Plecanatide: Comprehensive Medication Profile

Trulance (Plecanatide)

Plecanatide, sold under the brand name Trulance in the United States, is primarily used to manage certain gastrointestinal conditions in adults.

Pharmacologic Category

Plecanatide falls under the category of guanylate cyclase-C agonists. Other medications in this category include Linaclotide (Linzess) and Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda).

Dosing

The correct dosage of Plecanatide varies depending on the condition being treated. Never adjust your medication dose without discussing it with your healthcare provider first.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)

3 mg once daily. Patients can take the medication indefinitely as long as it remains effective and side effects are manageable.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)

3 mg once daily. The length of treatment depends on symptom response and tolerability.

Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC)

Currently, Plecanatide is not approved for OIC. Consult your healthcare provider for other options.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Plecanatide is available as a 3 mg oral tablet.

Administration Instructions

Plecanatide should be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush or chew it.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medications, Plecanatide may cause side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Diarrhea (Common)

Plecanatide increases fluid in the intestines, which can lead to diarrhea. This is generally most common at the start of therapy and tends to decrease over time.

Stomach pain (Less common)

Plecanatide can sometimes irritate the stomach lining, causing discomfort or pain.

Contraindications

Contraindications refer to conditions or factors that make it inadvisable to use a certain treatment due to the risk of harm to the patient.

Known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction

Patients with this condition should not use Plecanatide as it may exacerbate their symptoms and lead to complications.

Drug-to-Drug Interactions

Currently, there are no known significant drug interactions with Plecanatide. However, always discuss all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with your healthcare provider.

Plecanatide in Pregnancy

There’s limited information about the safety of Plecanatide during pregnancy. It’s essential to consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Plecanatide while Breastfeeding

It’s unclear whether Plecanatide passes into breast milk. If you’re nursing, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before taking this medication.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Plecanatide is between $400 to $500 when using a GoodRx coupon. Prices vary significantly by pharmacy and location and are subject to change due to negotiated agreements. Always check with your local pharmacy for exact pricing.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.