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Trulance

Generic name: plecanatide [ ple-KAN-a-tide ]
Drug class: Guanylate cyclase-C agonists

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 28, 2023.

What is Trulance?

Trulance is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

Trulance works by activating certain substances within your intestines that help increase fluid secretion and muscle movement.

Trulance also causes changes in the consistency of your stools.

Warnings

You should not use Trulance if you are allergic to plecanatide, or if you have a blockage in your intestines.

Adults who cannot swallow Trulance tablets whole may crush the tablet and mix with applesauce or dissolve the tablet in water before swallowing. Trulance tablets may also be taken with water by adults through a nasogastric or gastric feeding tube.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Trulance if you are allergic to plecanatide , or if you have:

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

Avoid using Trulance in anyone younger than 18 years old. In animal studies, plecanatide caused severe dehydration leading to death.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Trulance pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How should I take Trulance?

Take Trulance exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Trulance with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush and mix the tablet with a spoonful of water or applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.

A Trulance tablet mixed with water may also be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube using a catheter-tipped syringe. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the tablets in their original bottle or blister pack until you are ready to take one. You may remove the packing coil from inside the pill bottle. But leave the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative inside the bottle.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation:

3 mg orally once a day

Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation:

-Under Age 6 Years: Contraindicated.
-Age 6 to Under 18 Years: Not recommended.

Detailed Trulance dosage information

MiraLAX, Linzess, polyethylene glycol 3350, linaclotide, lubiprostone, Amitiza, prucalopride, Motegrity

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of plecanatide is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication. A child under 6 who takes this medicine may become severely dehydrated.

What to avoid

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Trulance side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Trulance: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Trulance.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if your diarrhea is severe.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Trulance side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Trulance?

Other drugs may interact with plecanatide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Trulance drug interactions (more detail)

Does Trulance interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

Linzess or Trulance - which is better for constipation?

Linzess and Trulance have similar effectiveness for constipation, but Linzess can be used in children with functional constipation while Trulance is only approved in adults. Linzess must be taken on an empty stomach, while Trulance can be taken with or without food. Continue reading

How does Trulance work?

Trulance (plecanatide) is structurally similar to uroguanylin, which is a substance released naturally by the walls of our intestine. Just like uroguanylin, Trulance results in an increase in the secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestine, a decrease in the reabsorption of sodium, and an influx of water into the intestines. Some experts believe an upset in the fluid balance within the gastrointestinal tract contributes to chronic IBS-C. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Trulance only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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