What is tegaserod?
Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007. This
medication may still be used in limited emergency situations.
Tegaserod increases the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines. This
speeds the movement of stools through the bowels.
Tegaserod is used to treat severe, chronic, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who
have constipation (and not diarrhea) as their main bowel problem.
Tegaserod is also used to treat chronic constipation in patients younger than 55 years old.
Tegaserod may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tegaserod?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tegaserod, or if you have:
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a history of stroke or heart attack;
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untreated or uncontrolled angina (chest pain);
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high blood pressure;
-
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
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diabetes;
-
depression or anxiety;
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if you smoke;
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if you are older than 55 years;
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if you are overweight; or
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if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.
Before taking tegaserod, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
drugs, or if you have:
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diarrhea or if diarrhea is your main symptom of IBS;
-
gallbladder problems;
-
a blockage in your intestines;
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any other stomach or intestinal disorders;
-
kidney disease; or
-
liver disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use tegaserod.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether tegaserod passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Tegaserod has not been shown to be helpful for men with irritable bowel syndrome.
How should I take tegaserod?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Take tegaserod on an empty stomach.
Tegaserod is usually taken twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For
best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do
not improve after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment.
Tegaserod is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. If you stop taking tegaserod, your
symptoms may return within 1 or 2 weeks.
Store tegaserod at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of tegaserod?
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, wait until it is time for your next dose
and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine to make up the missed
dose.
Where can I get more information about tegaserod?
Your pharmacist has information about tegaserod written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of tegaserod?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking tegaserod and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect
such as:
-
new or worsening stomach pain;
-
blood in your stools;
-
ongoing diarrhea;
-
severe stomach pain or cramps; or
-
feeling like you might pass out.
Less serious side effects may include:
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headache, dizziness or migraine;
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back pain or joint pain; or
-
mild stomach pain, nausea or gas.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What is the most important information I should know about tegaserod?
Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007. This
medication may still be used in limited emergency situations.
Tegaserod is not for use in people with diarrhea as the main symptom of their irritable
bowel condition.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tegaserod, or if you have a
history of stroke or heart attack, high blood pressure, uncontrolled angina, high cholesterol or
triglycerides, diabetes, depression, or anxiety.
You also should not use tegaserod if you smoke, if you are older than 55 years, if you are
overweight, or if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.
Before taking tegaserod, tell your doctor if you have gallbladder problems, a blockage in
your intestines, other stomach or intestinal disorders, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Tegaserod has not been shown to be helpful for men with irritable bowel syndrome.
Stop taking tegaserod and call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening
stomach pain, blood in your stools, ongoing diarrhea, severe stomach pain or cramps, or feel like
you might pass out.
What should I avoid while taking tegaserod?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are using tegaserod.
What other drugs will affect tegaserod?
Other drugs may interact with tegaserod. Talk your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of tegaserod?