My IBS-C Journey

This IBS-C Journey post has been sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals. All opinions are my own.

There were countless days that I would cancel plans last minute or stare at my reflection in the mirror in disgust because my stomach would be distended, bloated and uncomfortable. For a fashionista, this was a huge problem. It felt like punishment. I loved the art of dressing up for work and girls’ nights alike, yet my Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) could change everything at the drop of a hat. And the worst part…I was so very disciplined with my diet. I cut gluten, dairy, nuts, red wine and processed sugars. I felt helpless and hopeless. That was then, this is now!

April is a significant month for me for two reasons. #1. It’s IBS Awareness Month and #2. I am celebrating my journey of health and wellness along with symptom improvement as far as my IBS-C challenges are concerned. No longer is it an interruption to my life or the things that I enjoy, which is why I want to take an opportunity this month to share Trulance® (plecanatide) as a potential treatment for adults that relate to this post and struggle with IBS-C symptoms. While food, stress and exercise play heavily into my IBS-C symptoms, it’s also great to know there are treatment options that can help reduce the stomach discomfort.

For more info, see below:

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.