{"id":634207,"date":"2025-11-05T12:07:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T17:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634207"},"modified":"2025-11-19T14:46:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T19:46:35","slug":"linzess-pros-and-cons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/linzess-pros-and-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"Linzess pros and cons: Is it right for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-constipation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> affects almost everyone from time to time, but what happens when it becomes chronic and starts to impact your quality of life? That\u2019s when your healthcare provider might talk to you about<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (linaclotide). This brand-name prescription medication is approved to treat adults who have<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ibs-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">irritable bowel syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). It is also approved to treat functional constipation (FC) in children ages 6\u201317. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/linzess-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is considered safe and effective, but there are side effects and risks. It\u2019s essential to discuss the pros and cons of Linzess with your prescriber before starting this<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/constipation-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-linzess-works\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Linzess works<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> relieves constipation by helping the body have more frequent and complete bowel movements, but it works differently from conventional<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/laxative\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laxatives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/linzess-savings\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linaclotide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the active ingredient in Linzess, activates cell receptors that stimulate intestinal fluid secretion, thus <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/stool-softener-laxative\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">softening stool<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and lubricating the intestine for easier passage. This relieves constipation itself, as well as<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the associated <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/stomach-pain-relief\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abdominal pain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and pressure. In animal studies, linaclotide also<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/j.1365-2982.2009.01385.x\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">slowed pain-sensing nerve activity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the intestines\u2014but that effect hasn\u2019t been proven in humans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Linzess with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tLinzess 145 mcg (30 capsules)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$252.26<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$252.26<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Linzess prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"benefits-of-linzess\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of Linzess<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main benefit of Linzess is that it offers relief for many people with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-constipation-last\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cLinzess is approved for adults with IBS-C or chronic idiopathic constipation who haven\u2019t responded to diet changes, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fiber\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fiber<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or over-the-counter options,\u201d says<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gutsygirlmd.com\/about\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supriya Rao<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific Linzess benefits include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Faster, more frequent bowel movements: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A more lubricated intestine helps stool move more smoothly and quickly through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Improved stool consistency: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-poop-fast\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often have lumpy or hard stools. By increasing intestinal fluid secretion, Linzess can help soften stool consistency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>More comfortable bowel movements: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a lubricated intestine and softer stool, bowel movements become less strained.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Reduced abdominal pain: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More frequent bowel movements can alleviate painful abdominal bloating, and Linzess might even directly relieve this pain by suppressing intestinal pain signals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Convenience: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">once-daily oral medication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may be more convenient and comfortable than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enema\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enemas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, topical lubricants, or bulk-forming <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/laxatives\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laxatives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that must be mixed with water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>No risk of addiction:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess is not habit-forming, so if necessary, this medication can be discontinued without fear of withdrawal symptoms (though constipation may return).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>May be safe while pregnant<\/b><b> or breastfeeding<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is critical to discuss this with your personal healthcare provider before continuing any Linzess dosage while pregnant or nursing. There may be safer options to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-you-take-linzess-while-pregnant\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation during pregnancy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Limited data suggest that Linzess is likely <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK500873\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">safe to take while breastfeeding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your healthcare provider will help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking Linzess during pregnancy or breastfeeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to understand that Linzess is only beneficial for people experiencing chronic constipation. It is not intended to relieve occasional constipation, and it is not recommended for IBS with diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-linzess-to-work\/\"><b>How long does it take Linzess to work?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"drawbacks-of-linzess\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drawbacks of Linzess<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess is not right for everyone. These are the Linzess drawbacks to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Side effects:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Common<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/linzess-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diarrhea-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diarrhea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, stomach pain, bloating, gas, and headaches. Serious side effects such as allergic reaction, severe diarrhea, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/dehydration-in-the-elderly-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dehydration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are signs that the medication should be discontinued. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe side effects from Linzess.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Long-term commitment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Linzess is not a cure for constipation. It is effective when taken as directed; however, symptoms may return after missed doses or if Linzess is discontinued.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Not suitable for everyone: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess is not intended to treat chronic constipation in children under 6 years of age. The prescribing information also warns against use in people with gastrointestinal obstructions, such as bowel blockages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks versus benefits of Linzess before starting this medication. While it is an effective treatment for chronic constipation, it isn\u2019t the best choice for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"why-is-linzess-dangerous-for-certain-patients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is Linzess dangerous for certain patients?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=09beda19-56d6-4a56-afdc-9a77b70b2ef3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">boxed warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (the strongest warning required by the FDA) for a risk of serious dehydration in patients ages 2 years and younger. It can also cause severe diarrhea, which leads to dehydration, in adolescents and adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to know that the FDA has deemed Linzess safe when taken as indicated. Be aware of the risk of dehydration and monitor for signs, such as thirst, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-dry-mouth\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry lips<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and decreased urination frequency. Stop the medication immediately and seek personalized medical advice if severe diarrhea occurs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/linzess-alternatives\/\"><b>Linzess alternatives<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-is-linzess-best-for\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who is Linzess best for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess is best for adults with IBS-C or CIC who haven\u2019t found relief with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter constipation treatments. Dr. Rao suggests that, whenever possible, lifestyle interventions should be attempted first.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess might be right for you if you have tried diet changes, fiber supplements, and OTC treatments and are still experiencing difficult and infrequent (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK513291\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three or fewer times per week<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) bowel movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-should-avoid-linzess-or-use-it-with-caution\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should avoid Linzess or use it with caution?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following groups should completely avoid Linzess:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients with an allergy to linaclotide, the active ingredient in Linzess<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children ages 2 years and under<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients with intestinal or bowel blockages\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And patients in these groups should use Linzess with extra caution:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients taking other constipation medications (in case of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linzess\/what-is#interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug interactions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients with an increased risk of dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients with an increased risk of diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients with cognitive impairment who might not recognize early signs of dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only a healthcare provider familiar with your full medical history, medical conditions, and other medications can determine whether it is safe for you to take Linzess.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tips-for-patients-considering-linzess\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for patients considering Linzess<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are considering Linzess, it may be helpful to know that there are ways to make Linzess more tolerable and reduce the risk of serious side effects such as severe diarrhea and dehydration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"follow-dosage-instructions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow dosage instructions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess is available in 72 microgram (mcg), 145 mcg, or 290 mcg capsules. If possible, you should swallow your daily dose of Linzess whole and chase it down with water.<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLinzess is best taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water,\u201d Dr. Rao says. She emphasizes the importance of taking it at the same time each day and explains that taking Linzess with food can cause diarrhea and cramping in some patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Linzess medication guide includes special instructions for patients who have trouble swallowing meds and for those with a feeding tube. When a patient is unable to swallow, the Linzess capsule can be opened and the contents (tiny beads) can be poured into one teaspoon of room-temperature applesauce or 1 ounce of water, then immediately swallowed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"stay-hydrated\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess can cause dehydration, so it\u2019s important to drink enough fluids while on this prescription drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWater recommendations\u2014historically, the \u2018golden rule\u2019 of six to eight cups per day for adults\u2014have been more recently updated to nine cups per day for women and 13 cups per day for men,\u201d says<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/maureenashbarry\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maureen Ashbarry, RD, LD, CDN<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a registered dietitian in New York. She adds that water, orange juice, electrolyte sports drinks, and even bone broth can all help replace fluids lost from diarrhea. \u201cElectrolyte packets may be needed to help stay hydrated,\u201d Dr. Rao says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"monitor-for-dehydration\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor for dehydration<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your body can become dehydrated from severe diarrhea, even if you are drinking plenty of water. Anyone taking Linzess (or their caregiver) should stay vigilant for signs of dehydration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Rao and Ashbarry recommend watching out for these red flags:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness after standing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urinating less frequently than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/dark-urine-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark-colored urine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth that doesn\u2019t improve with sips of water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General weakness\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion or dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/low-blood-pressure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and changes in heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell a healthcare professional if you or someone you\u2019re caring for starts showing signs of dehydration while taking Linzess.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"try-the-brat-diet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try the BRAT diet<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ashbarry recommends temporarily eating a BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-to-eat-when-stomach-is-upset-from-stress\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">manage gastrointestinal side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from Linzess. On the other hand, she suggests avoiding fried, fatty, or greasy food, which can aggravate diarrhea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/linzess-savings\/\"><b>5 ways to save money on Linzess<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess is an effective treatment for chronic constipation. It can significantly improve the quality of life for people with IBS-C or CIC. However, it should only be taken if adequate diet and lifestyle changes have been tried first. Dr. Rao also emphasizes the importance of discussing Linzess&#8217; pros and cons with your healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting Linzess comes with an increased risk of severe diarrhea that leads to dehydration. Fortunately, this may be preventable. \u201cThe most important nutrition point I advise my patients who are starting Linzess and shifting from managing constipation to managing diarrhea is to continue, continue, continue drinking plenty of water,\u201d Ashbarry says.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Constipation affects almost everyone from time to time, but what happens when it becomes chronic and starts to impact your quality of life? That\u2019s when your healthcare provider might talk to you about Linzess (linaclotide). This brand-name prescription medication is approved to treat adults who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":634208,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[20947,16414],"coauthors":[20942],"class_list":["post-634207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-constipation","tag-digestive-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Linzess pros and cons: Is it right for you?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Linzess can be very effective for constipation that doesn\u2019t respond to lifestyle changes, but it can also 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