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Compare Linzess vs. Trulance

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

Key takeaways

Linzess (linaclotide) and Trulance (plecanatide) are both medications used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). They belong to the same drug class, guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonists, and work by increasing fluid in the intestines to help with bowel movements and relieve stomach pain. Both medications are available only as a brand medication. Linzess must be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before a meal, whereas Trulance can be taken with or without food at any time of the day. Both medications can cause diarrhea, but Linzess has a higher reported rate of this side effect. Additionally, Linzess is approved for use in children ages 6 to 17 for functional constipation, while Trulance is not recommended for anyone under 18 years old. Both medications have serious warnings about the risk of dehydration, especially in young children.

  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Trulance (plecanatide)
  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Trulance (plecanatide)

  • Summary of Linzess vs. Trulance

    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 GC-C agonist
    Prescription only

    Trulance (plecanatide) is used to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (long-term constipation of an unknown cause). It belongs to a group of medications called guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonists. The usual dosage is 1 tablet by mouth once a day. A possible side effect of the medication is diarrhea. This medication isn't available as a generic, but you can get it as the brand name Trulance.

  • Indications of Linzess vs. Trulance

    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
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

  • Pros and Cons of Linzess vs. Trulance

    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 GC-C agonist
    Pros
    •Can take at any time of the day with or without food
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Might start to see overall improvement after a week of taking the medication every day
    Cons
    •Doesn’t provide immediate relief from constipation like laxatives do
    •Not a good option for people with a gut blockage
    •Not safe for children younger than 18 years of age

  • Common Side Effects of Linzess vs. Trulance

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

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

    Children:

    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Linzess vs. Trulance

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for children under 2 years old because of risk of serious dehydration
    •Severe diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious dehydration in children younger than 6 years of age
    •Severe diarrhea

  • Prices with our coupons for Linzess vs. Trulance

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    Learn more about Trulance

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