Linaclotide : I’ve just been prescribed the... - IBS Network

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Linaclotide

Profound15 profile image
25 Replies

I’ve just been prescribed the above for my symptoms which are constipation (probably slow transit or lack of peristalsis), excess gas, nausea (in the morning due to build up,of gas I think), bloating and trapped wind. She told me I had IBS C and I take a laxido every second day and use Peristeen plu irrigation. Could anyone tell me what to expect with this medication please. I’ve read it can cause diarrhea which is fine. Does the movement of stool happen the first day I take the tablet please. Any other info would be gratefully received

Thank you

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Profound15 profile image
Profound15
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25 Replies
xjrs profile image
xjrs

I take Linaclotide, but it is a while since I first started taking it. From memory there was a bedding in period of a couple of weeks when BMs were less predictable. However, I don't remember having diarrhoea with it and actually it tends to help me more with IBS pain than motility. However, everyone's reaction to a specific drug is going to be unique to them, so what happens with one person won't necessarily happen with another. I know it helps a lot of people with BMs.

I use dietary measures (fibre) including ginger extract for motility. Tips here:

ibsresearcher.com/constipat...

By the way full pain effects aren't felt until week 10, so it is something that needs to be trialled for a little while to see how you get on with it. Follow the instructions but you may also be able to play a bit with the timing of taking it. For instance, it is instructed to take a certain time before meals. However, I take mine before bedtime since I feel the most pain overnight (and also for me it won't have me going to the loo in the night). But as I said everyone is different. Good luck.

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toxjrs

Thank you

nicky54 profile image
nicky54

I have it to take but haven't started yet as need to find a zone where diarrhoea sides effects can take place - first two weeks are meant to be acclimatization period One month supply is meant to work as a trial

The effect I have been advised is that it should pull water into the colon and keep the stool soft to aid transit - movement in first two weeks varying person to person

If it causes too many harsh side effects after week of use e.g pain constant diarrhoea then stop

Good luck

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply tonicky54

Thanks Nicky. I’m going to start taken it tomorrow. Will take the first dose early morning before breakfast. Hoping it’ll help as I have an issue with lack of peristalsis fairly regularly.

Harley1020 profile image
Harley1020 in reply toProfound15

Hello, hope it helps.

Can you please let us know how you are as I’ve been thinking of asking my GP for a trial period due to slow transit,

Good luck.

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toHarley1020

Hi Harley

Will do. Think it has to be prescribed by a consultant

Harley1020 profile image
Harley1020 in reply toProfound15

Many thanks, greatly appreciated.

Krisbetty profile image
Krisbetty in reply toHarley1020

It can only be prescribed by gastroenterologist,

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toHarley1020

That’s two days I’ve taken linaclotide. Yesterday using peristeen irrigation produced good results albeit was watery (Bristol stool chart 7). I don’t think I’m still constipated and apart from the watery stools so far feel ok. Today I took it well before breakfast. Nothing really happened apart from some trapped gas. Used peristeen at lunchtime again and had a good result probably not as much as yesterday but seemed to be what I was needing. Again was very watery with tiny stool bits (sorry for the details).

Hennen profile image
Hennen

I find this medication very helpful, but I have to take a lower dose that what is typically recommended. I take 72mcg daily. The higher doses caused too much gas and loose bowels.

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toHennen

I’ve been prescribed the 290mcg so I’ll just have to see how it goes.

Dudders123 profile image
Dudders123

I am in a similar position, and eager to hear about experience with linaclotide - never been suggested by my team - hoping for useful replies, this is an amazingly helpful group .

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toDudders123

Think for IBS C the prescription is 290mcg. The smaller 145 tablets I thing are for CIC. Not sure about the 72’s. In the U.K. it’s the 290 that’s available and used I’ve been told.

Beakybird58 profile image
Beakybird58 in reply toDudders123

It’s been suggested by my colorectal surgeon as an alternative to moventig( which caused dreadful pain) I am interested how everyone gets along with it. It’s a bit of a faff having to go to the hospital to collect but I think Gp can prescribe after first prescription by consultant.

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toBeakybird58

Yes that’s my understanding as well. My GP has asked for confirmation from the consultant that it works for me. That’ll be somewhat down the line.

Beakybird58 profile image
Beakybird58 in reply toProfound15

Same here sadly. It’s all a waiting game 😢

Krisbetty profile image
Krisbetty

Been taking it for over a year, whilst i dont have a BM everyday i have one at least every 2 days which was normal for. Just drink alot of fluids to assist the tablet too work more efficiently. Take it at least an 1 hour before breakfast.

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toKrisbetty

Thanks Krisbetty. Took my first capsule (290mcg) this morning. Are you taking the 290 and do you have IBS C please. I also have a problem with rectal dysfunction but biofeedback is helping that a little bit

Krisbetty profile image
Krisbetty in reply toProfound15

I was diagnosed with IBS C and 290mcg linacoltide also jad biofeedback yold o wasn't using my muscles correctly. But it works out I have knacked hips so thats why my muscles are not working correctly hence leading to constipation. The linacoltide still helps until i get my hips replaced. I also have gallstones amd awaiting for surgery to have my gallbladder removed.

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toKrisbetty

Thanks Kribetty. I’ve been to the loo this morning after taking my first capsule. What was very pleasing was I managed to evacuate without irrigation. I was told it can take a week to have a bowel movement so it did come as a pleasant surprise and wasn’t diarrhea but just loose (sorry about the graphics)

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toKrisbetty

Hi Krisbetty

Now two days on linaclotide and had bowel movements both days. Used peristeen irrigation and that has worked for me. My movements are watery with small bits (sorry about the graphics) and wondered if yours were the same pls.

Rumours profile image
Rumours

Hi I’ve had slow transit constipation for many years and tried numerous laxatives.

I know everyone is different and what suits some won’t suit others so basically it’s just a case of trial and error.

I have tried Linaclotide in the past and I had awful bloating and unpredictable diarrhoea, I felt extremely unwell.

I am now taking Prucalopride (Resolor) 2mg and Bisocodyl 5mg every night which I am able to tolerate better.

Wishing you the best of luck x

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toRumours

Thanks Rumours. I tried prucalopride and it made me feel pretty lousy. Hence on Linaclotide now.

Rumours profile image
Rumours

good luck with it I hope it helps you x

Profound15 profile image
Profound15 in reply toRumours

Thank you

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