Directions For Use
AMITIZA needs to be taken twice a day or as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and for as long as they recommend.
AMITIZA should be taken with food and water. Swallow the gelatin capsule whole and do not break it apart or chew it. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems. Also, remember to check in regularly with your healthcare provider, so they can monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed.
When you fill your prescription, you'll see it comes with accompanying information. Be sure to read this information carefully before you start taking AMITIZA. Then, each time you get more AMITIZA, read the accompanying information because there may be important new information on safety or other factors.
Of course, this information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when taking AMITIZA.
- AMITIZA should be taken twice daily with food and water to reduce potential symptoms of nausea. The capsule should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening daily as prescribed. The capsule should be swallowed whole and should not be broken apart or chewed. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems. Patients on treatment who experience severe nausea, diarrhea, or dyspnea should inform their physician.
- If you miss a dose of AMITIZA , do not take 2 capsules to make up for the missed dose. Instead, just wait until the next time you are supposed to take it, and take your normal dose. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
- Store AMITIZA at room temperature in a childproof container that is tightly closed and out of the reach of children.
- Do not use AMITIZA past the expiration date shown on the package.
- As you continue to take AMITIZA, keep track of your progress. Use the Progress Checker to keep track of your symptoms and follow your progress over a six-week period.
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.
