Weight loss is an exciting yet frustrating transformation journey. While some people notice the results in only a few weeks, others may take months to see a change. That’s why many individuals turn to instant weight loss supplements, including Linzess (linaclotide). 

Linzess is a prescribed medication for treating irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It improves full bowel motions while easing stomach pain, bloating, and irritation. There is no evidence that supports Linzess’ efficacy in weight loss. Yet, patients using it for IBS report significant weight loss.

Let’s find out whether Linzess is effective in weight loss and how you can use it for this purpose. We will also discover some of its side effects to help you make a smarter and safer choice.

The Prescribed Uses of Linzess

Linzess is not directly recommended for patients who want to lose weight. It primarily treats gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and idiopathic constipation (CIC). Here is how this medication helps:

• It enhances stool texture.
• It increases the intestine’s fluid ratio to support the food movement.
• It treats abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating.
• It relieves the side effects of incomplete bowel movements, specifically heaviness.

These use cases may result in weight loss in some patients. 

The Side Effects of Linzess

Where the users of Linzess contribute to weight loss, its side effects can also play a major role. The most common side effects of Linzess are:

• Diarrhea accompanied by dizziness
• Bloating
• Gas formation
• Stomach pain
• Discomfort 
• Pressure in abdominal areas
• Swelling in the mouth or throat
• Light-headedness
• Mild leg cramps
• Muscle weakness

It’s worth noting that the above side effects didn’t change the patient’s weight in FDA’s drug data. However, diarrhea for a prolonged period may lead to a reduction of a few pounds. 

In fact, Linzess may also result in weight gain due to bloating. Therefore, it’s best to consult a professional healthcare provider to make the right and safe choice.

How to Take Linzess for Weight Loss?

Linzess is an oral medication, meaning you can only consume it through the mouth. Don’t crush or chew the capsule, but ingest it as a whole with water. 

The best time to take this medication is on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or 30 minutes before eating your breakfast. Don’t try to consume it at night, or you may experience a few side effects like gas, diarrhea, and an upset stomach.

The safe Linzess dosage is around 290 mcg once a day. This medication is entirely safe to use daily to relieve gastrointestinal issues for almost a week. Linzess is quite different from over-the-counter laxatives that regulate bowel movements. 

It’s important to consider the side effects of this supplement before consuming it. You can easily avoid them by drinking lots of water or consulting a doctor if you suspect a slight change in your body. 

Remember, this is the correct way to take Linzess for IBS-C and similar issues. Since it’s not prescribed for weight loss specifically, there is no standard way for its consumption for this purpose.

How Long Does Linzess Take to Release its Effects?

Linzess works like any other non-laxative medication. You won’t notice its effects right after the consumption. Instead, it takes a few hours to several weeks for patients to see any change in their condition.

The duration for Linzess to kick in typically varies from person to person. While some people experience improvement in their constipation in a week, others may see the results in 24 to 72 hours. However, patients with IBS-C usually notice a change after consuming the medicine daily for 12 weeks. 

If you’re using Linzess specifically for weight loss, you will likely see a difference in a few days. It can happen when the medication relieves constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. These gastrointestinal issues release water and electrolytes from your body, which may result in weight loss.

It’s important to note that Linzess is meant to be taken daily, requiring consistent efforts. So, you must consume it consistently for several weeks to notice the changes. Always stay in touch with your doctor and frequently visit them. They will observe the improvement progress in your condition and may revise your dosage accordingly.

Is Linzess Safe?

Linzess is safe to use for gastrointestinal issues with slight chances of side effects. You can easily take it with other medicines. No research study has reported drug interaction between Linzess and others. 

As a safe practice, you must avoid taking certain laxatives like polyethylene glycol, magnesium citrate, and sodium phosphate with Linzess. Consuming them together may increase the chances of side effects, especially diarrhea and bloating. 

Moreover, people with hypersensitivity to Linzess or its composition should also avoid this medication. Those diagnosed with severe inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should also prevent it. 

For this reason, it’s good to consult a healthcare provider before taking Linzess on your own. They will evaluate your entire medical history to develop a safe plan. You can also talk to people who reported weight loss with Linzess to learn from their experience. 

Linzess for Weight Loss: Pros and Cons

No matter what drug or medication you use to reduce your weight, you must consider its pros and cons to prevent the potential side effects. Here is a brief overview of Linzess’ pros and cons for weight loss:

Pros

• Linzess can cause diarrhea, which may lead to weight loss. However, prolonged diarrhea isn’t good for your health. 
• The medication is super easy to use. You just have to ingest it with water once a day.
• Linzess has fewer side effects than other laxatives or medications for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS-C.

Cons

• Prolonged use of Linzess for weight loss may result in severe diarrhea, which may cause dizziness and fatigue.
• As Linzess is associated with bloating, it may also make you feel you have gained weight. 
• It’s not ideal for people with inflammatory bowel issues and those already taking laxatives for some other reason.

Conclusion

Linzess is not a weight loss supplement. It is prescribed and approved for treating IBS-C, idiopathic constipation, and other gastrointestinal disorders. No evidence proves the efficacy of this medicine for weight loss.

Since Linzess causes diarrhea, you may experience a loss of a few pounds. However, prolonged diarrhea will release essential nutrients and electrolytes from your body, leaving you dizzy and tired throughout the day. Thus, Linzess is not recommended for weight loss.

If you still want to use this medication to lose weight, consult a doctor beforehand. Linzess can cause severe side effects, which could be even more challenging to deal with than the extra weight. 

Sources:

Footnotes:

• Thomas RH, Allmond K. Linaclotide (Linzess) for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and for chronic idiopathic constipation. Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2013;38(3):154.
• Do WY. Do Not Use Linaclotide (LINZESS) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Constipation. 
• Keto Y, Kosako M. Pharmacological and clinical profile of linaclotide (Linzess®), a novel therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic constipation. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. Folia Pharmacologica Japonica. 2019;153(6):289-98.
• Goodman A. Linzess: A Novel Treatment Option for Constipation Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Payers’ Guide to New FDA Approvals. 2013; Vol 6 No 3.
• Atluri DK, Chandar AK, Bharucha AE, Falck‐Ytter Y. Effect of linaclotide in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C): a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2014;26(4):499-509.

References: 

• LINZESS (linaclotide) capsules, for oral use. FDA. Accessed 10/7/2023.
• Linzess. AbbVie and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Accessed 10/7/2023.
• Linzess: Frequently Asked Questions Answered. Yashoda Hospitals. Accessed 10/7/2023.
• How to Use Linzess For Weight Loss? Detailed Guide. Wellness Spoter. Accessed 10/7/2023.
• Linzess (linaclotide). Medical News Today. Accessed 10/7/2023.
• What is Linzess. Medicover Hospitals. Accessed 10/7/2023.