Zelnorm Oral

Uses

This medication is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have constipation as a major symptom. Tegaserod relieves constipation by shortening the time stool remains in the bowel, reducing stomach pain and bloating. It is also used in women with severe, long-term constipation. Use of tegaserod is FDA-restricted to women less than 55 years of age who have tried other treatments for constipation without relief, and who are free of heart disease (see also Side Effects and Precautions sections).

This medication should not be used to treat IBS in women who have diarrhea as their major symptom, or if you currently have diarrhea or a history of frequent diarrhea.

This medication has not been shown to work in men with IBS.

How to use Zelnorm Oral

Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily before meals; or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication for 4 to 6 weeks. If your symptoms improve, your doctor may recommend a second 4 to 6 weeks of treatment.

Before taking tegaserod, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: severe kidney disease, severe liver disease, heart disease (e.g., history of heart attack, angina), risks for heart disease (e.g., obesity, high cholesterol/triglycerides, smoking, family history, high blood pressure, diabetes), history of stroke, a history of certain stomach disorders (e.g., bowel obstruction, symptomatic gallbladder disease, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or abdominal adhesions), certain psychiatric problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, thoughts or attempts of suicide).

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: current or repeat episodes of diarrhea or stomach/abdominal pain.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. Tegaserod should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe diarrhea and severe headache.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE:

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degree C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Headache or joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he/she has judged the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

If diarrhea occurs, it may be only temporary during the first week of treatment. If it occurs, your doctor may recommend that you drink plenty of liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated. If the diarrhea does not resolve on its own after 2 days or if you feel very weak, have severe cramping, dizziness/lightheadedness/fainting, or irregular heartbeats, stop tegaserod and tell your doctor immediately.

If you experience different or suddenly worsening stomach/abdominal pain compared to your regular IBS symptoms, with or without bloody stools, stop taking this medication and tell your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a rare but serious intestinal problem (ischemic colitis).

Seek immediate medical attention if the following rare but very serious side effects occur: chest/jaw pain or discomfort, weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, confusion.

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.