Finding relief from Chronic Constipation may begin with talking to an expert—a healthcare provider who really understands what you're going through, and is qualified to offer you treatment options.
There are several types of healthcare providers who may treat Chronic Constipation:
A primary care physician, a gastroenterologist (GAH-stro-en-tuh-RAW-luh-jist), a physician assistant, and/or a nurse practitioner.
- A primary care physician who treats adults is usually an internist or a family care physician.
- A gastroenterologist is a specialist in diseases of the digestive tract.
- Physician assistants are healthcare providers who are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision.
- Nurse practitioners are advanced-practice nurses who are licensed to practice medicine.
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.
