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Plecanatide

Pronounced

"ple-KAN-a-tide"

Common brand names:

Trulance

Uses

See also Warning section.

Plecanatide is used to treat certain types of bowel problems (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). It works by increasing fluid in your intestines and helping speed up movement of food through the gut. Plecanatide may improve stool texture and lessen symptoms such as straining and feelings of incomplete bowel movements.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking plecanatide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you may crush the tablet and mix the powder into a teaspoonful of room-temperature applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away. Do not save the mixture for future use.

You may also place the tablet into a cup with an ounce (30 milliliters) of room-temperature water. Swirl the mixture for at least 10 seconds and then drink right away. If you see any part of the tablet left in the cup, add another ounce (30 milliliters) of water to the cup, swirl for 10 seconds and drink right away to get your whole dose. The water mixture may also be given through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). If you are giving this medication through a tube, ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to give it.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.