Tegaserod (By mouth)

Introduction:

Tegaserod (teg-a-SER-od)

Treats symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women whose main problem is constipation. Also treats certain types of long-term constipation. This medicine was withdrawn from the US market on March 30, 2007, but is available on a very limited basis for restricted use. Women who would like to be considered for this program should contact their doctor for an evaluation.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, take your dose shortly before you eat a meal.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• Do not take this medicine if you have diarrhea right now, or if you have diarrhea often.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or very fast heart beat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Severe cramping, stomach pain, dizziness.
• Severe diarrhea, or diarrhea or stools that contain blood.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Trouble seeing or blurry vision.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain, leg pain, joint pain, or cramps.
• Cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose.
• Feeling unusually sad.
• Headache.
• Mild diarrhea (may happen one or two times when you first start using this medicine).
• Mild nausea, vomiting, or gas.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, and feet.
• Trouble sleeping, or feeling restless.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: