{"id":3542,"date":"2018-12-28T16:51:55","date_gmt":"2018-12-28T21:51:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3542"},"modified":"2025-09-11T10:37:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T14:37:23","slug":"amitiza-vs-linzess","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amitiza-vs-linzess\/","title":{"rendered":"Amitiza vs. Linzess: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amitiza<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Linzess<\/span><\/a> are two prescription medications used in the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and <\/span>irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)<\/span><\/a>. Chronic idiopathic constipation is characterized by a period of six months or longer with three or fewer spontaneous bowel movements per week, hard stools, and straining. Irritable bowel syndrome is marked by the potential for different symptoms occurring together, including abdominal pain and changes in bowel movement, which can be diarrhea, constipation, or both. <\/span>Amitiza<\/span><\/a> (lubiprostone) and <\/span>Linzess<\/span><\/a> (linaclotide) are used specifically in IBS with constipation. We will discuss the similarities and differences between Amitiza and Linzess here.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Amitiza vs. Linzess conditions treated<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nAmitiza<\/b><\/td>\nLinzess<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chronic idiopathic constipation<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Opiate agonist-induced constipation (chronic, non-cancer pain)<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nNo (off-label)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Amitiza or Linzess more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>systematic review<\/span><\/a> of twenty-one randomized controlled clinical trials compared the active ingredients of Amitiza, Linzess, and other common constipation treatments. Other treatments included in this study were prucalopride, tegaserod, bisacodyl, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). This analysis concluded that all included drugs showed similar efficacy over placebo when evaluating an endpoint of having 3 or more spontaneous bowel movements per week. Bisacodyl, an over-the-counter stimulant laxative, was superior to both Amitiza and Linzess in terms of change in the number of bowel movements per week. However, stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl, may cause electrolyte imbalances and are prone to the development of tolerance over time, whereas Amitiza and Linzess can be used indefinitely.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a more <\/span>recent review<\/span><\/a>, the efficacy of Amitiza and Linzess in treating chronic constipation was also similar. Without effectiveness as a differentiating factor, a prescriber may need to consider factors such as adverse events, drug interactions, insurance coverage, and compliance with once- or twice-daily dosing when deciding which drug is best for a patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Amitiza vs. Linzess: <\/span>Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Drug formularies vary widely among different insurance plans. Amitiza is often not covered by commercial or Medicare Part D drug plans, but generic lubiprostone is usually covered. <\/span>Aetna\u2019s 2025 Standard Plan<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Humana\u2019s 2025 Medicare Advantage Plan<\/span><\/a> typify this coverage differentiation. The out-of-pocket price for Amitiza can be as high as $510 for 60, 24 mcg capsules, but a <\/span>coupon<\/span><\/a> from SingleCare can lower the price of generic lubiprostone to around $40 for this 30-day supply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linzess is typically covered by both commercial and Medicare Part D drug plans, though in some cases it may also require prior approval for coverage. <\/span>Without any type of coverage<\/span><\/a>, Linzess may cost almost $750 for 30, 145 mcg capsules. A<\/span> Linzess coupon<\/span><\/a> from SingleCare will help you save on Linzess, and you could pay as little as $500 for that same 30-day supply of brand-name capsules. Each individual should consult their plan\u2019s formulary to determine coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Amitiza vs. Jardiance cost & coverage<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAmitiza<\/b><\/td>\nLinzess<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nNo, but generic lubiprostone is typically covered<\/span><\/td>\nYes, sometimes with prior authorization required<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nNo, but generic lubiprostone is typically covered<\/span><\/td>\nYes, sometimes with prior authorization required<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\n60, 24 mcg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n30, 145 mcg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\nVaries depending on plan<\/span><\/td>\nVaries depending on plan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Amitiza vs. Linzess side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Amitiza<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Linzess<\/span><\/a> have some common adverse events between them, but the relative risk of each differs between the two. Diarrhea is the most common reason for treatment discontinuation for Linzess, and it is the drug\u2019s most common side effect. Common side effects for Linzess include:<\/span><\/p>\n