What is IBS-C?
Bristol Stool Form Scale
Adapted from original © 2000 Rome Foundation. Used with permission.
Understanding IBS-C
Living with IBS-C can mean dealing with constipation and belly symptoms.
Constipation symptoms of IBS-C may include
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools. Take a closer look at stool types
- Extra effort/straining to go to the bathroom
- Feeling that your bowels don't empty and you still need to go
Belly symptoms of IBS-C may include
Pain
(3 or more days a month)
Bloating
Discomfort
(3 or more days a month)
Everyone’s journey with IBS-C treatment is different
Don’t be okay with feeling just okay. Check your symptoms to see how much they may actually be impacting your life, and talk to your healthcare provider about whether IBSRELA could be right for you.
What causes IBS‑C?
There are several different and possible causes of IBS‑C:
Slow stool movement (or slow motility)
When stool moves through the gut too slowly.
Cars normally ride along at the speed limit. Stool is supposed to move through your gut in the same way. If you have IBS-C, though, stool can move through your gut way under the speed limit.
Leaky gut (or increased intestinal permeability)
When the gut allows more than just water and nutrients (such as unwanted particles or toxins) through the intestinal barrier and into the bloodstream.
Window screens do a great job keeping bugs and other pests out of the house. If there are holes in the screens, though, the pests can get through. The protective barrier in your intestines, or gut, works the same way. If that protective barrier weakens, toxins can get through to your bloodstream.
Sensitive nerves (or visceral hypersensitivity)
When the nerves in the intestines are extra sensitive, normal stimuli may cause increased belly pain.
Dogs’ ears are a lot more sensitive than ours. They can be bothered by noises we can’t even hear. If you have IBS-C, the nerves in your intestine can be just as sensitive. Things that other people don’t feel at all can cause you pain and discomfort.
Gut-brain interaction
The gut and brain talk to each other, so changes in one can cause changes in the other.
The gut and brain are connected like a two-way street. In fact, the gut is sometimes called “the second brain,“ because it has its own nervous system. Your “two brains“ can send messages back and forth to each other. So when your gut is unhappy, it makes sense that you are, too.
Partnering up to change the IBS-C conversation
As organizations dedicated to empowering people to take control of their health, Ardelyx and the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) have partnered to tackle the stigma of IBS-C.
Millions
of adults in the US are living with IBS-C†
We’re here to empower you to speak up and ask for something different. Just like golfers adjusting their strategy mid-game, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your IBS-C treatment plan when it isn’t working for you.
If you’re still struggling with IBS-C symptoms, it may be time for a game-time adjustment. Start advocating for your health today and talk to your healthcare provider about IBSRELA.
Based on a survey of adults who lived in the US and met diagnostic criteria for IBS, including people with symptoms consistent with IBS‑C.
The impact of IBS-C is real
My IBS-C symptoms caused me to miss so many important events in my life, including celebrating my grandpa’s 90th birthday. I missed going out with my friends, my family.… I felt like I was missing out on life.”
– Alex, patient with IBS-C
My IBS-C symptoms caused me to miss so many important events in my life, including celebrating my grandpa’s 90th birthday. I missed going out with my friends, my family.… I felt like I was missing out on life.”
– Alex, patient with IBS-C
There is no one-size-fits-all medication for IBS-C
That’s why it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about how you’re feeling and what IBS-C medications are available to you. Prepare for your next appointment using our discussion guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is IBS‑C, and what does IBS‑C stand for?
IBS‑C, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation, is a common condition. People with IBS‑C experience constipation along with pain and other belly symptoms.
What are common IBS‑C symptoms?
Living with IBS-C can mean dealing with constipation and belly symptoms.
Constipation symptoms of IBS‑C may include:
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Extra effort/straining to go to the bathroom
- Feeling that your bowels don't empty and you still need to go
Belly symptoms of IBS‑C may include:
- Pain (3 or more days a month)
- Bloating
- Discomfort (3 or more days a month)
What causes IBS‑C?
There are many different and possible causes of IBS‑C:
- Slow stool movement (or slow motility): When stool moves through the gut too slowly
- Leaky gut (or increased intestinal permeability): When the gut allows more than just water and nutrients (such as unwanted particles or toxins) through the intestinal barrier and into the bloodstream
- Sensitive nerves (or visceral hypersensitivity): When the nerves in the intestines are extra sensitive, normal stimuli may cause increased belly pain
- Gut-brain interaction: The gut and brain talk to each other, so changes in one can cause changes in the other
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
- Do not give IBSRELA to children who are less than 6 years of age. It may harm them.
- You should not give IBSRELA to children 6 years to less than 18 years of age. It may harm them. IBSRELA can cause severe diarrhea and your child could get severe dehydration (loss of a large amount of body water and salt).
- Do not take IBSRELA if a doctor has told you that you have a bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction).
Before you take IBSRELA, tell your doctor about your medical conditions, including if you are:
- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if IBSRELA will harm your unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, although IBSRELA is not expected to pass into your breast milk and to harm your baby. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take IBSRELA.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Side Effects
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of IBSRELA, and it can sometimes be severe. Stop taking IBSRELA and call your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea.
Other common side effects of IBSRELA include swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distension), gas (flatulence), or dizziness.
These are not all the possible side effects of IBSRELA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is IBSRELA?
IBSRELA (tenapanor) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It is not known if IBSRELA is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.
Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning.
What is IBSRELA?
IBSRELA (tenapanor) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It is not known if IBSRELA is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.
You are now leaving IBSRELA.com
This link will take you to a site maintained by a third party, who is solely responsible for its contents. Ardelyx, Inc., provides these links as a service to our website visitors. Ardelyx, Inc., is not responsible for the content or Privacy Policy of any third-party websites. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy of every website you visit.
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
- Do not give IBSRELA to children who are less than 6 years of age. It may harm them.
- You should not give IBSRELA to children 6 years to less than 18 years of age. It may harm them. IBSRELA can cause severe diarrhea and your child could get severe dehydration (loss of a large amount of body water and salt).
- Do not take IBSRELA if a doctor has told you that you have a bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction).
Before you take IBSRELA, tell your doctor about your medical conditions, including if you are:
- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if IBSRELA will harm your unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, although IBSRELA is not expected to pass into your breast milk and to harm your baby. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take IBSRELA.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Side Effects
Diarrhea is the most common side effect of IBSRELA, and it can sometimes be severe. Stop taking IBSRELA and call your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea.
Other common side effects of IBSRELA include swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distension), gas (flatulence), or dizziness.
These are not all the possible side effects of IBSRELA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What is IBSRELA?
IBSRELA (tenapanor) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It is not known if IBSRELA is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.
Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning.
What is IBSRELA?
IBSRELA (tenapanor) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It is not known if IBSRELA is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.