anthony asked
I'm currently taking Amitiza. Can I stop taking Amitiza and start taking Trulance the next day? Previously I was taking Trulance a month ago.
Answer
According to the prescribing information for Amitiza:
"Following 12 weeks of treatment with Amitiza 8 mcg twice daily, withdrawal of Amitiza did not result in a rebound effect."
Various studies have also reported that Amitiza lacks rebound or withdrawal effects. One study found that while spontaneous bowel movements did decrease after discontinuing the drug, the frequency of them was not worse than baseline (i.e. before therapy with Amitiza), and in fact was slightly improved.
About Amitiza
Amitiza increases intestinal fluid secretions by activating ClC-2 chloride channels. Activating these channels produces a chloride-rich intestinal fluid secretion, softening the stool, which increases motility in the intestine. This helps to promote spontaneous bowel movements.
Amitiza should be taken by mouth twice daily with food with the most common side effects being:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Abdominal distension
- Upper respiratory tract infection
