4 Best Prescription Constipation Drugs: IBS & Opioid Induced
speciality medications
Whether it’s a chronic issue or a one-off problem, constipation is uncomfortable, frustrating, and all-around day-ruining.
(And, let’s be honest, if it’s a chronic issue, that can quickly control your entire quality of life.)
Chronic constipation, due to myriad factors ranging from irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS) to long-term opioid use, requires effective management to find reliable relief. Usually, this will require a combination of lifestyle changes and strategic medication use.
If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and certain over-the-counter medications without getting the relief that you deserve, it’s likely time to explore the wide world of IBS prescription constipation drugs.
But which ones are best? And how do they work? Let’s take a look.
What Are Prescription Drugs for Constipation?
Prescription drugs for constipation are strong, effective tools that people can use to ease a sense of chronic constipation.
Constipation occurs when patients have a hard time performing regular bowel movements.
As Dr. Brynna Connor, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician who specializes in regenerative medicine, puts it: “Constipation can happen when your stool (poop) moves through your colon too slowly. When this happens, your colon can absorb too much water, making your stool hard. It can be a short-term (acute) or a long-term (chronic) problem.”
This can lead to an overall sense of feeling uncomfortably full, along with other digestive problems and frustrating symptoms.
Common lifestyle changes, like staying very hydrated or prioritizing a diet full of fiber, can help some people trigger bowel movements.
However, when people have underlying issues like IBS or opioid use, those types of suggestions simply may not cut it.
Prescription medications for constipation can help you:
- Figure out root or contributing causes of your constipation—e.g., whether it’s happening because of slow movement in your intestines, a lack of fluid in your gut, or other issues;
- Find relief when OTC medications and dietary switches haven’t helped you effectively;
- Get the support you need for more serious types of constipation, such as those accompanying IBS, IBS-C (IBS with constipation), or OIC (opioid-induced constipation).
Nodding your head along? Interested in achieving these benefits?
There are several prescription constipation drugs that may be worth considering.
Here, we’ll discuss the 4 top prescription constipation drugs to see how they can offer you relief tailored specifically to your needs.
Linzess (Linaclotide): A Top Choice for IBS-Related Constipation
Linzess (linaclotide) is a constipation prescription drug that treats the root causes of constipation that is linked to chronic idiopathic constipation or IBS-C.
It treats constipation as a “guanylate cyclase-C agonist.” After patients take Linzess and it gets absorbed into their bloodstreams, the medication works by targeting and stimulating specific cell receptors that are located in the intestines.
This helps increase the amount of intestinal fluid that gets secreted.
As a result, Linzess can:
- Help your body produce softer, easier-to-pass stools
- Speed up the transit time of stool through your intestines, which can help reduce the discomfort and straining often associated with IBS-C
- Reduce bloating, cramps, and other forms of abdominal pain typically associated with IBS or constipation.
Between improved stool consistency, increased frequency of bowel movements, and reduced abdominal pain, Linzess is one possible way to boost the quality of your life significantly if you suffer from chronic constipation.
However, it’s not a miracle drug. Like all prescription medications, it does come with some potential side effects.
When patients first start taking Linzess, they can experience more bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea—particularly as their bodies get used to the drug.
This should go away with time, but it can be a disheartening thing to experience as you start trying a new constipation remedy. (If these symptoms do not go away with time, it’s probably a good idea to talk to your doctor.)
Linzess is not recommended for patients under 18 years old, as it can cause dehydration for kids.
Usually, patients take Linzess once per day, early in the morning, about a half hour before eating any food.
How Much Does Linzess Cost?
In the United States, a 30-day supply of Linzess can cost around $560.00, or about $18.50 per daily dose.
If that’s not quite in your budget, you do have options. By purchasing your prescription constipation medication through a reputable online pharmacy and international drugs website, you can save significantly.
Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, for example, you can buy that same 30-day supply of brand-name Linzess for about $5.30 per dose—savings of up to 71%.
Trulance (Plecanatide): Gentle Relief for Chronic Constipation
Trulance (plecanatide) is an option that takes a bit of a subtler approach to constipation relief.
If you’ve tried Linzess and had issues with side effects or you simply know that you’re sensitive and don’t mind ramping up your constipation strategy slowly, Trulance may be worth a try.
Like Linzess, Trulance is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist.
It works by:
- Stimulating fluid secretion in the intestines to soften stools
- Increasing bowel motility, allowing for easier and more regular bowel movements
- Reducing symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and straining.
In other words: It is very, very similar to Linzess. It just should be a bit of an easier option if you’re looking for something that’s a little gentler on your body.
Trulance prioritizes working with your body’s natural digestive rhythm, which can reduce the range and severity of side effects you’ll experience.
As just one example: Trulance tends to be far less likely than other constipation medications to cause severe diarrhea—which can be an easier route to stomach if you don’t want to swap one digestive concern for another.
Trulance is usually taken once per day, with or without food.
It’s important to realize that Trulance isn’t a silver bullet. It isn’t side-effect-free.
Side effects to watch out for when taking Trulance include mild diarrhea, gas, and nausea.
How Much Does Trulance Cost?
Most American patients may be able to purchase Trulance for around $620.00 for a 30-day supply, or about $20.50 per daily dose.
Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy the same amount of brand-name Trulance for about $175.00, and savings of up to 71%.
Movantik (Naloxegol): Best for Opioid-Induced Constipation
Thus far, we’ve discussed constipation prescription drugs that are beneficial for constipation attributed to any cause.
Movantik (naloxegol) is an option specifically recommended for individuals who are managing chronic pain with long-term opioid use. For these people, chronic constipation is an unfortunate but expected side effect of their pain reduction strategy.
Why?
Opioids—in addition to reducing pain—slow down gut motility.
This contributes to rough, infrequent, and painful bowel movements.
Movantik can help keep things moving for patients stuck in this frustrating scenario.
Unlike the previous medications we’ve discussed, Movantik is a “peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist.”
This is a medical term that, when broken down, means Movantik can help patients by:
- Blocking the action of opioid receptors in the gut, specifically. With these receptors blocked, opioids can’t bind to them—which, usually, would trigger GI distress and resultant constipation.
- Improving bowel movements. When taking Movantik, patients should experience more regular bowel movements that are far less painful.
- Acting quickly. When patients start taking Movantik, they may notice an improvement in their bowel function within a matter of hours.
- Not interfering with the benefits of taking opioids—e.g., effective pain management. Since Movantik should only work within the gastrointestinal tract, that’s the only body system that should experience noticeable effects.
Movantik is taken once per day on an empty stomach.
In some cases, people who take Movantik can experience side effects including abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea.
How Much Does Movantik Cost?
In the United States, a 30-count supply of Movantik tends to start around $435.00—or $14.50 per daily dose.
Looking for savings? You’re in the right place.
Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can get that same amount of brand-name medication for $230.00, and savings of up to 47%.
Amitiza (Lubiprostone): Versatile Relief for Multiple Types of Constipation
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a constipation drug known for its versatility.
While drugs like Movantik are used primarily to treat constipation under a select set of conditions—e.g., opioid use—Amitiza can treat chronic idiopathic constipation, IBS-C, and opioid-induced constipation.
This means if you’re a patient who has constipation due to diverse causes, this medication may be worth looking into.
Amitiza helps soothe constipation through its classification as a chloride channel activator. By activating certain chloride channels, Amitiza can help increase intestinal fluid secretion.
In turn, this can help soften stools, stimulate bowel movements, and relieve abdominal discomfort.
Amitiza does have some side effects, including potential headaches, diarrhea, and nausea, but these should go away with time. If they don’t, talk to your doctor about your constipation relief strategy.
Generally, patients take Amitiza twice daily with food and water.
How Much Does Amitiza Cost?
A 90-count supply of Amitiza in the USA can cost about $675.00, or about $7.50 per unit.
Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy 56 caps of brand Amitiza for about $460.00 while the generic from us is just a fraction of that price.
How to Choose the Right Prescription Drug for Constipation
Now that we’ve laid out the four most common choices for constipation control, the natural next question is simple:
Which one is the best for you?
The best possible way to answer this question will involve going and talking to your healthcare professional. They’ll be able to assess your symptoms, consider your unique health goals, and help you find the best fit for your needs.
Interested in going to that appointment as informed as you possibly can be?
Here’s a quick preview of the questions and considerations that will likely go into your discussion with your doctor.
First, consider the cause of your constipation, if you know it. For example, if you already know that your constipation is opioid-induced or IBS-induced, that will likely play a large part in which medication your doctor will prescribe.
Second, consider your threshold for dealing with side effects. Do you need a gentle route into constipation control, or are you interested in a more aggressive option?
Third, consider the other medications you may be taking. Your doctor will ask for a complete list of your current medications and use that information to rule out any prescription constipation drugs that could interact with your meds poorly.
Fourth, consider how you’re going to get your medication.
The four drugs above are relatively common and can be affordable (especially if you’re buying them through an international and online pharmacy website), but there may be other medications your doctor considers that are a little harder to find.
Fortunately, your process for obtaining your prescription constipation drugs should be simple.
Online Canadian pharmacies and international drugstores can make finding and affording your required medications seamless.
The Role of Online Pharmacies in Accessing Prescription Medications
Whether you live in an area with limited access to pharmacies or are simply interested in the convenience of ordering medications online, we’ve got good news to share.
International and online pharmacy websites like NorthWestPharmacy.com make it easy to find and buy convenient, accessible, and even affordable prescription constipation drugs.
Simply navigate to the information page for the constipation medication you have a prescription for, select your dosage from the drop-down menu, and hit “add to cart.”
After making your way through the private payment process, you’ll get your medications delivered directly to your doorstep.
Finding relief from constipation—whether related to IBS, opioid use, or chronic conditions—doesn’t have to be stressful or inconvenient.
Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can find and buy prescription constipation drugs including Linzess, Trulance, Movantik, and Amitiza—along with many other prescription and over-the-counter medications to help you feel your best.
When you’re ready to explore discreet, affordable access to your required prescriptions, we’re here to help. Talk to our friendly, responsive customer service team at any time to get the answers to any questions you have, or even get help ordering your medications over the phone.
Click through our website to explore medications, place your order, and take control of your health! The team at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to serving you!
