AMITIZA works in a different way
Let’s take a look at how your digestive system works to understand how AMITIZA works.
The food you eat is broken down into small molecules so that your body can use it to nourish your cells. In the stomach, food is mixed with digestive juices and passed into the small intestine, where the digestive process continues. It is in the small intestine that chloride-rich fluids are produced that help keep the digestive process running smoothly.
After going through your small intestine, food moves to your large intestine, which includes your colon and rectum. It’s your colon’s job to expel the waste and fluid (known as stool) that remain after the intestines absorb all the nutrients in the food you have eaten. Your colon does this by absorbing fluid and using muscular contractions to push the stool through the bowel. If the muscle contractions are slow or too much water is absorbed, stool can become hard and dry, so it’s difficult to expel. That’s a form of constipation.
AMITIZA treats Chronic Idiopathic Constipation by helping to activate chloride channels in the intestine and facilitate the flow of intestinal fluid in the digestive tract—helping stool to pass and alleviating symptoms associated with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.
In this way, AMITIZA can offer you the predictable relief* you need.
*In clinical studies, 57% to 63% of patients experienced a bowel movement within 24 hours after taking AMITIZA vs. 32-37% without AMITIZA. Individual results may vary.
** You must meet Eligibility Requirements.
Indication
AMITIZA (24 mcg) twice daily is approved to treat Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in adults. “Idiopathic” means the cause of the constipation is unknown and not due to an underlying illness or medication. AMITIZA (8 mcg) twice daily is approved to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in women 18 years of age and older.
Important Safety Information
AMITIZA is not for everyone. If you know or suspect you have a bowel blockage, do not take AMITIZA. If you are unsure, your healthcare provider should evaluate your condition before starting AMITIZA. You should not take AMITIZA if you have severe diarrhea.
AMITIZA has not been studied in pregnant women and should only be used during a pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus. Women should have a negative pregnancy test before beginning treatment with AMITIZA and need to practice effective birth control measures. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while being treated with AMITIZA, talk to your healthcare provider to evaluate the risks to the fetus.
Some patients taking AMITIZA may experience nausea or diarrhea. If nausea occurs, take AMITIZA with food. If your nausea or diarrhea becomes severe, tell your healthcare provider.
Within an hour of taking AMITIZA, a sensation of chest tightness and shortness of breath may occur. These symptoms usually go away within three hours, but may recur with repeated use. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.
The most common side effects of taking AMITIZA (24 mcg) twice daily, orange capsules for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation are nausea, diarrhea, and headache. The most common side effects of taking AMITIZA (8 mcg) twice daily, pink capsules for IBS-C are nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These are not all the side effects associated with AMITIZA.
Please see complete Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
