LINZESS

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. If you have trouble swallowing, you may open the capsule and mix with applesauce or water. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
How to take with applesauce: Open the capsule and put the contents in 1 teaspoon of applesauce. Swallow the medication and applesauce right away. Do not chew the medication or applesauce. Do not store for later use.
How to take with water: Pour 30 mL (1 ounce) of room temperature bottled water into a clean cup. Open the capsule and sprinkle all the beads into the cup of water. Swirl the mixture for at least 20 seconds. Drink the mixture right away. If beads remain in the cup, add 30 mL more of water and swirl. Drink the mixture right away. Do not store for later use.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of this medication. It often begins within 2 weeks of starting this medication. Stop taking this medication and call your care team if you get severe diarrhea.
Stop taking this medication and call your care team or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not throw out the packet in the container. It keeps the medication dry. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.