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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)

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Movantik

(naloxegol)

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Summary for Linzess

Prescription only

Linzess (linaclotide) is used to treat constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) in people 7 years and older. It's also approved for adults with chronic constipation from unknown reasons. In addition, it treats functional constipation in children 2 years and up. This medication belongs to a drug class called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It helps stool move through the gut more easily. Linzess (linaclotide) comes as a capsule taken by mouth once a day. Diarrhea is a common side effect. Linzess (linaclotide) is brand name only; there's no generic version yet.

Indications for Linzess

Pros and Cons for Linzess

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

Common Side Effects for Linzess

Adults:

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

Children:

  • Diarrhea

Warnings for Linzess

  • Not for children under 2 years old because of risk of serious dehydration
  • Severe diarrhea

Summary for Movantik

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 for Movantik

Pros and Cons for Movantik

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 for Movantik

  • Stomach pain (up to 21%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 9%)
  • Nausea (up to 8%)

Warnings for Movantik

  • Opioid withdrawal
  • Severe stomach pain or diarrhea
  • Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) injury
  • Allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Linzess vs. Movantik

Price Card Drug Icon
Linzess30 capsules / 145mcg
$285.50$730.99
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Movantik30 tablets / 25mg
$428.83$524.00
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