Motegrity (prucalopride) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. CIC is defined as difficult or infrequent passage of stools that lasts for 3 months or longer and is not caused by a disease or a medication. Prucalopride is in a class of medications called serotonin receptor agonists. It functions as a selective serotonin type 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist.
What is Motegrity?
Motegrity is a brand-name tablet containing the active drug prucalopride. It is not available in a generic version. As with other drugs, Motegrity can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Common Uses of Motegrity
The primary use of Motegrity is to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults.According to the American College of Gastroenterology, CIC often causes the following symptoms:
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Fewer bowel movements than normal
- Feeling like you can’t completely empty your bowels or like you have a blockage
- Straining during bowel movements
In clinical studies, between 19% and 38% of people taking Motegrity had at least three bowel movements per week. These improvements occurred within the first week of treatment.
Off-Label Uses
In addition to its approved use for CIC, Motegrity may be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than those it’s approved for.
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- Gastroparesis: Motegrity is not FDA-approved to treat gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty food. Symptoms may include nausea and feeling unusually full after a meal. However, your doctor may prescribe Motegrity off-label to treat gastroparesis.
- IBS: Motegrity isn’t FDA-approved to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it may be used off-label for this purpose.
- Opioid-Induced Constipation: Motegrity isn’t FDA-approved to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC). However, it may be used off-label for this condition.
Side Effects of Motegrity
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Motegrity treatment. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
The commonly reported side effects of Motegrity include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Motegrity unless your doctor recommends it.
Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects have been reported with Motegrity. These include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue (low energy)
- Headache
- Flatulence
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Mild allergic reaction
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects have been reported with Motegrity. If you develop serious side effects while taking Motegrity, 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.
Serious side effects include:
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- New or worsening depression
- Allergic reaction
Specific Side Effects Explained
- Headache: Headache was a common but mild side effect of Motegrity reported in the drug’s studies. Most people who experienced headache developed it within 2 days of starting treatment. Most headaches caused by Motegrity are temporary and go away after a few days. But if your headache is bothersome or ongoing, ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to manage it.
- Diarrhea: Motegrity may cause diarrhea. This was a common side effect reported in the drug’s studies. For most people who reported diarrhea, it was a mild side effect. It usually occurred in the first week of treatment and went away after a few days of taking Motegrity. A few people experienced severe diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea with Motegrity, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Nausea: Nausea was a common side effect of Motegrity reported in the drug’s studies. This is usually a mild and temporary side effect. Nausea may have other causes and may be related to other side effects of Motegrity, such as headache or dizziness. Nausea is a mild side effect of Motegrity that should go away within a few days of starting treatment. But if you have severe, bothersome, or ongoing nausea, talk with your doctor.
- Abdominal Pain: Motegrity can cause abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort. This was a commonly reported side effect in studies of the drug. There may be other causes of abdominal pain, including inflammation or intestinal disorders or blockages. Abdominal pain is usually a mild side effect of Motegrity that should go away after a few days. But if you have severe abdominal pain, call your doctor right away, as this may be caused by a bowel blockage or other serious problem.
- Allergic Reaction: Like most drugs, Motegrity can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild to serious and can include: skin rash, itchiness, swelling of the face, flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color), swelling under your skin (usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet), swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe. If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Motegrity and Weight Gain
No, you shouldn’t experience weight gain from taking Motegrity. Weight gain wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials. However, it’s possible for Motegrity to cause bloating. And bloating may lead to an increase in your weight.
Motegrity and Hair Loss
No, you shouldn’t experience hair loss from taking Motegrity. Hair loss wasn’t reported in Motegrity’s clinical trials. However, if you notice hair loss along with constipation, talk with your doctor. These symptoms may be a sign of hypothyroidism. This can occur when your thyroid isn’t working as well as it should. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism may include feeling tired or cold, weight gain, or depression.
Precautions and Interactions
Before starting Motegrity, it is crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Certain conditions and factors may affect whether this drug is a safe and appropriate treatment option for you.
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Drug-Condition Interactions
- History of Depression, Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Motegrity may cause suicidal thoughts and behavior. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or have had suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Allergic Reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Motegrity or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you.
- Blockage or Tear in Your Stomach or Intestinal Wall: Motegrity is not safe if you have a tear in your stomach or intestines or if you have a blockage in your bowels.
- Severe Kidney Problems: If you have serious kidney problems, the drug may build up in your body. This could increase your risk of side effects from the drug.
Alcohol and Motegrity
There are no known interactions between alcohol and Motegrity. But alcohol may cause dizziness, headache, and nausea. Since Motegrity can also cause these side effects, drinking alcohol could worsen them.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough information available to know whether or not Motegrity is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Motegrity passes into breast milk, but its effects on a breastfed child are not known.
Motegrity for Weight Loss: An Inappropriate Use
Motegrity is not FDA-approved for use as a weight-loss aid. No studies are currently testing whether Motegrity has an effect on weight. Some people may try to lose weight by taking medication used to treat constipation. You should only take Motegrity as prescribed by your doctor. It may cause serious side effects if you use it to lose weight.
Potential Side Effects of Using Constipation Drugs for Weight Loss
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to heart, kidney, and muscle problems
Dosage and Administration
Motegrity comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take prucalopride at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take prucalopride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
- Drug Forms and Strengths: Motegrity comes as a tablet that you take by mouth. It’s available in two strengths: 1 mg and 2 mg.
- Dosage for Constipation: The usual dosage for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is 2 mg, taken once per day. This is also the drug’s maximum recommended dosage. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage if you have severe kidney disease.
- What if I miss a dose?: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Motegrity vs. Other Medications
Motegrity contains the drug prucalopride. Amitiza contains the drug lubiprostone.
Motegrity and Amitiza are both FDA-approved to treat adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).
Side Effects and Risks
Motegrity and Amitiza contain different drugs, but they treat the same condition. Therefore, they can cause both similar and different side effects.
- More Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, headaches, stomach pain, gas and bloating, dizziness, vomiting, fatigue (low energy).
- Serious Side Effects: Suicidal thoughts or behavior (Motegrity), low blood pressure (Amitiza).
Additional Information
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
- Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
- Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.