Up to 28% of Americans suffer from Chronic Constipation
Chronic Constipation is a real medical condition. It deserves medical attention and possibly prescription medicine. To find out if AMITIZA is right for you, discuss your condition with your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Chronic Constipation
Some of the telltale symptoms include:
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
- Straining associated with defecation
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Abdominal discomfort and bloating
- Feeling like your bowel is never completely empty
Relief from Chronic Constipation Today and Tomorrow
If this all sounds familiar to you, know that help is available. Ask your doctor about trying a different treatment–one that can provide consistent relief.* In two 4-week clinical studies, people taking AMITIZA averaged 5 to 6 bowel movements per week, versus 3 to 4 without AMITIZA.
AMITIZA (24 mcg) twice daily, is the only FDA-approved prescription medicine to treat adults with Chronic Constipation.
AMITIZA consistently improved symptoms† of:
- straining
- stool consistency
- abdominal discomfort
- abdominal bloating
What's more, in clinical studies a majority of people had a bowel movement within 24 hours.‡ AMITIZA (24 mcg) twice daily, improved abdominal bloating, abdominal discomfort and constipation severity in 6-12 month clinical safety studies.
If you've been living with Chronic Constipation for 3 months or more, AMITIZA may help you find the relief† you're looking for. Individual results may vary.
AMITIZA Has a Demonstrated Safety Profile
The safety profile of AMITIZA was demonstrated in 6-month and 12-month safety studies.
In addition, there is a low likelihood of drug-drug interactions with AMITIZA. However, you should tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
AMITIZA is not for everyone. Before taking AMITIZA you should talk to your healthcare provider if you:
- Have been told or suspect you may have a bowel blockage. If you are unsure, your healthcare provider should evaluate your condition before starting AMITIZA
- Have severe diarrhea
- Have a kidney or liver disease
- Cannot swallow a capsule
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 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 contraceptive measures. If you become pregnant while being treated with AMITIZA, talk to your healthcare provider to re-evaluate the risks
- Are breastfeeding. It is not known if AMITIZA passes into your milk or, if it does, what effects it has on your child
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, or are planning to take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Treatment Options
Talk to your doctor and see what treatment options might be right for you.
| Intended Use as per Prescribing Information and Directions for Use | How Is It Available? | How It Works | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulant laxatives, such as ex-lax® | Occasional constipation | Over-the-counter medication | Causes the muscles in your colon to contract |
| Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil® Powder | Occasional constipation | Dietary supplement | Bulking agent |
| Osmotic laxatives, such as MiraLAX® | Occasional constipation | Over-the-counter medication | Draws water into the colon to make stool softer |
| Probiotics, such as Acidophilus PearlsTM | Support for bowel health | Dietary supplement | May support the growth of good bacteria in the intestinal tract |
| ClC-2 chloride channel activator, such as AMITIZA® | Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in adults | By prescription | Increases fluid into the intestine to help pass stool |
No conclusions regarding safety and efficacy of products shown should be drawn from this table.
Brand names listed are the trademarks of their respective owners.
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.
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. These are not all the side effects associated with AMITIZA.
