometimes, very bad diarrhea has led to the need to go to the hospital. Call your doctor right away if you have very bad diarrhea or diarrhea that will not go away. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of dehydration like very bad dizziness or passing out, not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed, or feeling very tired.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Signs of a common cold.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store in the original container. Do not take out the anti-moisture cube or packet.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not use this drug after the expiry date. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.