Linaclotide and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Ron...
• August 24, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I took Linzess for about 3 months and immediately began to gain weight. I noticed the weight gain and thought that it had to be my diet. I began cutting back, watching what I ate and nothing was working. After taking myself off of the medication, I immediately noticed the weight loss. I felt bloated around my entire midsection going all the way around to my back. Biggest I had ever been. Someone commented that they felt 3 months pregnant and that would about sum it up. I think the FDA should disclose that side effect after looking into the medicine more closely."

• DCG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have gastroparesis / IBS-C, so I tried taking Linzess for 10 days. Each day my weight went up another 1/2 pound, my abdomen became more and more swollen, and my blood pressure skyrocketed. I've been off of it for 2 days now, and my BP is still 165/88 (usual for me is 125/70). Resting heart rate is still up 15 points, and I am completely swollen with fluid from my head to my feet. Gained 6 pounds of fluid since I have been on it. It only worked on the 1st day and did not work after that. Milk of Magnesia works much better than this drug and is a lot less expensive."

• DC2...
• January 4, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I was prescribed Linzess for chronic constipation. Within 6 days, I gained 7 pounds. When you're only 120 pounds, 7 is great! I'm an extremely active person and a healthy eater. I thought it was water weight from the medicine, but I've been off the medicine for over a week and still weigh the same. Wish I had seen all the posts online about rapid and stubborn weight gain prior to taking it!"

• Anonymous
• May 24, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I've been taking Linzess for about a month, prescribed for IBS-C. I would sometimes go over 10 days without a BM! The doctor put me on 72 mg and said to see how I adjust to it, then double the dose when I feel comfortable. The need to double wasn't needed. This dose did its job! I had a BM almost every day. I had to plan my days around taking it, though. I took the dose 1/2 hour before my first meal (lunch) around 11:30 a.m. By 1 p.m., I had better be close to a bathroom because it comes on and comes on quick without warning! 100% liquid poop shoots out. Don't trust a fart, either, because it's NOT. The good thing is, no cramping or pain like with laxatives. I would continue to use it, maybe only as I need it, not daily. Other than the bathroom situation, I've had some side effects that I would prefer not to: chronic sinus headache & gained 5 lbs. You'd think with all the backup being eliminated, I would have LOST weight -- but no!!! :)"

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been using Linzess for about 1-2 years. Since I thought it was great at first, but now I'm having pain and trouble with my kidneys. Also, weight gain and wondered why some days I am so bloated and nauseous. My doctor was sure he was aware of my kidney stones. Why is this still on the market with all these side effects? I also have cramps in my legs and buttocks. I have so many stomach issues I don't need anymore. Doesn't make sense, does it?"

• M K...
• August 19, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I started on Linzess in April 2015. I thought it was my miracle drug, but it seems to have stopped working as well, and I have severe bloating/abdominal distention. To make matters worse, I've gained weight. Not water weight either. I work out and eat low carb, but since starting Linzess, the scale is going up. It looks as though I'm not the only one. Linzess needs to list potential weight gain as a side effect. But why would they do that? It's all about sales."

• Air...
• June 11, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have been using Linzess for over a week. I had a lot of success with Resotran for three years until it stopped working. I was back to being bloated/distended and constipated. I also gained weight when I noticed that the meds were not working any longer. I was miserable. I did some research and realized that Linzess was available and covered under my insurance plan. My doctor gave me a prescription and I finally found relief again! All the reviews I read made me a little nervous, but it's not as bad as I thought. It does clean you out! I take the meds in the morning 1/2 hour before I eat, and within 2-3 hours I have at least three bowel movements. My bloating/distension has improved, and I lost weight. I hope it continues to work!"

• maj...
• March 23, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "How come the makers of this drug don't mention the weight gain associated with taking it? It works well for about a week, and then the bloating and weight gain sets in. More than very disappointing, and shame on them!"

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2013

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Day three of 290 Linzess and nothing! X-rays, CT, ultrasound show no reason for the lack of bowel movements... just a LOT of stool... Week three of blowing up like a balloon and only eating Jell-O and clear broth... and gaining weight!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Linzess has been extremely helpful for my constipation. I am able to go every day now, sometimes more than once. My only two complaints are the diarrhea and weight gain. I am a bit of a gym addict and go at least 5 times per week, running and weight lifting. I have a very healthy diet around 1300 calories a day, high protein and fiber, low fat, low carb, and low sugar. Since I have been on Linzess (4 weeks consistently), I have gained 7 lbs. I believe I am retaining water despite being able to go to the bathroom often. This is the only drug that has worked to alleviate the constipation, and I have tried MANY! However, I am not happy about the bloating and weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been on this medication for over 1 1/2 years. I have suffered with severe chronic constipation my entire life and was so excited at the thought that something finally helped! I am extremely active and live a very healthy lifestyle. Initially, it worked great, as most everyone on here has said, but now I am gaining weight for absolutely no reason, can't have a bowel movement to save my life, and constantly have headaches and a severely bloated stomach that won't go away no matter how healthy I eat, how little or much food I take in, or how much I exercise! This wonder drug turned out to be a farce for me, and I will now discontinue use!"

• Kus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I started taking Linzess two weeks ago for chronic constipation. I spend three hours every day on the toilet. I also have gained ten pounds in just two weeks, and I have a terrible acne-like rash on my forehead. I had no idea that Linzess was causing this until I read all of the user reviews, and they sound just like what I’m experiencing. Back to magnesium citrate capsules and milk of magnesia. This is not worth it. I also read about eight fatalities and twenty-five people being hospitalized after using it. It’s crazy! I will never touch this again, and I’m only on 72 mcg. This medication will be recalled. It’s just a matter of time."

• avm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "My doctor prescribed Linzess for my irregular but chronic constipation. I have been on the drug for 2 months, but today is the last day I will take it. This drug controls your life. It is a good thing that I am retired because there are some days I cannot leave the house. The effects of the medicine can last up to 6 hours, and I have to remain really close to the bathroom. I have gained 6 unexplained pounds since I began the drug. My abdomen is so bloated, Spanx does not help. I have to find an alternative."

• Nur...
• January 7, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I've tried this medicine three times. The first and second time had no response. The third time I had major gas, bloating, diarrhea, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and anxiety, major fatigue so bad I could not function. I took myself off this and felt better. Never again. I also gained water weight, I have no diabetes or thyroid issues. I couldn't even eat, I would bloat so bad, so why the weight gain in five days? I'll go back to Miralax. I have IBS-C. Wish they would bring Zelnorm back, it was the only thing that worked with no side effects."

• Ket...
• August 1, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Linzess works well for me. Since I have been a child, I have suffered with constipation. However, I have gained 5 lbs. since I started taking the medication. I see others are suffering the same side effects. Weight gain is not mentioned as a possible side effect, but it should be."

• Yep...
• August 4, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have opioid-induced constipation. This stuff works great, though a little unpredictable. It’s amazing to me that if I try to take 145 mg, it won’t work at all. But 290 mg is almost too much. I take it with 16 oz of water, and usually coffee as well, to really get things going. Seriously need to be by a bathroom when it kicks in, it’s with almost no warning. Some “warning growls” from the gut is all you get. One thing I have realized is it’s 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours every time. So I usually take it around 3:30 a.m., and I’m going to work by 7:30. It “stops” as quickly as it starts. I want to address the weight gain. It’s important to me, I’ve lost 95 lbs on keto. I gained 5 lbs, which sucks, but I stop taking it for 3 days, and it comes right back off. It’s water, people. This medicine adds water to your stool to make it passable. Of course, whatever doesn’t come out is going to stay as water weight. I just minus 4 lbs from my weight when taking it. Still use it 4 to 5 times a week. So I’m happy with it!"

• thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have had chronic constipation my entire life! No, I do not like the idea of having to take a pill every day, but I can go to the bathroom now! That is a huge life changer. I have, however, gained 11 lbs! Lame! I contacted my Dr. to see if there is an alternative or if I am just dehydrated... Anyone have any helpful tidbits for me? Do I need to up my water intake?? I was 127, now 138 and only 5' 4'."

• Ful...
• August 28, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "Had a good BM within 2 hrs after taking 145 mcg on an empty stomach. First semi-normal BM in over 6 months! Not straining or blood. I plan on taking it only on days I want to have a BM due to negative reviews about weight gain, diarrhea, and other negative information."

• riv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "Linzess worked perfectly. I did not have the cramping like I did using laxatives. However, I had rapid weight gain...10-pound gain in just over a week. I stopped taking it, and weight started going down, started taking it again, and the weight went back up. I already fight my weight, so I will not be able to use it. I hate that because it really worked great."

• Aud...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 13, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I have suffered from IBS constipation/diarrhea for as long as I can remember. I took this medicine for a year and a half along with dycyclomine. It seemed to work for a couple of months, but then the symptoms came back. I consider myself a very active woman, working out at least 5 days a week, yoga, clean eating... I noticed as soon as I started taking the medicine, I gained 10 pounds, lost all of my energy, and had severe muscle and joint aching. I continued the medicine and went back to the doctor with questions. Recently, I had an episode, and I received a full abdominal ultrasound. Everything was normal but full of gas that would not move. I decided to stop the meds and a week later, all the side effects are gone."

• luc...
• July 12, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation "I started Linzess June 1. The first day it worked with pain and bloating. I overlooked all of that because I'm in desperate need of having a normal bowel movement. Mind you, if I don't take a laxative, I will not go for up to two weeks. The second day, nothing, third day, nothing, and so on. What gives? I followed the directions and everything. I started gaining weight also. I just came to the conclusion that I will take it on and off. It's not working for me anyway, and gaining weight is a no-no!"

• Dre...
• May 20, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "So I take this on and off. Well, I am back on. And first off, I struggle with weight issues CONSTANTLY! Last week, 5-11, I weighed 143. Today, 5-20, I weigh 151!!! Haven't changed eating habits, drinking habits. Nothing. Needless to say, it's nice to go to the bathroom. But when I have to fit in a wedding dress in 29 days, I think I'll pass on the medication. The weight gain, water retention, entire, severe bloating stomach. Think I'll pass."

• Che...
• April 28, 2019

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "64 yr old female. When in my 30s, I used Zelnorm. Loved it, but it was taken off the market. In my 40s, I switched to Amitiza. I used it, but it has always given me flu-like symptoms. Body aches, nausea, headache, did not like it. I also found that with all these drugs, you have to start low on whatever dosage works for you, but your body develops a tolerance for it over time and you need to up the dosage. I was having to take more Amitiza, making me feel sicker. When Linzess came out in my mid 50s, it worked for me and it does not make me sick. But over time, I have noticed increased bloating, puffiness, weight gain, and joint pain. Hate that! All of them caused diarrhea. I take mine when I go to bed, maybe around 11:00, and begin to feel stomach cramps about 3-4:00 in the morning. I get up and go, then sleep a couple of hours until 6:00 when I get up for work. I don’t get great sleep that night, but it’s better than being at work and going, and going. I take 2 highest doses every 2-3 days."

• Nic...
• June 4, 2015

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have suffered for 40 years with constipation. I was taking Amitiza, but I suffered from hair loss. So my doctor suggested Linzess. It took days to kick in, and then it was out of control for at least an hour. I quickly began gaining weight, so I stopped the meds for a couple of months and dropped 8 lbs. :) Well, I decided to try the Linzess again to see if the weight gain was caused by something else. It was the Linzess: 7 lbs in 8 days. I would rather drink mineral oil and drink Miralax instead of using this drug anymore. Very pricey."

• lmc...
• November 14, 2016

For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation "I have been taking this for a few months, and I weighed myself when I started it because I've always fought to lose weight, and I gain very easily. As of a few days ago, I had an appointment, and I got weighed, and I'm up 15 lbs! OMG, I felt like I had gained, but I didn't think 15. I take 1 pill every other day because it controls my life otherwise. When I take it, I have to stay home because I'm in and out of the bathroom for hours at a time. It does help with the pain and some of the bloating, but the weight gain? Nope, I'm not taking it anymore. I haven't changed my diet since I've been taking it, I eat mostly a keto diet, as breads and anything carby makes me feel like crap, and I get very bloated. I would like another pill for IBS-C, no weight gain."