{"id":632036,"date":"2025-04-25T09:30:55","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T13:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632036"},"modified":"2025-04-22T14:34:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T18:34:21","slug":"can-you-take-linzess-while-pregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-you-take-linzess-while-pregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take Linzess while pregnant?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Linzess<\/span><\/a> is a medication prescribed for the treatment of medical conditions such as <\/span>irritable bowel syndrome<\/span><\/a> with constipation (IBS-C), chronic idiopathic constipation, and functional constipation in children ages six to 12. “<\/span>Linzess<\/span><\/a> works by increasing intestinal fluid secretion and accelerating intestinal transit,” explains Kecia Gaither, MD, FACOG, board-certified OB-GYN and Director of Perinatal Services\/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals\/Lincoln in the Bronx. That means it will make a bowel movement happen more quickly. It is the brand name of the medication linaclotide and is considered a guanylate cyclase-c agonist. It is currently unknown if Linzess is safe during pregnancy, as no clinical trials have been conducted at this time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take Linzess while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“Linzess should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the possible risks,” explains Tamara Hughes, Pharm.D., assistant professor of clinical sciences at High Point University’s Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy. That’s because, so far, only animal studies have been conducted to determine whether it is safe to take Linzess during pregnancy, she explains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In <\/span>animal studies<\/span><\/a> conducted on rats and rabbits receiving linaclotide, no harmful effects were observed on developing fetuses and embryos unless the prescription drug was administered at doses that were also toxic to the mother. Additionally, in humans, linaclotide is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream after an oral dose.<\/span><\/p>\n

But there is not enough research in humans to determine the risk of losing a pregnancy or of congenital disorders. “There is limited data on whether the medication crosses the placenta or its effects on the fetus,” says <\/span>Dr. Gaither<\/span><\/a>. “Due to its classification and the lack of established safety, caution is advised. It’s crucial for pregnant women to consult their providers before taking any medication.”<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the risks of taking Linzess while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As human studies for taking Linzess while pregnant are lacking, it is hard to say what specific risks may exist. “In mice, very high doses caused severe toxicity in the mother, including death, lower pregnancy and fetal weights, and changes in fetal development,” <\/span>Dr. Hughes<\/span><\/a> says. “These doses were much higher than what humans take. And while Linzess isn\u2019t well absorbed into the body\u2014making exposure to the baby unlikely\u2014it still can\u2019t be completely ruled out.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Diarrhea is the most common side effect, usually occurring within the first two weeks of starting the medication. Sometimes, the diarrhea can be severe, making it a more serious side effect, as diarrhea carries the risk of serious dehydration. Other risks and possible side effects of Linzess <\/span>include<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n