December is Constipation Awareness Month | IBS Awareness

This post has been sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals. All opinions are my own.

While December is the most wonderful time of the year for many, the last-minute shopping and family expectations from the holidays can also make it quite hectic. As someone living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), I can’t be dealing with symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain and bloating while balancing everything that comes with the holiday season too.

This Constipation Awareness Month, let me remind you that 3.4 million U.S. adults suffer from IBS-C. But, those living with IBS-C should know treatment options are available. Meet Trulance® (plecanatide). Trulance® is a once-daily prescription medication used in adults to treat IBS-C. Trulance can help patients have less abdominal pain and more regular, well-formed bowel movements. Trulance can help provide relief from constipation in as little as 24 hours. Individual results may vary. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you! 

Putting your health first is the greatest gift you could give yourself this holiday season.

What Is Trulance?

Trulance® (plecanatide) 3 mg tablets is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) and Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). Chronic means the constipation is long lasting. “Idiopathic” means the cause of the constipation is unknown. It is not known if Trulance is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.

What is the most important information I should know about Trulance?

• Do not give Trulance to children who are less than 6 years of age. It may harm them.

• You should not give Trulance to children 6 years to less than 18 years of age. It may harm them.

• Do not take Trulance if a doctor has told you that you have a bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction).

Before you take Trulance, tell your doctor:

• If you have any other medical conditions.

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Trulance will harm your unborn baby.

• If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Trulance passes into your breast milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take Trulance.

• About all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the common side effects of Trulance?

Diarrhea is the most common side effect and can sometimes be severe. Diarrhea often begins within the first 4 weeks of Trulance treatment. Stop taking Trulance and call your doctor right away if you get severe diarrhea.

These are not all the possible side effects of Trulance. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

You are encouraged to report side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 or you can report side effects to Bausch Health at 1-877-361-2719.

Please also see Medication Guide within the full Prescribing Information.

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