Linzess (linaclotide) is a brand-name oral capsule primarily prescribed for certain digestive system issues, including some types of constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). While some individuals may seek to use Linzess for weight loss purposes, it is crucial to understand its intended use, potential side effects, and the scientific evidence surrounding its effectiveness as a weight loss aid.
What is Linzess and How Does It Work?
Linzess is classified as a secretagogue, specifically a guanylate cyclase-C agonist. It works by increasing fluid secretion in the intestines and speeding up movement in the gastrointestinal tract. Linzess increases fluid in the intestines, promoting bowel movements and relieving constipation. This mechanism of action helps to soften stool and promote easier passage through the digestive tract.
Does Linzess Cause Weight Loss?
Weight changes weren’t reported in clinical trials of people taking the drug. Linzess is not indicated for weight loss. It is essential to recognize that Linzess is not a weight loss medication, and experts do not recommend using it or other laxatives for losing weight because doing so can be dangerous.
Clinical Trial Findings
Weight gain or weight loss was not a commonly-reported side effect of Linzess during clinical studies.
Potential Indirect Effects on Weight
While Linzess itself may not directly cause weight loss, some individuals may experience weight changes due to its effects on the digestive system.
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- Constipation Relief: Constipation may cause bloating, which can lead to weight gain. So, in some cases, treating constipation may cause weight loss. Linzess can help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. This can reduce the sensation of bloating and temporary weight gain associated with constipation.
- Diarrhea: Linzess can cause diarrhea as a side effect. If diarrhea is severe, it’s possible for weight loss to occur.
- Appetite Regulation: Some individuals may find that improved digestive function leads to better appetite regulation, making it easier to manage portions and make healthier food choices.
- Increased Activity: Relief from gastrointestinal discomfort may encourage increased physical activity, contributing to overall calorie expenditure and potential weight loss.
- Psychological Impact: Effective treatment of digestive issues with Linzess can alleviate stress and discomfort, positively affecting emotional eating habits and reducing the consumption of high-calorie comfort foods.
If you notice weight changes during your treatment with Linzess, talk with your doctor. They can determine what may be causing your weight change to occur and the best ways to manage your weight.
Important Considerations and Precautions
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial before considering Linzess as a weight loss aid. They can evaluate your situation and medical history and determine if Linzess suits you. Additionally, following your healthcare provider's prescribed dosage and instructions is important. Taking more than recommended can lead to adverse effects and may not enhance weight loss.
Contraindications
Linaclotide is contraindicated in patients with mechanical bowel obstruction (MBO). If you have an intestinal blockage, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment option for you. Linzess works by moving your food through your intestines quicker than usual. And if you have an intestinal obstruction, taking Linzess may make your condition worse.
Drug Interactions
Before starting treatment with Linzess, tell your doctor about any medical conditions that you have. This can help them determine whether Linzess is a safe treatment option for you.
Linzess isn’t known to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol can make certain side effects of Linzess worse. For example, both Linzess and alcohol can cause headaches. So you may be at an increased risk of headaches occurring if you take Linzess and drink alcohol.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Linzess during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting Linzess treatment. They’ll let you know whether this drug is safe for you to take or discuss other treatment options with you.
Linzess isn’t thought to pass into breast milk. But it’s not known whether Linzess affects your body’s ability to produce breast milk.
Potential Side Effects of Linzess
Linzess can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. Talk with your doctor if side effects do not go away, get worse, or become too difficult to tolerate.
Common Side Effects
More commonly reported side effects of Linzess include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
Mild Side Effects
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Linzess include:
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- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Headache
- Mild diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infection
Serious Side Effects
Linzess may cause serious side effects, including severe diarrhea and severe allergic reaction.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Linzess, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Managing Side Effects
There may be things you can do to help make certain side effects of Linzess more manageable. If you have ongoing, worsening, or bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest tips for managing them or recommend other treatment options for your condition.
- Diarrhea: If you have symptoms of severe diarrhea, stop taking Linzess and call your doctor right away. They may adjust your Linzess dosage or have you switch to a different treatment. If you have mild diarrhea while taking Linzess, staying hydrated is important. You can do this by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolyte replacement drinks.
- Headache: Because headache may be a symptom of dehydration, drink plenty of fluids while you’re taking Linzess.
- Bloating: Exercise and movement can sometimes help move your bowels and get rid of gas. This may help relieve bloating.
- Upper Respiratory Infection: Upper respiratory tract infections typically go away without antibiotics. But certain over-the-counter drugs may help relieve your symptoms.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Certain OTC medications may help relieve these symptoms.
Linzess Use in Specific Populations
Children
Do not give LINZESS to children who are less than 2 years of age. It may harm them. Linzess has a boxed warning about risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Linzess is approved to treat functional constipation in children ages 6 years and older. In clinical trials of Linzess for this condition, the most common side effect children experienced was diarrhea. Nausea, dehydration, and abdominal discomfort were also reported in these trials.
Elderly
In a study, 17.7%, 36.3%, and 23.5% of the linaclotide users were 65 years old or older in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden, respectively.
Patients with Hepatic or Renal Impairment
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment were not studied in the drug development program. A study found that 9.6%, 19.0%, and 3.4% of linaclotide users had hepatic or renal impairment at the start of treatment in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden, respectively.
Real-World Utilization of Linaclotide
A study reported on the utilization of linaclotide in a real-world setting using data from three large secondary data sources in three European countries-the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden.
Study Findings
- The mean age at treatment initiation was 46.7, 56.6, and 50.6 years in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden, respectively.
- The majority of linaclotide users in all three countries were female (86.3%, 85.7%, and 81.1%, respectively).
- The number of pregnant women was very low-under five patients in the United Kingdom and Spain and 15 (0.3%) in Sweden.
- The proportion of patients with IBS-C ranged from 29.0% in Sweden to 37.0% in Spain and 40.6% in the United Kingdom.
- The frequency of an ED record among linaclotide users was uncommon in all countries (0.6%, 2.5%, and 1.2% in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden, respectively).
- MBO or IBD was uncommon among linaclotide users (3.5%, 4.6%, and 5.7% in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden, respectively).