Pharmacist Review of the Side Effects of Linzess (diarrhea being the most common), as well as uses of Linzess and some best practices for people taking Linzess (Linaclotide)
Hello everyone welcome back my name is koiku i am a pharmacist today i’ll be reviewing the medication lenses we’ll be taking a look at its description and uses we will dive into how it works and the common dosing some side effects as well as some precautions and some best practices before we delve any further though just want to mention that this review is for
Informational purposes only and it is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice from your physician so lenses or linux it’s a prescription medication that is used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and also chronic idiopathic constipation now we say idiopathic that means that we don’t know really the the source of the constipation
Or what really is causing the constipation so they use the term idiopathic lenses works by accelerating bowel movements this is achieved through a series of actions which ultimately results in an increase in chloride and biocarbonating the intestines resulting in an increase in the amount of fluid in the intestines with higher intestinal fluid levels the transit
Of food becomes easier and faster throughout the gi tract another theory about how lenses works is that it calms pain sensing nerves however this was only seen in animal studies and its relevance to humans has not currently been documented or proven with respect to dosing lenses is available in three different strengths 72 145 and 290 microgram capsules for the
Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation the dose is typically 145 micrograms taken daily on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day in some instances a 72 microgram may be used if the patient based on the patient’s presentation or how well they tolerate the medication for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation the dose is
Typically 290 micrograms daily also ideally on an empty stomach and also at least 30 minutes before the festive meal of the day with respect to side effect diarrhea is the most commonly reported side effect occurring in about 16 to 20 percent of the people that take lenses that means that approximately every one in five people taking lenses would experience some
Form of diarrhea and this typically starts within the first two weeks of treatment in up to two percent of people taking lenses especially those on the 145 and 290 microgram capsules this diarrhea was described as severe and severe mean that it sometimes may involve electrolyte imbalances like low potassium therefore it’s very highly recommended to call your doctor
Right away if you get severe diarrhea during treatment with lenses other side effects reported include abdominal pain in about seven percent of the patients that take lenses flatulence or gas by four to six percent abdominal distension that the feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen occurring in about one to three percent and then gastroesophageal reflux
Disease and also for some people vomiting and for some people you know urgency to defecate now some precautions and best practices lenses is contraindicated in children less than six years old that means that it should not be given to this age group under any circumstance even for the 6 to 18 year olds lenses is not recommended for them as it may potentially harm
Them it is also recommended to seek medical help right away if you develop any unusual or severe stomach pain abdominal pain especially if you have bright red bloody stools or black stools that look like tar that may not be a good sign it’s also recommended to take this medicine with a glass of water do not crash or chew this medicine take ideally on an empty
Stomach at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day and i said earlier report any serious diarrhea right away to your doctor because it may lead to electrolyte imbalances which may have its issues as well thanks so much i hope you found some value in this review if you did please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing if you have not done so i
Appreciate you and i’ll see you on the next video
Transcribed from video
LINZESS Side Effects | Pharmacist Review Of LINZESS (Linaclotide) By Pharmacist Conversations