Ibsrela
Ibsrela (tenapanor) is used to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). This medication belongs to the drug class called sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitors. Ibsrela (tenapanor) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. There aren't many side effects, but the most common is diarrhea. Other side effects include bloating, gas, and dizziness.
What is Ibsrela (tenapanor)?
What is Ibsrela (tenapanor) used for?
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults
How Ibsrela (tenapanor) works
Ibsrela (tenapanor) is a sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitor.
It works by preventing sodium from getting absorbed into your body from your gut. This causes more water to go into your intestines to soften stool and keeps your stool moving along in your gut so you can go to the bathroom.
Ibsrela (tenapanor) also works on the nerves in your gut to help to relieve stomach pain.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ibsrela (tenapanor)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (16%)
- Stomach bloating (3%)
- Gas (3%)
- Dizziness (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Bleeding at the rectum
- Unusual stomach sounds
Ibsrela (tenapanor) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe dehydration: dry skin, extreme thirst, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, can't urinate, very dark yellow urine, tiredness, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting
- Severe diarrhea
The following Ibsrela (tenapanor) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Severe or prolonged diarrhea
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Ibsrela (tenapanor)
Pros
- Recommended for people with IBS-C who've already tried other therapies
- Can help lessen episodes of stomach pain and constipation
- Symptoms can start to improve within a week
Cons
- Need to take right before a meal twice daily
- Can cause diarrhea and dehydration
- Not safe for children
Pharmacist tips for Ibsrela (tenapanor)
- Take Ibsrela (tenapanor) 5 to 10 minutes before breakfast and dinner.
- Let your prescriber know right away if you have diarrhea while you're taking Ibsrela (tenapanor). Studies showed that diarrhea tends to go away within a week. Depending on how bad your diarrhea is, your prescriber might recommend temporarily stopping the medication until the diarrhea goes away. Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
- Get emergency medical help if you have signs or symptoms of severe dehydration, such as confusion, fast heart rate, dizziness, weakness, fainting, or exhaustion.
- If you forget to take your dose of Ibsrela (tenapanor), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Don't take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose. Doing so can raise your risk of side effects like diarrhea and dehydration.
- Keep Ibsrela (tenapanor) in the original bottle tightly closed with the desiccant (drying agent) inside. It's important to protect the tablets from moisture because it can damage the medication.
- Keep Ibsrela (tenapanor) out of reach of children, especially those under 6 years old. Children who accidentally take Ibsrela (tenapanor) might have severe diarrhea and dehydration, which can lead to serious problems. Contact 911 or the poison control center (1-800-222-1222) right away if a child has accidentally taken Ibsrela (tenapanor).
- Let your healthcare team know if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It's not completely known how safe Ibsrela (tenapanor) is for an unborn or breastfed baby. But available data suggests that it might be safe because most of the medication doesn't get absorbed into the body. Discuss with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking Ibsrela (tenapanor).
Common questions about Ibsrela
In clinical studies, people started to feel improvement in IBS-C symptoms like constipation and stomach pain within 1 week of starting Ibsrela. But it can take several weeks or a few months to feel the full effects of the medication. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned with how well Ibsrela is working for you.
No, Ibsrela doesn't appear to cause weight gain. Weight gain wasn't a side effect that people reported while they took the medication during clinical studies. Contact your primary care provider if you notice unusual or concerning weight gain after you start taking Ibsrela. You might need to be examined for other potential causes.
No, Ibsrela doesn't make you lose weight. However, the medication can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Severe or long-lasting diarrhea can sometimes lead to weight loss. It's important to stay hydrated if you have diarrhea to prevent dehydration and unintentional weight loss. Let your prescriber know if you experience concerning weight loss, especially if you've had episodes of diarrhea and if you're also feeling weak, dizzy, or faint. These can be signs that you're dehydrated.
You should take Ibsrela about 5 to 10 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Studies show that taking Ibsrela after you eat might make the medication work less well.
Yes, Ibsrela can be considered a laxative. Laxatives are medications that work in your intestines to help you have bowel movements and provide relief from constipation. This particular laxative works to treat IBS-C by pulling water into the gut to help soften stool and cause more bowel movements.
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Risks and warnings for Ibsrela (tenapanor)
Ibsrela (tenapanor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious dehydration in children
- Risk factors: Children under 6 years old
Children can't take Ibsrela (tenapanor). It's not known how well or how safe the medication is for them. Additionally, they're at higher risk for severe dehydration after they take Ibsrela (tenapanor). Discuss available safe treatment options with the specialist if your child has IBS-C.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is typically the most common side effect of Ibsrela (tenapanor). During studies, people reported having mild-to-moderate diarrhea that often started at the beginning of treatment and lasted a week or less. Tell your prescriber if you have diarrhea because it can raise your risk of getting dehydrated, which can be a medical emergency. Make sure to stay hydrated while you're taking this medication. Contact your prescriber right away if you have severe diarrhea.
Ibsrela (tenapanor) dosage
Typical dosage for Ibsrela (tenapanor)
The typical dose is 50 mg by mouth two times daily, right before breakfast and right before dinner.
Ibsrela (tenapanor) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ibsrela (tenapanor) will not be safe for you to take.
- Children younger than 6 years old
- Known or suspected physical blockage in the gut or digestive system that interrupts normal passage
What are alternatives to Ibsrela (tenapanor)?
Ibsrela (tenapanor) images
