Linaclotide: What It Is Used For And Side Effects

belonging to the category of drugs for constipation which is used in the symptomatic therapy of irritable bowel syndrome.

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Administered orally, to date (July 2021) in our country linaclotide is found within a single medicinal product with the commercial name Constella®. In order to be sold, this medicine requires a repeatable medical prescription (RR) and being classified as a class C drug, its cost is fully borne by the citizen.

moderate to severe irritable bowel with constipation. These symptoms may vary from person to person, but generally include:

• Abdominal pain or stomach pain
• Swelling;
• Infrequent defecation with hard and small stools.

- such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis - as the use of linaclotide in these cases is not recommended.

Furthermore, before starting treatment, the doctor will have to exclude the presence of other diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those induced by irritable interstinal syndrome. In this regard, therefore, it is essential to communicate to the doctor if you notice changes or irregularities in the symptoms that occur.

During treatment with linaclotide, however, it is necessary:

• Stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor if you experience severe or prolonged diarrhea (frequent bowel movements and liquid stools for 7 days or more); in such conditions it is also essential to make sure you take plenty of fluids to compensate for the loss of fluids and electrolytes (such as potassium) due to diarrhea.
• Contact your doctor immediately in case of intestinal or rectal bleeding.
• Tell your doctor right away and pay attention if you experience severe or prolonged diarrhea and have other conditions such as hypertension, previous heart and blood vessel disease (for example, previous heart attacks) or diabetes.