{"id":631930,"date":"2025-04-15T11:16:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T15:16:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631930"},"modified":"2026-03-05T19:19:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T00:19:12","slug":"linzess-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/linzess-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Is there a generic for Linzess? Availability, timeline, and cost"},"content":{"rendered":"

Linzess<\/span><\/a> is a brand-name medication that contains linaclotide as its active ingredient. It was FDA-approved in 2012 to treat <\/span>chronic constipation<\/span><\/a> and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), and it works by increasing intestinal fluid and speeding up bowel movements. There’s no generic version of Linzess currently available, and one won\u2019t be available until at least March 2029 based on patent agreements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Linzess generic availability<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Generic name<\/b><\/td>\nLinaclotide<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Is there a generic available for sale in the U.S.?<\/b><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
When will a generic be available?<\/b><\/td>\nMarch 2029 (tentative and based on FDA approval)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is there a generic for Linzess?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As mentioned, the generic form of Linzess isn\u2019t available yet, so you\u2019ll have to stick with the brand name. That shouldn\u2019t create a problem, doctors say. \u201cLinzess has been very available to my patients, [in terms of insurance coverage]\u201d Dr. Khapra says. More good news: The generic version may be coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to my research, pursuant to the terms of a settlement, Ironwood and Allergan will grant Teva a license to market its 145 mcg and 290 mcg version of Linzess in the United States beginning March 31, 2029,\u201d says Dr. David Clarke, MD, a doctor who\u2019s board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and the president of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Essentially, Linzess (and Constella) are the intellectual property and trademarks of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, so their \u201cpermission\u201d is needed to make a generic version.<\/span><\/p>\n

The generic may be referred to by Linzess\u2019s active ingredient: linaclotide. Linzess contains linaclotide-coated beads in hard gelatin capsules. It belongs to the guanylate cyclase-C agonist (GC-C) drug class. This class of medications is known for treating chronic constipation.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the differences between generic vs. brand-name Linzess?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The brand-name version (and eventual generic version) of this prescription drug is largely the same, so you\u2019d experience similar therapeutic effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s worth noting that brand-name drugs\u2014while more expensive\u2014may at times lead to more positive results than generic drugs, according to some studies. That\u2019s one reason people may opt for the brand name even when the generic comes out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research backs up the benefits of brand-name medications. A <\/span>2020 study<\/span><\/a> in the <\/span>International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology <\/span><\/i>found that brand-name antidepressants outperform their generic counterparts, at least when it comes to preventing hospitalization.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, a <\/span>2017 study<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes <\/span><\/i>found that patients who took generic versions of blood pressure medications experienced increased rates of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether that goes for any given drug is unclear, but per usual, the best bet is to talk through options with a prescribing doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linzess is taken by mouth and comes in white, cream, or gray capsules. As for <\/span>dosage<\/span><\/a>, Linzess comes in 72 mcg, 145 mcg, or 290 mcg capsules, depending on the patient\u2019s age and condition (see the chart below).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much does generic Linzess cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Linzess is only available as a brand-name drug, which means that it can come with higher prices than generic medications. For a 30-day supply of 145 mcg capsules of Linzess without insurance, the average cost is around $718.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cost will depend on factors such as insurance coverage, dosage, and the quantity prescribed. In addition, the pharmacy and location can influence costs. Without insurance, the cost of Linzess could be reduced with a prescription discount card. A SingleCare card could reduce the retail price to around $252 for 30, 145 mcg capsules.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Linzess with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tLinzess 145 mcg (30 capsules)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$252.26\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$252.26\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Linzess prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

What are the off-label uses for Linzess?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Chronic idiopathic constipation isn\u2019t the only reason people may buy Linzess; the medicine has other possible uses. For example, while it\u2019s typically given to patients with IBS-C or functional constipation, Dr. Khapra says healthcare providers may prescribe it to patients with general constipation symptoms, regardless of the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, you cannot use it if patients have an active obstruction,\u201d she adds. (When there\u2019s an intestinal obstruction in the GI tract, a constipation medication could worsen the issue.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Some patients have also misused linaclotide, particularly those who want to lose weight or have <\/span>eating disorders<\/span><\/a> and are using the medication as a laxative. \u201cHowever, this use is not recommended, and [Linzess] is considered contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or mechanical bowel obstruction (MBO),\u201d Dr. Clarke says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does insurance cover Linzess?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Linzess is often covered by commercial insurance and Medicare prescription drug plans. However, actual coverage may vary from plan to plan. In addition, having insurance coverage doesn\u2019t mean the drug is more affordable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if Linzess is covered by insurance, you may be responsible for a copay or coinsurance amount. Whether you\u2019ve met your plan\u2019s deductible can also play into the cost you\u2019ll pay at the pharmacy. It\u2019s always best to consult your insurance provider or pharmacy for more information on the cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those <\/span>without insurance<\/span><\/a>, Linzess can be costly as a brand-name drug. However, patient assistance programs, manufacturer savings cards, and prescription discount cards may lower the cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you get Linzess covered by insurance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If Linzess isn\u2019t covered, you may want to verify your coverage details or contact your insurance provider to see why. They might require <\/span>prior authorization<\/span><\/a>, which means your doctor or healthcare provider will have to send documentation of your medical history, overall condition, and why Linzess is medically necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some insurance plans may require <\/span>step therapy<\/span><\/a>, or trying other generic, lower-cost alternatives, before covering Linzess. After trying a different medication and showing it didn\u2019t work as well or caused intolerable side effects, insurance may then offer coverage for a drug like Linzess. Even after a denied claim, you can always file an appeal with help from your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic alternatives to Linzess<\/span><\/h2>\n

If Linzess isn\u2019t the best choice because of cost, side effects, or another reason, you may be recommended an alternative. Other medications are available to treat chronic constipation and may also be available in generic versions, which may be more accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternatives to Linzess<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n