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Linzess vs. Viberzi

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

Key takeaways

Linzess (linaclotide) and Viberzi (eluxadoline) are both prescription medications used to treat different types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Linzess is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that helps with IBS with constipation (IBS-C) by increasing fluid in the intestines to ease bowel movements. On the other hand, Viberzi is an antidiarrheal that targets opioid receptors in the gut to treat IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D). Linzess is taken once daily on an empty stomach, while Viberzi is taken twice daily with food. Linzess can cause diarrhea as a common side effect, whereas Viberzi can lead to constipation and has a risk of pancreatitis, especially in people without a gallbladder or those who drink heavily. Additionally, both medications are only available as brand medications, while Viberzi is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse.

Linzess

(linaclotide)

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Viberzi

(eluxadoline)

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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 Viberzi

Prescription only

Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It works on the opioid receptor to help ease symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea. You typically take a dose by mouth twice a day with food. Because of its potential for misuse and dependence, it’s considered a controlled substance. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and stomach pain.

Indications for Viberzi

Pros and Cons for Viberzi

Pros

  • Tablet that's taken by mouth
  • Typically works within a week
  • Approved for males and females with IBS-D

Cons

Common Side Effects for Viberzi

Warnings for Viberzi

  • Pancreatitis
  • Bile duct muscle spasm
  • Allergic reactions
  • Constipation

Prices with our coupons for Linzess vs. Viberzi

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Linzess30 capsules / 145mcg
$289.75$338.99
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Viberzi60 tablets / 100mg
$1,542.41$2,065.33
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