To learn as much as you can about your condition, it's important to be familiar with the commonly used language associated with it. This glossary provides a simple explanation of those words and terms.
GLOSSARY TERMS CIC
B
Bowel blockage - Obstruction of the bowel may be due to: A mechanical cause, which simply means something is in the way
Bowel habits - Bowel habits are the time, size, amount, consistency, and frequency of bowel movements throughout the day. A change in bowel habits is any alteration in regular bowel function.
C
Chronic - Referring to a health-related state, lasting a long time.
Constipation - A condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete.
D
Defecation - The discharge of feces from the rectum.
Diarrhea - This word denotes not merely abnormal looseness of stools but also an increase in the urgency and frequency of defecation. An abnormally frequent discharge of semi-solid or fluid fecal matter from the bowel.
Dietary supplement - A product taken orally that contains one or more ingredients (such as vitamins or amino acids) that are intended to supplement one's diet and are not considered food.
Drug-drug interactions - The pharmacologic result of drugs interacting with other drugs, with endogenous physiologic chemical agents (e.g., MAOI with epinephrine), with components of the diet, and with chemicals used in diagnostic tests or the results of such tests.
F
FDA - Abbreviation for Food and Drug Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
G
Gastroenterology - The medical specialty concerned with the function and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach, intestines, and associated organs.
I
Idiopathic - Denoting a disease of unknown cause.
N
Nonprescription - Available for purchase without a doctor's prescription.
O
Over-the-counter - Sold lawfully without prescription.
P
Placebo - 1. An inert substance given as a medicine for its suggestive effect. 2. An inert compound identical in appearance to material being tested in experimental research, which may or may not be known to the physician or patient, administered to distinguish between drug action and suggestive effect of the material under study.
Prescription drug - A drug that can be obtained only by means of a prescription.
S
Side effect - An adverse effect occurring during the course of the use of a drug.
Supplement - Something that completes or makes an addition, such as dietary supplements.
T
Therapy - Therapeutic treatment as a remedial treatment of mental or bodily disorder.
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.
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
