Trulance vs Linzess

Trulance and Linzess are brand names for prescription drugs used for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. Both drugs promote motility in the bowel by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines.

Linzess and Trulance have the same mechanism of action and belong to the same drug class known as guanylate cyclase-C agonists. Here we will take a look at Trulance vs LInzess, how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Trulance?

Trulance is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Synergy Pharmaceuticals. It is a prescription medicine given to adults to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C).

If someone is constipated, they find it difficult to pass a stool. Their stools may be hard and dry, and they may feel bloated and in pain. It can lead to the development of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fecal impaction. Chronic constipation is constipation that lasts several weeks or longer. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of conditions that can cause abdominal pain and bowel problems, including constipation.

The active ingredient in Trulance is called plecanatide. Plecanatide molecules attach to the surface of your bowel cells at sites called receptors. This stimulates the receptors, making them release a substance called cGMP, which causes more water to be absorbed into your bowels. This softens your stools allowing you to pass them more easily and helps you have regular, well-formed bowel movements. cGMP also reduces the activity of the nerve cells in your bowels, reducing any discomfort and pain you may feel.

Trulance dosage

Trulance is available as an oral tablet, in the following doses: 3 mg tablet.

The recommended adult dosage is 3 mg orally once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets or have a nasogastric or gastric feeding tube, see the full prescribing information for how to crush and administer with applesauce or water.

What is Linzess?

Linzess is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Allergan. It is also a medication used to treat constipation. Most often it’s prescribed for chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Linzess may sometimes be used off-label in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) caused by drugs like morphine.

Linzess helps with constipation by reducing any pain in the bowels and by causing more liquid to enter your bowels from your body. This softens your stools and makes it easier to pass them.

The active ingredient in Linzess is called linaclotide. Linaclotide isn’t easily absorbed by your body, but this is a good thing. It means the drug reaches your bowels where it can do its work, rather than being absorbed and dispersed around your body.

When linaclotide reaches your bowels, it binds to the cells in the walls of your gut. Once there, it increases the amount of water and other fluids that pass from your body into your bowels, softening your stools. It also decreases the activity of sensory cells in your bowels, reducing any pain felt.

Linzess dosage

Linzess is available in 72 mcg, 145 mcg, and 290 mcg capsules. The recommended dosage in adults will depend on the condition being treated. Take this medication on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.

Do not crush or chew the capsule or the contents of the capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules whole or have a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube, see the full prescribing information for how to open the capsule to take with applesauce or water.

Common side effects of Trulance and Linzess

The most common side effects of Trulance in clinical trials include:

• Gastrointestinal side effects – diarrhea (this often begins within the first four weeks of treatment but should clear up quickly. Contact your doctor if your diarrhea lasts for more than a week), flatulence (gas), feeling bloated, stomach pain

More serious side effects of Trulance include:

• Severe allergic reactions to the medication and/or severe diarrhea

The most common side effects of Linzess in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Stomach pain
• Flatulence
• Dizziness
• Weight loss or weight gain

More serious side effects of Linzess include

• Severe diarrhea – Although diarrhea is a common side effect of Linzess, it should pass. If it lasts for more than seven days, and you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint (signs of dehydration), or if your diarrhea is severe, stop taking the medication and contact your physician. Diarrhea caused by Linzess can stop other medications from working properly, especially medicines with exact doses. Prolonged diarrhea could stop birth control from working, so you should use other methods of contraception when taking Linzess

These aren’t all the side effects Trulance or Linzess can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.

Trulance and Linzess drug interactions

Trulance can interact with other medications. These include:

• Other medications you’re taking to treat your constipation
• Any medications that can increase the risk of diarrhea, including stimulant laxatives, medicines for stomach ulcers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen

Linzess can interact with other medications. These include:

• Progestins – etonogestrel, levonorgestrel, norgestrel
• NSAIDs – bromfenac, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen
• Proton pump inhibitors – esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole
• Levothyroxine
• Bisacodyl
• Magnesium hydroxide

Trulance and Linzess can interact with other medications. This can change how Trulance and Linzess and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all drugs you’re taking, including vitamins and dietary supplements. In particular, tell them if you’re taking medicines that increase the risk of diarrhea, like laxatives, medicines for stomach ulcers, and NSAIDs.

Trulance and Linzess contraindications

You should not use Trulance if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient plecanatide
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Trulance (you can find these listed in the leaflet which comes with the medication)
• Have a blockage in your stomach or bowels

Talk to your doctor before using Trulance if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Trulance
• Have severe or prolonged diarrhea caused by another condition
• Have a disease of the bowels that causes inflammation, like Crohn’s disease
• Are under the age of 18
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed – It is not known if this medicine will pass through breastmilk

You should not use Linzess if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient linaclotide
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients found in Linzess (listed in the leaflet which comes with the medication)
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed – It is not known if this medicine will pass through breastmilk
• Are under the age of 18

Talk to your doctor before using Linzess if you:

• Have severe or prolonged diarrhea caused by another condition
• Have heart disease or a disease of the blood vessels
• Have a disease of the bowels that causes inflammation, like Crohn’s disease
• Are over 65 years of age

Other drugs for chronic idiopathic constipation

• Amitiza (lubiprostone)
• Lotronex (alosetron)
• Zelnorm (tegaserod)

If you have any concerns about Trulance or Linzess side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.