Trulance vs Linzess – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Differences   

Trulance

It is the brand name of a drug called plecanatide that works by activating certain substances (like guanylate cyclase-C enzyme) within the intestines which help increase muscle movement and fluid secretion.

This drug was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2017.

Uses

It is typically used for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation. ”Chronic” means that the signs and symptoms happen frequently over a long period of time and “idiopathic” means that constipation can’t be attributed to an underlying illness or medication and occurs from an unknown cause.

Chronic idiopathic constipation is a common condition and it affects more than 35 million American adults. The main signs and symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation include:

• straining;
• infrequent bowel movements;
• bloating;
• hard stools;
• gas pain;
• abdominal pain;
• feeling that something is blocking the stool from coming out;
• a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose is 3 mg taken orally once per day. Due to the risk of severe dehydration, this medication should not be used in children less than 6 years of age.

Furthermore, it can be crushed in applesauce for people who are unable to swallow medication.

Side Effects And Precautions Of Plecanatide 

Side effects may include:

• sinus infection;
• diarrhea;
• dehydration;
• increased liver biochemical tests;
• colic pain;
• abdominal tenderness;
• gas;
• bloating;
• nausea;
• headaches;
• intestinal discomfort;
• upper respiratory tract infection.

To be sure that this medication is good for you, tell your healthcare professional:

• about all the drugs you take, including herbal supplements, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, and vitamins;
• if you are breastfeeding because it is not exactly known if this medication passes into your breast milk;
• if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant since it is not known precisely if this drug will harm your unborn baby;
• if you have any other medical conditions.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

• idelalisib;
• Zydelig (idelalisib).

Linzess 

It is the brand name of a drug called linaclotide that works by binding to and activating some enzymes in the intestines, accelerating the movement of content through the intestines. It belongs to a group of medications called guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonists.

This drug was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in August 2012. It is manufactured by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company which develops drugs for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases.

Uses

It is a prescription drug that is typically used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose for treating chronic idiopathic constipation is 145 mcg once per day. The usual recommended dose for treating irritable bowel syndrome with constipation is 290 mcg once per day.

Furthermore, it is suggested to take this medication on an empty stomach, at least half an hour prior to the first meal of the day. Because it can cause severe diarrhea and severe dehydration, do not give medication to children who are less than 6 years of age.

Side Effects And Precautions Of Linaclotide

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• bloating;
• abdominal discomfort;
• sinus pain;
• sneezing;
• a stuffy nose;
• headaches;
• a full feeling in your stomach;
• vomiting;
• heartburn;
• gas.

Rare side effects may include:

• a light-headed feeling like you might pass out;
• severe diarrhea;
• severe stomach pain;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• muscle weakness;
• fluttering in the chest;
• irregular heartbeats;
• feeling unsteady;
• confusion;
• mood changes;
• leg cramps;
• increased thirst or urination.

If you are using this medication while nursing, talk to your healthcare professional about the possible risk factors since there are no conclusive clinical studies which prove that this drug doesn’t pass into breast milk.

Moreover, consult your healthcare provider and discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication while you are pregnant because there are no conclusive studies that prove its safety during pregnancy.

Trulance vs Linzess – Differences          

Trulance (active ingredient – plecanatide) is an agonist of guanylate cyclase-C which is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation. This medication works by increasing fluid in the intestines and helping speed up movement of food through the gut.

Linzess (active ingredient – linaclotide) is a prescription medication that is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. It works by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestine and causing the content to move faster and easier. It is also part of a family of drugs called guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonists.

In conclusion, both medications are part of the same family of drugs and have similar effects on the human body but have different main active ingredients. Both have plenty of side effects and don’t treat the real cause of constipation – an unhealthy lifestyle.

5 Natural Home Remedies To Relieve Constipation Quickly

#1 Magnesium

It is an essential mineral that helps move fluid through the large intestine, making it considerably easier to expel stool from the body.

If you want to take a magnesium supplement, magnesium citrate is the most easily absorbed form of magnesium as well as it has a stronger effect on the bowels.

However, the best source of magnesium is food. Foods rich in magnesium include – pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, red kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, navy beans, pinto beans, pistachios, Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, broccoli, pine nuts, oat bran, oatmeal, and pecans.

#2 Increase Your Fluid Consumption

One of the leading causes of constipation is dehydration because, in order for waste to move through your gastrointestinal tract, it requires plenty of water.

#3 Blackstrap Molasses

It contains high doses of potassium and magnesium, which are two potent contenders in the battle against constipation.

#4 Exercise

Lack of physical exercise could slow the metabolism. And this could slow the digestion that may, ultimately, lead to constipation.

#5 Nutrition

Eating an imbalanced diet high in dairy products, eggs, and meats (all give zero dietary fiber) can easily cause constipation.

To treat and prevent constipation, the most effective weapon is a regular diet high in fiber. Aim for at least 50 grams of dietary fiber per day.

Foods high in fiber include – sweet potatoes, carrots, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, garlic, onion, potatoes, corn, oat bran, oats, red kidney beans, pinto beans, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, pistachios, prunes, apples, pears, papayas, mangoes, and pineapples.

Image credit – Shutterstock & Getty

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3638410/
https://www.iffgd.org/news/industry-treatment-news/linaclotide-linzess.html