Tegaserod (By mouth)
teg-a-SER-od
Treats symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women whose main problem is constipation. Also treats certain types of long-term constipation. This medicine was withdrawn from the US market on March 30, 2007, but is available on a very limited basis for restricted use. Women who would like to be considered for this program should contact their doctor for an evaluation.
Drug classes
Gastrointestinal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Tegaserod is a medicine for short term treatment of women who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation (not enough or hard bowel movements) as their main bowel problem. Tegaserod is also used to treat women younger than 55 years of age who have chronic constipation with an unknown cause. Tegaserod increases the movement of stools (bowel movement) through the bowels. Tegaserod does not cure irritable bowel syndrome. Tegaserod decreases pain and discomfort in the abdominal area, bloating, and constipation. If you stop taking tegaserod your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may return in one to two weeks.
This medicine is available only for use in emergency situations.
This medicine was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007, due to a higher chance of heart attack, stroke, and worsening chest pain that can become a heart attack in patients treated with this medicine compared to placebo (sugar pills) . On July 27, 2007, this medicine was made available under a restricted access program called treatment IND; however, as of April 2, 2008, this medicine is no longer available under a treatment IND, and is only available for use in emergency situations. For further information and to see if you qualify for treatment with tegaserod for emergency use, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor will then contact FDA’s Division for Drug Information about the emergency IND process at druginfo@fda.hhs.gov .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, take your dose shortly before you eat a meal.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tegaserod, or if you have severe kidney disease or moderate to severe liver disease. You should not use this medicine if you have ever had certain other problems with your digestive system, such as a blocked intestine, symptoms of gallbladder disease, or scar tissue.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
Do not take this medicine if you have diarrhea right now, or if you have diarrhea often.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or very fast heart beat.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Severe cramping, stomach pain, dizziness.
Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea or stools that contain blood.
Trouble seeing or blurry vision.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Back pain, leg pain, joint pain, or cramps.
Cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose.
Feeling unusually sad.
Mild diarrhea (may happen one or two times when you first start using this medicine).
Mild nausea, vomiting, or gas.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, and feet.
Trouble sleeping, or feeling restless.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Zelnorm
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
