Tegaserod

Conditions Treated

Tegaserod is used to relieve pain, bloating, and constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women whose main symptom is constipation. This medication is also used to increase the frequency of bowel movements and relieve bloating, straining, and stomach pain in women and men with chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation that is not due to other diseases or medications and that has been a problem for longer than 6 months). Tegaserod is in a class of medications called serotonin agonists. It works by improving muscle movement and increasing production of fluid in the bowels.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Tegaserod may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• gas
• leg or back pain
• joint pain or problems
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• runny nose, congestion, or other cold symptoms

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or the symptoms mentioned in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
• difficulty breathing and swallowing
• hoarseness

People with IBS may need to have abdominal surgery, especially gallbladder surgery, more often than people who do not have IBS. People with IBS who took tegaserod needed this type of surgery somewhat more often than people who did not take tegaserod. It is not known if taking tegaserod increases your chance of needing abdominal surgery. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking this medication.You should know that tegaserod rarely may cause ischemic colitis. Tell your doctor and stop taking tegaserod right away if you have new or worsening stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or blood in your stools.Tegaserod may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Tegaserod comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach shortly before a meal. Take tegaserod at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tegaserod exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you have IBS with constipation, your doctor will probably tell you to take tegaserod for 4-6 weeks. If your symptoms improve, your doctor may tell you to take tegaserod for another 4-6 weeks. If you have chronic idiopathic constipation, you should talk to your doctor regularly to see if you should continue to take tegaserod. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling, and do not take tegaserod for longer than your doctor prescribes. Tegaserod controls the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation, but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take tegaserod even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tegaserod without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking tegaserod, your symptoms may return within 1-2 weeks.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking tegaserod, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tegaserod or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, or nutritional supplements you are taking. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have diarrhea now or if you often have diarrhea; if you have or have ever had gallbladder, kidney, or liver disease; a blockage in your intestines or unexplained stomach pain; abdominal surgery (surgery on the area between your chest and hips); jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (blockage of bile or digestive juices flowing into the intestine that causes pain and/or jaundice); or ischemic colitis (decreased blood flow to the intestines causing rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, or stomach pain). you may have some diarrhea, especially during your first week of taking tegaserod. However, if you have a lot of diarrhea, or if you also have severe cramping, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, blurred vision, upset stomach or a fast heartbeat, you should stop taking tegaserod and call your doctor immediately.