Feedback on Linzess for Irritable Bowel-C or Chronic Constipation

Posted by sue225 @sue225, Mar 9, 2019

I have both of the above-conditions. Took Linzess, (called Constella in Canada) and got terrible stomach pain. Feeling desperate and thinking about trying it one more time. Interested in hearing what kind of experiences other people have had with linaclotide/linzess.

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Profile picture for oldgerman @oldgerman

I have had severe chronic constipation, IBS-C for a long time too, I so understand the struggle and frustration. All the fiber supplements made things worse and I cannot tolerate a lot of water because of intersticial cystitis and some incontinence. My G.I. doctor finally gave me samples of Linzess a week ago and that did not work. I ended up un E.D. on Monday after trying enema to help discomfort and all the straining caused a rectal prolapse. I am now trying the Miralax again twice a day, Senna 8.6 mg twice a day and lactulose twice a day. Now I am afraid that I have another proplapse with bowel movement, I have appointment with colorectal surgeon in August.

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Bless your heart!! I use Trulance and Miralax.. no success with anything else.. the struggle is real..prayers!!

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Profile picture for oldgerman @oldgerman

I have had severe chronic constipation, IBS-C for a long time too, I so understand the struggle and frustration. All the fiber supplements made things worse and I cannot tolerate a lot of water because of intersticial cystitis and some incontinence. My G.I. doctor finally gave me samples of Linzess a week ago and that did not work. I ended up un E.D. on Monday after trying enema to help discomfort and all the straining caused a rectal prolapse. I am now trying the Miralax again twice a day, Senna 8.6 mg twice a day and lactulose twice a day. Now I am afraid that I have another proplapse with bowel movement, I have appointment with colorectal surgeon in August.

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So many of us suffer constipation severely with no help from medication. It’s just a nightmare to live with. I tried everything your doing and nothing. Have you tried IBSrella. It didn’t work for me but it’s new. Might be worth a try. Very expensive but my Gastro set me up with the company when it first came out. I tried 90 days and no change but I do believe it’s the newest on the market.

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Profile picture for standinginfaith @standinginfaith

Bless your heart!! I am so sorry!! I am concerned about the MiraLax myself as it is also used in anitfreeze.. IDK.. all we can do is pray!

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Miralax is NOT used in antifreeze! Antifreeze is ethelyne glycol, not PEG.

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Profile picture for carlnh @carlnh

Miralax is NOT used in antifreeze! Antifreeze is ethelyne glycol, not PEG.

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Thank you so much for letting me know..google had said it was..I'm sorry for my mistake!! (And what a relief to know!!)

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If you’re looking up PEG in any product look for wording that says Polyethlene Glycol (PEG 3500). That might assist you. I do know some time ago the FDA listed more precautions on its label. It is not the same as in antifreeze. It’s sort of like its sister, completely different forms.
It was once allowed in prescription form for colonoscopies but the FDA said it could be sold over the counter. It states like any med for constipation use only short term.
It makes me extremely sick. I think the biggest problems were side effects in children. I’m not sure but I think they changed the age you can give to children. Hope this helps.

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Profile picture for busylady @busylady

I see you have said that Sucralose is a gut bacteria no-no. I take Metamucil, 1 T in 8-10 oz of water twice daily. It has Sucrose in it. Is this the same thing?

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No, Sorbitol is a "no-no". Like the high amounts in prunes and stone fruits.

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Profile picture for lake3031 @lake3031

No, Sorbitol is a "no-no". Like the high amounts in prunes and stone fruits.

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Sorbitol is another bad gut fake sugar. I eat no dairy, and no sugar.

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It was fine in the beginning but now it’s the 6th week of Linzess and every time I eat I have to go and when I don’t ! I get terrible gas also. I’m gonna try taking it every other day.

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Profile picture for lake3031 @lake3031

No, Sorbitol is a "no-no". Like the high amounts in prunes and stone fruits.

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I agree; sorbitol just treats my digestive tract horribly.

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Profile picture for standinginfaith @standinginfaith

Bless your heart!! I am so sorry!! I am concerned about the MiraLax myself as it is also used in anitfreeze.. IDK.. all we can do is pray!

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@standinginfaith - though written specifically about use of polyethylene glycol or PEG 3350 (Miralax) in kids, you and others in this discussion may find this article useful:

- Is Miralax Safe for Kids? https://www.parents.com/parents-magazine/parents-perspective/is-miralax-safe-for-kids-an-expert-weighs-in/

Under the subhead with the same title as the article, "Is Miralax Safe for Kids?" see this excerpt:

Experts like David Bunkin, M.D., assistant professor of pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, remain hopeful that the CHOP study will eventually confirm the laxative's safety for kids. He tells Parents that while the FDA found trace amounts of those two potentially toxic chemicals [small amounts of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol—the same ingredients found in anti-freeze—in Miralax] in batches of Miralax tested years ago, ownership of the drug has since changed hands, and follow-up screenings have not revealed the chemicals.

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