Linzess alternatives: What can I take instead of Linzess?

In this article:

• Linzess alternatives
• Amitiza
• Ibsrela
• Lactulose
• Motegrity
• Trulance
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

In this article

• Linzess alternatives
• Amitiza
• Ibsrela
• Lactulose
• Motegrity
• Trulance
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

Linzess (linaclotide) is a brand-name prescription laxative used to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). It can also be used to treat functional constipation in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years. If you are considering exploring alternative treatments to Linzess because of cost, side effects, drug interactions, or effectiveness issues, the good news is that there are other prescription drugs available to treat these conditions. 

RELATED: Linzess pros and cons: is it right for you?

What can I take instead of Linzess?

In the table below, we compare Linzess versus some common Linzess alternatives. Currently, there is no generic form of Linzess, only name-brand. All of the drugs listed are prescription medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat chronic constipation. 

RELATED: Is there a generic for Linzess? Availability, timeline, and cost

Linzess alternatives cost comparison
Drug name	Price without insurance	SingleCare price	Savings options
Linzess (linaclotide)	$706 per 30, 145 mcg capsules	$252 per 30, 145 mcg capsules of brand-name Linzess at Kroger	See latest prices
Amitiza (lubiprostone)	$526 for 60, 24 mcg capsules	$36 for 60, 24 mcg capsules of generic Amitiza at CVS Pharmacy	See latest prices
Ibsrela (tenapanor)	$2,652 per 60, 50 mg tablets	$2,001 per 60, 50 mg tablets of brand-name Ibsrela at Kroger	See latest prices
Lactulose (oral solution)	$62 for 473 mL of 10 gm/15 mL solution	$9 for 473 mL of 10 gm/15 mL solution of generic lactulose at Kroger	See latest prices
Motegrity (prucalopride succinate)	$737 for 30, 2 mg tablets	$39 for 30, 2 mg tablets of generic Motegrity at Publix	See latest prices
Trulance (plecanatide)	$831 for 30, 3 mg tablets	$553 for 30, 3 mg tablets of brand-name Trulance at Kroger	See latest prices

Top 5 Linzess alternatives

Amitiza (lubiprostone)

Amitiza is in a drug class called chloride channel activators. It is approved to treat CIC in adults, IBS-C in women 18 years and older, and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults with chronic non-cancer pain who are taking chronic opioids. Amitiza is available in both brand-name and generic forms.

The dosage for IBS-C is 8 mcg twice daily, and for CIC or OIC, it is 24 mcg twice daily. Common side effects include stomach-related problems like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and indigestion. Taking Amitiza doses with food can help prevent nausea.

Patients who experience severe diarrhea should stop taking Amitiza and contact their healthcare provider right away. Amitiza may cause fainting and low blood pressure. Patients who experience these signs and symptoms should stop taking Amitiza and contact their healthcare provider. Amitiza can also cause shortness of breath, usually within an hour of the first dose and generally resolving within three hours. However, shortness of breath may persist with subsequent doses. Patients who experience shortness of breath should consult their provider. Amitiza should not be used in patients with GI obstruction. 

RELATED: Linzess vs Amitiza: differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Ibsrela (tenapanor)

Ibsrela is classified as a brand-name sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitor. It is used to treat IBS-C in adults. The usual dosage is 50 mg by mouth twice daily, just before breakfast (or the first main meal of the day) and dinner. Common side effects include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and dizziness. 

A small number of people taking Ibsrela may experience severe diarrhea. If you are taking Ibsrela and have severe diarrhea, stop taking Ibsrela and call your healthcare provider right away. Ibsrela should not be used in people with gastrointestinal obstruction. 

Lactulose

Lactulose is classified as an osmotic laxative, and it is FDA-approved as a treatment for constipation. It is available as a generic drug in oral and rectal solution form, as well as in a powder form that is mixed with water. The dosage depends on the formulation used. Lactulose is used to treat chronic constipation. 

The most common side effects are flatulence, belching, cramping, and abdominal discomfort. Nausea and vomiting are also possible. Inform the prescriber if you experience unusual diarrhea while taking this drug. 

Lactulose cannot be used in people who require a low-galactose diet. Lactulose should be used with caution in people with diabetes.

Motegrity (prucalopride succinate)

Motegrity is a brand-name serotonin-4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist and is used to treat CIC in adults. It is also available as the generic prucalopride succinate. The usual dosage of Motegrity is 2 mg by mouth daily. Common side effects may include stomach problems like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Headache, dizziness, and fatigue are also common side effects. 

Patients taking Motegrity must be monitored for worsening thoughts or suicidal thoughts and behavior. Patients and their caregivers should be aware of this possibility. If the patient experiences mood or behavior changes or suicidal thoughts or behavior, the patient should stop taking Motegrity right away and contact their healthcare provider. For urgent situations, call 911 or call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Motegrity should not be used in patients with intestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, or severe inflammatory conditions of the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. 

Trulance (plecanatide)

Trulance is a brand-name medication FDA-approved to treat IBS-C or CIC in adults. It is classified as a guanylate cyclase-C agonist, the same drug class as Linzess. If you’re looking for a Linzess alternative due to side effects or an allergic reaction, Trulance may not be a good option. Trulance is very similar to Linzess, and you are likely to have the same reaction. 

The typical dosage of Trulance is 3 mg by mouth daily. The most common side effect is diarrhea. Patients who experience severe diarrhea should stop taking Trulance and consult their healthcare provider right away.

In animal clinical trials, one dose of Trulance caused deaths due to dehydration. For that reason, Trulance is contraindicated in children younger than 6 years old. However, it should not be used in any child younger than 18 years old due to a lack of safety and efficacy data. This is stated on the drug’s boxed warning (also called a black box warning). Trulance also should not be used in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction. 

RELATED: Trulance vs Linzess: which constipation medicine works best?

Natural alternatives to Linzess

Often, people who take prescription medication for constipation have already exhausted over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners or laxatives: saline laxatives such as magnesium, osmotic laxatives such as Miralax, stimulant laxatives such as Dulcolax (bisacodyl), or bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium. 

Dietary and lifestyle modifications can help decrease constipation and can be used in combination with prescription medication. Plenty of fiber and water in your diet can help prevent constipation. There are many sources of fiber, including fruits (especially berries, apples, and pears), vegetables (such as broccoli, avocado, and artichokes), whole grains, nuts, and seeds. A registered dietitian can be a helpful source for dietary changes or additions that can help decrease constipation. 

Regular exercise, such as walking after a meal, can help keep the bowels moving. 

Your healthcare provider or GI specialist (gastroenterologist) is the best source for medical advice on prescription medication for constipation. 

How to switch to a Linzess alternative

If you are interested in switching to a Linzess alternative, you can:

• Reach out to your insurance plan if the price is a concern. Ask which Linzess alternatives are covered at a lower tier and what your out-of-pocket cost would be, including the deductible if applicable.
• Call your healthcare provider. They may want to see you in person before switching your medication. You should discuss all of your medical conditions and history, as well as alternative medications (and their potential drug interactions and adverse effects) with your healthcare provider. Be sure to tell them about all of your medical conditions and medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements. 
• Search the SingleCare website for prescription coupons. Our customers regularly save up to 80% on prescription prices, and what’s more, the coupons can be applied to refills as well.