Is anyone on Linzess? I have been taking amitiza (24mcg twice daily) for over a year now. I have bowel issues due to MS (neurogenic bowels and motility problems). For the most part, amitiza has helped, but not totally corrected the problem. My gastroenterologist has mentioned trying Linzess. I have NO side effects with the amitiza, and would rather continue to supplement it with miralax than switch to Linzess and accrue some unwanted side effects.
I'd appreciate hearing feedback from those on Linzess. Those who've been on both would be great! Thanks! 💕
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WAshingtongirl
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WAshingtongirl I've taken Linzess and prescribed both Amitiza and Linzess to my patients. Linzess caused much cramping for me. I stopped it after a few days. I have also had a fair number of patients that did not tolerate Linzess (explosive diarrhea, incontinence issues) but they did ok on Amitiza. Of course, everyone is different.
I'm assuming Amitiza is not working as well for you anymore...I'm currently using Miralax with good results.
WAshingtongirl can u try a sample of the Linzess ? There's nothing wrong with the drug. It's just more powerful than Amitiza and I don't want to dissuade you from trying something that you may tolerate and benefit from. While some of my pts dididnt tolerate it there were some who did and they received benefit.
Also, if you or other might be taking opioid pain meds, there are several newer prescription meds specifically indicated for OIC opioid induced constipation.
Sorry, I'm a blabber mouth once I get on a topic about this stuff 😳🤓
erash 😁 lm glad you do! Cause l learn so much from you! I think on going to have to start drinking a fiber supplement in my water, what's the best kind? And completely tasteless?? I only drink water. 😅 No coffee, soda or anything like that.
Psyllium (Metamucil) is best fiber supplement. I think they have some with no taste? Be careful. Fiber supplements can plug you up if either not drinking enuf fluids or sluggish bowels.
Other good fiber is flax seed or chia seed (nutty flavor) can add to yogurt, oatmeal etc.)
Yes, fiber can clog you more... and bloat! I was told Citracel better than Metamucil for me. doesn't help much though.... all very frustrating..... drinking a lot of water is important of course.... I get very bloated from this too though! NO WIN sitch.
You didn't ask me, but I'm going to throw in my 2 cents worth. I take a generic fiber supplement called Equate that I get at Walmart. It has a slightly orange flavor and is sugarless. I throw in a little apple cider mix. I like the flavor. 1 1/2 teas to 1 1/2 C water. It's a little think, but I swallow it down and I know it helps me maintain a reasonable amount of stability.
I have heard of Equate. IS it pretty much like Citracel? used to do the apple cider vinegar. Got so sick of that awful taste though. It's more for acid reflux, no? Glad that routine helps you!!
Pretty much like the Citracel. I cut back on the amount as my insides started feeling as though they were in labor pushing the lump through. Now I only use it occasionally. I also take 3 stool softeners every night. It works for me, I think we each have to experiment a little to find what works for us individually.
No Problem, I just use the Walgreen's brand. Active ingredient is Doscusate Sodium 100mg. It's what works for me, no discomfort. Lately, I've been eating an Asian Pear almost every evening. They are in season now, and love them. They are high in fiber, too!
Hi, Mallory3757 , I take 24mcg of Amitiza twice daily, and Miralax 3-5 times a week. I still have problems, but using the miralax more often doesn't help the issue. I just end up with a very sore bottom 😬. My gastro recommended a switch to Linzess, but I haven't done so. I'm just to the point of not wanting to deal with the 'unknown' side effects of a new drug. My neuro recommended amitiza for my neurogenic bowels (motility issues and constipation) in the first place. For now, I'll do as I am. What does your doctor say? Do you see a gastroenterologist?
Yes, I see a gastro... Everyone is different. Lionesses MAY bloat me.... now Anthem doesn't want to cover it so I don't know what I'll do. These insurance companies are a joke. They don't want to cover it because ti is so expensive, but the SAY that their doctors have decided that AMITIZA works better. Well, it doesn't for me! Like you, nothing works very well.... eating over cooked vegetables only would probably help!! But who can live like that! I sit too much at work too. I am very thin and work out, which helps. Do you get good exercise?? I also take magnesium supplements.... it's a frustrating situation, no?
Tutu, I tried Linzess about a year ago. Not a good fit for me. I need to find out about getting on something for OIC, because Miralax and Benefiber just don't cut it. It's totally disgusting, and too much info, but every single day I have to use a glove to get my stool out. Otherwise I end up with a wicked impction and in the hospital. Talk about a gross aspect of ms! 😝 Oh well, I hope you all still like me. Lol. By the way, I rode my bike yesterday! It was fabulous. It is raining hard today, but will take a picture tomorrow and post it. It is beautiful, very deep red. Tutu, hope you find a good solution.
Amore55 , it is SO good to see you feeling well enough to be back AND riding your new 🚴 too! Can't wait to see the picture.
Has your gastro done a full work up on you to determine you have a motility problem vs a rectocele or such? In my 20s, I had both a rectocele and enterocele (due to big babies). My rectum had prolapsed into my vagina (sorry, guys 😬) and I had to push out from there. Those hernias can cause a lot of bowel evacuation problems as well as backup. Surgery corrected mine. My current problems are definitely MS (motility) related. I assume your neuro has you seeing a gastro...💞
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