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Compare Linzess vs. Movantik

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Linzess (linaclotide) and Movantik (naloxegol) are both medications used to treat constipation, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of constipation. Linzess (linaclotide) is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist that treats constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults, as well as functional constipation in children aged 6 to 17. Movantik (naloxegol), on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist specifically used to treat constipation caused by opioid pain medications in adults. Linzess is taken as a capsule once a day on an empty stomach, while Movantik is a tablet taken once daily, also on an empty stomach. Both medications are only available as brand-name products, with no generic versions. Common side effects of Linzess include diarrhea and stomach pain, whereas Movantik can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Additionally, Movantik may interact with other medications and can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms, which is not a concern with Linzess.

  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Movantik (naloxegol)
  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Movantik (naloxegol)

  • Summary of Linzess vs. Movantik

    Summary for GC-C agonist
    Prescription only

    Linzess (linaclotide) is approved for people 7 years and older with constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). It's also for adults with long-lasting or chronic constipation from unknown reasons. Children 6 years and older with functional constipation can take this medication as well. Linzess (linaclotide) belongs to a drug class called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth once a day. But diarrhea is a common side effect. This medication is currently brand name only; there's no generic version yet.

    Summary for Opioid antagonist
    Prescription only

    Movantik (naloxegol) is an opioid antagonist that's used to treat opioid-induced constipation, or constipation from opioid medications, in adults. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once every morning on an empty stomach. The dosage is typically 25 mg, but it can be lowered to lessen side effects or risks from interactions with other medications. Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Movantik (naloxegol) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's no lower-cost generic version yet.

  • Indications of Linzess vs. Movantik

    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in people 7 years and older
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
    •Functional constipation (FC) in children 6 years and older
    Indications for
    •Constipation from opioid pain medications in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Linzess vs. Movantik

    Pros and Const for GC-C agonist
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Can start to see improvement as early as a week of taking it every day
    Cons
    •Must take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before a meal)
    •Can cause diarrhea
    Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist
    Pros
    •A good option to help with constipation from opioids
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water for people who have trouble swallowing them whole
    Cons
    •Must take on an empty stomach
    •Might have opioid withdrawal symptoms
    •Might not work as well if you've been taking opioids for less than 1 month

  • Common Side Effects of Linzess vs. Movantik

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach pain
    •Having gas
    •Bloating and feeling full in the belly

    Children:

    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Linzess vs. Movantik

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for children under 2 years old because of risk of serious dehydration
    •Severe diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Opioid withdrawal
    •Severe stomach pain or diarrhea
    •Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) injury
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Linzess vs. Movantik

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