Last updated on 2 March 2025 (8 weeks ago) by Juliaelanesharp
Hello everyone. I have been prescribed by my doctor with Linzess. I have chronic GI disorders abdominal, pain, feeling bloated (severely uncomfortable). I started yesterday but when I woke up this morning, I had this pain, distention in my whole abdomen that extended to both sides. I took 3 aspirin but it did not help. I took Ibuprofen but just weans off the pain. Should I continue this medication? I understand that there is no generic equivalent foe Linzess but I'm on Medicare and I find the medicine expensive, is there a good alternative for this?
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16 Answers
JU
Juliaelanesharp
3 March 2025
I have been taking Linzess for 3 years and it has been literally God sent for me. Prior to this medication I had constant unpredictable gas and bloating and had to rely on otc laxatives to have a bowel movement. My entire leg fe revolved around my upset stomach, often canceling plans. But now I’m free except one little problem. The first of the year the medication is so expensive until I meet my out of pocket. Even w/insurance my copay is $600. All the alternatives are no better. Can no one come up with a reasonably priced medication that will help a person take a crap every day and keep them from pooting their friend and family out of the room!
Votes: +0
CA
Catherine36
14 Jan 2024
Have you tried OTC Miralax? My gastro swears by it. I also met with a nutritionist and adding Kiwi to your diet may help with constipation as it is a natural laxative.
Hope this helps!
Votes: +0
BI
bilfin
13 Jan 2022
I'm also on Medicare but I have the AARP RX plan and my linzess pills are always paid for with zero co-payment. I order a 3-month supply as needed from OptumRX and get fast and free delivery. Of course, they have to have a current RX from my doctor which he sends to them on a yearly basis. I think my cost for the plan is around $100 per month. If you can't afford that cost, there may be a cheaper way to go but I'm not sure. I hope this helps.
Votes: +0
ER
ErauMom
27 June 2019
I’ve been taking Linzess about six months with no help. I had severe diarrhea for the first two weeks but now, unless I take it with food, I never Poop. I read a review this morning that says it also causes other issues like rectal failure. Trulance is recommended. Has anyone else had this or is it just another drug company trying to weasel their drug sales into people asking for help? I’m also allergic to seafood, onions, dairy and have celiac. (Some drugs contain these items)
Be careful taking aspirin with these type drugs. They’ll cause more stomach issues.
Votes: +1
TI
Tina57
3 Jan 2018
Have you had your parathyroid and thyroid levels checked? All this Mickey Mouse business with different doctors and gastroenterologist I'm finding out it's my parathyroid causing all this constipation and GI issues!
Votes: +0
HE
Henry Johnson
15 Aug 2017
Yes, there is a good alternative. You should ask your doctor about Trulance. It is a new drug to treat Chronic idiopathic constipation. It is using natural liquids of your body to help you, therefore has much less side effects comparing to Linzess. You will feel yourself amazing.
Votes: +0
LI
Linche
16 Aug 2017
After using Linzess - and barely being able to leave the house - my gastro doctor said that was no way to live and took me off of it. She gave me a very simple alternative that HAS worked for me: Miralax! She told me to start off with one cap-full of Miralax in a beverage (hot or cold) in the morning and the same in the evening. You just stir it in and let it dissolve. Then drink your beverage as you normally would (meaning you don't have to drink it down all at once). Once it starts working for you, try going down to just using it at night. You can go back to twice a day if you need to. SOOOO much cheaper than Linzess - and it has worked pretty well for me. Can't recall the last time I had a painful episode.
HA
Happy2222
20 July 2017
You know Karangahan did me the same way. But maybe l did not have enough fiber but if l take to much l get bloated and suffer too! Now that is me... I do not eat good especially not having enough fiber l guess I thought l had enough fiber this morning but did pass some poop. I have IBS-C l have a terrible time! Kinda crampy stomach afterward and sorta bloated too. I really do not know about Linzess. The doctor recommened this. This is the first time me trying but undecided if l will continue the product. Hope you have better results. But like l said that is me and a lot of people seem to like linzess...
Votes: +0
HE
healthy Christina
16 March 2016
When Medicare wouldn't cover linzess my doctor changed the prescription to amitiza. It is covered by Medicare for the same illnesses (IBS with constipation). When I first started it I did need a stool softener also. As the medicine got in my system I was able to back off the stool softener. I also increase the amount of salad I eat and nuts, seeds. I would add 4-6 ounces of 100% apple or grape juice but I'm diabetic and the doctor would rather I take pills. But that's just my system. It will be different for each individual but the basics are here.
Votes: +0
NM
nmgoldstein
14 June 2021
My Part D Medicare drug plan covers Linzess, but not Amitiza. I suggest going to the Medicare web site, and using the tool for comparing drug plans. If you prefer Linzess, you should be able to find a plan that covers it (at least until the “doughnut hole” in coverage).
WI
withoutlinzess
15 March 2016
Linzess makes me TIRED after I use the bathroom. I no longer have regular stools but DIARRHEA ONLY. Also I feel like I can now ONLY GO ONCE A DAY and the rest of the day my colon movement stops and so this DISRURPTS my digestive process. I feel like all the good bacteria gets FLUSHED out of my colon with this medication. I also feel FULL and sometimes don’t have the appetite to eat. I don’t have the energy to exercise which I usually do after bowel movements.
I want to stop taking the medication, but my body has become dependent on it. Has anyone had any success with coming off this linzess? I was thinking taking a regular laxative and then probiotics.
But this drug seriously messes up your digestive process as it blocks sensory transmitters in your body to promote bowel movement. That doesn’t seem too healthy long-term.
Votes: +2
LI
Linche
16 March 2016
The diarrhea part is true for me too and my body is certainly dependent on it now. If I don't take it, I don't go. If I take it the next day, I'll be back and forth to the bathroom all day. I view it as a trade-off. Yes, I'm stuck in the house (unless I don't take it AND take Imodium so I can go somewhere) BUT I have no agonizing pain to deal with. (Great choices, huh?) I never gave a thought to what it is doing to my system - being just so grateful to be rid of the pain after decades of it. You need to ask your gastro doc what the best way is to stop taking it. Adding IBGard might help (or not... I don't know) but it certainly can't hurt you.
LI
Linche
18 Dec 2015
It's not a generic alternative to Linzess but you can try IBguard - over-the-counter at most drug stores.
IBgard® Overview
IBgard® is a medical food specially formulated for the dietary management of IBS. IBgard® capsules contain individually triple-coated sustained release microspheres of Ultramen™, an ultra-purified peppermint oil. In multiple studies, peppermint oil has been shown to be effective for people with IBS and can help…
Normalize1 digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, which have been compromised by IBS Reduce the accompanying and often distressing symptoms of IBS including abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea and diarrhea interrupted by constipation Promote2 bacterial balance in the small intestine (part of the lower gut)
My gastro doc had me try it in addition to Linzess and I didn't see much difference but the Linzess was doing its job so maybe that's why. I haven't tried using IBgard without the Linzess too but who knows? It may help some people who simply can't afford the RIDICULOUS cost of Linzess. Can't hurt to try. One note: Don't try to substitute plain peppermint oil pills for the IBgard. It's unique because it's sort of a "slow-release" peppermint oil capsule. You won't get the same benefit if you just take a peppermint oil pill or capsule.
I hope anyone that does try just taking the IBgard will post how it worked, if at all. I'd really like to know but don't dare go off my Linzess to try it alone.
Votes: +0
CA
Cassiebauer
23 April 2016
I have severe constipation bloating excessive gas ECT my whole life! Apparently I got the bad stamp (lol) from the family line it got to the point I was hospitalized at age 40 and told it was chrons IBD I live on enemmas I have tried drinking every night prune choice I have now acquired a taste for this nasty stuff apples even went to the extent to make myself eat something spivey like jalapeños to just be able to go! Linzess isn't the only thing that has worked I now on my own insurance plan which sucks have to pay 350$ a month for a month supply! Here's an alternative to someone who wants to try it and make there linzess last, psyllium and stool softners any herb store carries this! Make sure it's a brand of PSYLLIUM that's good without allot of fillers!
Believe me if I have heard of it I have tried it, my body seems to get used to one thing and I have to change to another just to have relief I feel like I'm 6 months pregnant all the time or smell like a sulfur factory ( graphic I know) but why do the things that help cost a fortune to get how do they expect people to survive! And honestly I think the dr.s think we are being needy sometimes! I'm tired of timing everything around my stomachs schedule :(
DA
daisyxyz
2 Aug 2016
From the very first Linzess pill, within an hour I had diarrhea, like a prep for a colonoscopy. I never have diarrhea, no matter what I eat or drink (which is only water but a lot of it) I am on day number 9 and it is the same every morning. I cannot leave my home until around noon. My colon feels better but I am afraid of getting dehydrated and also messing up the natural flora of my colon. Think I will try this IBgard, is it available in regular drug stores?? I need to get myself regulated before a trip that is planned in two weeks. Someone please help me.
LI
Linche
2 Aug 2016
daisy, that's just how Linzess works. It's a trade-off: Be stuck in the house but free of the incredible pain that comes without it. IBGard is basically for the pain - that's all. I take it too but not as a replacement for Linzess. For your vacation, all I can suggest is going off the Linzess, taking 2 or 3 IBGard throughout the day to ward off IBS pain - and take an anti-diarrhea pill (or two on bad days) - even if your IBS is associated with constipation. You're just trying to stop your system for a while so you can go out.
This is by no means an ideal fix. Imodium (the anti-diarrhea medicine over the counter) will work some days (to prevent you from going to the bathroom) but, obviously, you can't do that day after day. Call your doctor to see if he/she has any other suggestions to get you through your vacation. Good luck!
WO
wogga
14 Nov 2017
Daisy: You might try asking your doctor about Trulance which has similar effectiveness against CIC and will likely be approved in January for IBS-C. The difference is that 20% of Linzess patients experience serious diarrhea vs less than 5% for Trulance patients. Additionally, you don't have to take the pill with food on Trulance and the cost should be the same or less as with Linzess. Good luck with your treatment.
It cost me $300 with atnea insurance through my job. That's insane I pay $55 every two weeks plus a $30 co-pay with atnea. I need something that I can afford. I'm looking for suggestions also.
Votes: +0
KA
KathyLila
2 Dec 2016
Hi. Have you ever tried Goodrx.com. ? I love ❤ this site for discounts on my RX. It has saved me hundreds on our Rx (sometimes cheaper than my insurance). Site shows what it costs at every pharmacy around you for your exact rx (name of drug, mg and qty) Then, just choose the store with the lowest price and show the info from your phone to the pharmacist. It also saves all of your prescription info you want. Its crazy how some pharmacies are charging over $100 + for the same rx. Hope this helps.
PL
plinthgarnel
20 Jan 2014
After success with sample, prescription was in excess of $160/mo. with discount (in perpetuity, maintenance drug) - cannot afford anything like that. Physician: no alternative... I guess the poor just suffer, as usual.
Votes: +2
RO
Ron2BSure
17 Nov 2014
Even with a discount card, it's costing me about $190 a month for 30 of the 145 mcg Linzess, which is an insane price. I only take them once every four or five days. Linzess makers, if you're listening, get serious and bring the price down to a manageable level. Otherwise, it's back to Milk of Magnesia, which essentially does the same thing at much lower cost. Plecanatide, you can't get FDA approval soon enough (it's an alternative drug to Linzess, seemingly more benign, less diarrhea, takes about seven hours to work -- now in Phase 3 trials -- from Synergy Pharmaceuticals --hopefully, coming to a neighborhood near you soon).
LI
Linche
22 March 2015
It's working well for me (severe IBS since 1972!!! ). So, of course, there's a problem :) I'm packing on pounds like crazy! Even my socks are harder to get on. So - should I choose to be FAT or constipated! (Life is NOT ever easy, is it?) Once Linzess kicked in (3 days, I think) I went and went. Then it settled down to D a few times a day. After two months I finally got more "regular". I haven't taken it for two days now (because the weight issue dilemma) so I expect I'll be in pain by tomorrow. Geesh. One thing: make sure you DON'T remove any of the three inserts that keep the pills dry. I threw them out of the first order I got and, I swear, I think some of the medication evaporated and I was taking empty pills. They are way too expensive to have some of them not work so keep the inserts in the container and don't keep the container in the bathroom or any place that gets moisture.
MI
Misskitty71
30 Nov 2015
I had a bowel reduction a few years ago and my Dr said that I would have to take 500 mg of stool softener for the rest of my life . And every day was have to deal with severe pain because of the constipation or lived in the bathroom because of .. well you know. So I get a new Dr and she gave me a sample it works so she orders it . I have Obama care and it won't cover it so it only cost me $349 .! So they call in different med. And it's not any cheaper $399 ... I wish I could get something that works that don't cost arm and leg so here I sit miserable with NO MEDS GRRRR
LI
Linche
1 Dec 2015
Oops, Kitty :) Just checked the site myself again and it now says the program expired on 12/31/2016! So they have extended it.
Yesterday I had first Linzess-145mcg. (not on empty stomach with glass of water as directed--tomorrow I will) ..I had 4 days of constant PAIN in abdomin, occasional stools that were big, round, looked like a popcorn balls (lots of little round stools bound together into a ball)... of course, I have had YEARS of bowel problems, plus episode of gastroparesis in stomach. Today, I had 3 bowel movements--last one pretty normal, that I haven't seen in very long time... with one pill!! (Had been taking Amatiza for years). I wouldn't notice new pain probably, because I have so much stomach pain everyday anyway. Had colonoscopy about 3 wks ago and CT Scan which were both OK. Just praying that this will be an answer for my daily missery--at least for awhile. I KNOW IN MY HEART that extreme emotional stress has caused this... official DMR diagnosis GAD (general anxiety disorder) that I have had most of my life. I am 66. I did notice a distinction between generic and name brand.
I won't take a generic brand, if there is any rejection from Insurance. Through years of "mental illness meds" I have found that about ALL generics are watered down frauds in that area of medication. Also noticed somewhere about disfunctional messages between brain and organs... 3 years ago I had an interstim implant (usually only given as last resort because of nerve signal problems between bladder and brain for uncontrollable incontinence and spasms. When that interstim is in a "good" place--so is my lack of incontinence!!! I think years of heavy mental drugs have screwed up my brain signals in lots of ways--just my opinion there.. PS--unless totally desperate I NEVER use NSAIDS of any kind and I have lots of arthritis also. They don't stop any pain of mine, plus they do harm your body.
Votes: +0
AN
Annmarie49
30 Nov 2014
I sound like you with the many years of chronic constipation & gastroparesis, GAD & stress. I am on my 4th pill of Linzess 145 today, but nothing has happened yet! I have had abdominal pain off and on , but I usually do anyway. I am wondering how long to wait ??? b4 I call the dr. back.
KA
karenantalek
25 Jan 2017
My IBS-C is so severe that I take 290mgc of Linzess each morning and very seldom does it do anything for me although it cost me plenty due to it not being a generic. My question is: does it work for everyone eventually? Should I continue with this pain and do enemas until it kicks in? My doc won't up the dosage because there are no studies on the effects of more than 290mgc's.
SE
SeattleGirl789
25 Feb 2017
I know my reply is late on this thread but I thought if anyone else comes to read it may be helpful, I take Linzess 145 mcg. I have been taking as needed for chronic constipation for two years. (About once a week) it works best on empty stomach first thing in the morning before breakfast. With at least one bottle of water. It usually takes about one hour to work. (Try to stay home for the first two hours) so very early in the morning is best. (I take it on the weekends) I cannot stress how important it is to have an empty stomach and lots of water. It does Not work well otherwise. I have had constipation for 20 years at least and this works very well for me. The down side is the price. Extremely expensive. See if your health care provider has samples.
KA
kat668
21 March 2018
I started out with Linzess 145mcg. I had the constant diarrhea, so I took the medication as needed. I had to go up to the 290mcg. I am a bulimic with IBS-C. . I need the Linzess or I cannot function. The pain of the bloating and constipation is too bad. And, just like the commercial, water, Senokot, enemas, nothing works but the Linzess. You do have to eat though or it will mess you up and not work.
PE
Petloverlady1
29 May 2018
I take linzess 290 also and I go to the bathroom but it's still hard and my doctor is having me take it with food and my stomach hurts all day long all day long I've been taking this stuff for a month I do go to the bathroom but it's not like I want to go I still sometimes have to strain he told me I could take milk of magnesia if I wanted every other day and I can also take the lives in that you put under your tongue for cramps and spasms but I think this linzess is what's creating all this pain that I'm having and I'm thinking about stopping it tomorrow just to see if the pain is not there during the day I do have a hiatal hernia and I just had an upper GI done and they found that and I have gastritis which is chronic so I've had that for a long time but this pain that I'm having is different from the gastritis it's pain that started when I started the linzess 30 days ago so I'm not sure that I'm going to continue on it ...
because I take a bowel softener in the morning and at night as long as it doesn't have the stuff in it that makes you go really bad I just take the normal softener so yes you can take laxatives what good is the linzess if you have to keep taking all these bowel softeners Miralax stuff like that to keep your bowels moving milk of magnesia I see no future in continuing to take it I just don't understand why my stomach hurts all day long
Karangahan, Karen has given you some very helpful advice for relief of constipation. Some foods, like unpeeled apples, anything with seeds, pineapple or any citrus fruits, corn and especially peanuts tend to aggravate IBS. So we are between a rock and a hard place, you and I. Fiber is great and so is lots of water. You will have to find the foods that aggravate your IBS while still trying to resolve constipation. Bananas and oatmeal tend to increase constipation if eaten every day. Activia (Probiotics) is great as it helps to restore the balance between good and bad bacteria. Very few of the IBS meds are for IBS with constipation, but I'm sure your doctor can find something to help. I take hyoscyamine. If I stay away from foods that tend to cause me problems, I do well on it. The one I take is sub-lingual, so it absorbs more quickly to stop the IBS spasms. I can take it 4 times a day if needed. Just throwing that one out there for you to ask your doctor about. I hope you are feeling much better today. Kathy
Votes: +0
EN
endlessPred
2 July 2013
Excellent answer.
Please be sure to drink plenty of water with this. Not soft drinks. You don't want to add sugar to the fermenting bowel material as it will cause even more gas. See if the doctor will send you to a dietician so that you can learn how to adjust your diet as well. Continue taking the medication as prescribed. Let the doctor know of the cost issue. He may have samples for you. Hope you are doing better soon. I agree that you should not take aspirin or any NSAID while treating your GI problem. Also no pepto or Imodium or laxative. Watch for signs of bleeding or vomiting. If so don't hesitate to go to the ER. Vomiting may be a bowel obstruction or internal bleeding. Once your system is purged, follow his next steps. Hope you will be better soon.
Votes: +1
EN
endlessPred
2 July 2013
From Drugs.com linaclotide ↔ food Moderate Food Interaction Taking linaclotide with food may increase gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. The absorption of any other oral medication you may take can be affected if you develop frequent or severe diarrhea. To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal intolerance, linaclotide should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
KA
Karangahan
2 July 2013
Thank you for all your replies. I really do appreciate it. I'm feeling a little better now but not completely well.
I will note all your suggestions. I will stop taking aspirin. I never thought of the repercussion of aspirin and ibuprofen to my stomach until today. I never,realized that I am doing harm than good to myself.
KA
Karangahan
2 July 2013
Is there that anyone could suggest as alternative to Linzess which I can mention to my doctor. i like my doctor as he listens and open to suggestions from his patients.
EN
endlessPred
2 July 2013
Did he indicate you will stay on this or is this to give you relief for now? Again, changing your diet to accommodate may be extremely helpful and save expense.
Not sure what you feel is expensive, but I applied through AARP for secondary drug coverage and it has been extremely helpful. My Med's are very expensive and this saves me a few thousand per year picking up those copays... Copays are far more reasonable. Just thought you should look into it as the new sign up period is coming in the fall. If you don't do the computer comparison, they will talk you through it. Better to do so before the fall.
KA
Karangahan
2 July 2013
Endlesspro, Thank you. I am trying to change my diet with more fibers.
I don't know if the Linzess is for emporium relief or for permanent medication.
EN
endlessPred
2 July 2013
Take it a day at a time. Apples are really good. Watermelon is excellent. Things like that help. Raw carrots with hummus. After a while you won't miss high sugar foods. Intact all of these foods are very sweet, except hummus, mine has garlic! Browse the grocery store and if you don't buy it for the house, it won't be there later. Stay in touch. Happy to talk with you anytime. Stay strong. Karen
CI
citygirl35
27 Aug 2014
Hi, I have been on Linzess also for a month and I feel great. No pain no bloating but I only go to the restroom when I take the pill about 3 times in a row and then its over. So, that part is not so bad. My Doctor also gave me pantoprazole 40mg 1x a day and maybe that is why I have no more pain. It is a time release tablet and it works well. I hope this helps.
JO
jofit
10 Sep 2015
I've been diagnosed with Idiopathic IBS and have been taking Linzess 145 which has been working for months. Then I guess because of a change in diet, my digestive system just stops working. I am sure there are foods that I am not supposed to eat. I'd like a list. Any ideas??
PH
PhillyinKansas
16 Jan 2016
I have had IBS-C for twenty two years. I do not have it all the time... I have exacerbations and remissions. I had an episode for six weeks in October so severe I went to the ER... where of course they did nothing. I asked my doctor about Linzess and I got the lower 145 dose. The first day I took it, the pain was gone. The second day... I could feel movement (something I hadn't had for six weeks... I took it for two weeks and went into remission. Then I thought... well , it's for motility and pain relief... I have both... why am I taking it. I thought I would take it every few days... but when my IBS-c is in remission... it's too much for me so I am going to use it as needed... NOT as a maintenance drug. It is still the best thing ever... IBS is so hard to function with when you have a full blown attack... and this stuff works great for me. Good luck to everyone.
WO
wogga
14 Nov 2017
Trulance is available as an alternative to Linzess. Trulance has a similar CIC (Chronic Idiopathic Constipation) rate of effectiveness, but doesn't need to be taken with food or drink. It also has a much lower side-effects profile (eg: diarrhea less than 5% with Trulance vs 20% of Linzess patients) It is likely that it will also be approved by the FDA by January 2017 for IBS-C patients. It is priced the same for insurers and copays, so it should be considered by current Linzess patients
