Linaclotide capsules

About linaclotide

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder. Symptoms can be quite variable, and can come and go. Typical symptoms include tummy (abdominal) pain, bloating, and bouts of constipation and/or diarrhoea. Linaclotide can be useful for people who have constipation as one of the main symptoms of IBS. It helps to increase bowel secretions and movement, making stools easier to pass, and it also helps to ease pain and discomfort.

Before taking linaclotide

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking linaclotide it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si está tan estreñido que cree que puede tener una obstrucción.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

How to take linaclotide capsules

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about linaclotide and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take linaclotide exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is taken once daily. You can take your dose at a time of day that suits you, but try to take it at around the same time of day, each day.

• Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water. It is best taken on an empty stomach (which means at least 30 minutes before food). This is because taking the capsules with food increases the possibility that diarrhoea will occur.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Procure acudir a las citas periódicas con su médico. Así podrá comprobar su evolución.

• A healthy diet containing fibre (wholegrain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with several glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function.

• You can read our leaflet called Fibre and Fibre Supplements for advice on ways to increase the amount of fibre in your diet.

Can linaclotide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with linaclotide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you notice any bleeding from your back passage whilst taking linaclotide, let your doctor know. This could be due to piles (haemorrhoids) caused by your constipation or due to the treatment itself.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse al medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store linaclotide

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. The capsules can absorb moisture from the air so it is important to keep them in their original container (which contains a desiccant to keep them dry). Do not keep the capsules for longer than 18 weeks after the container is first opened.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos