You should not use Linzess if you have a blockage in your intestines.
Take Linzess in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal. Do not crush, chew, break, or open a capsule. Swallow it whole.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea, severe stomach pain, or black, bloody, or tarry stools.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Linzess if you are allergic to linaclotide, or if you have:
a blockage in your intestines (bowel obstruction).
Linzess is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Linzess should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old. Linaclotide can cause severe diarrhea and fatal dehydration in a child. Do not give this medicine to any child or teenager without the advice of a doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take Linzess?
Take Linzess exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Take Linzess in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce or bottled water. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.
Even if you have taken this medicine with applesauce, wait at least 30 minutes before eating a full meal.
If needed, medicine from the Linzess capsule may be given through a nasogastric (NG) or gastronomy tube.
Carefully follow instructions for mixing medicine from the capsule with applesauce or water, or giving the medicine through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Linaclotide can be fatal to a child who accidentally swallows this medicine. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.
