WHAT IS IBS-C?
The more you know about IBS-C, the better equipped you are to make decisions about your treatment.
UNDERSTANDING IBS-C
IBS-C is a common condition in which patients experience constipation along with other belly symptoms.
Sound familiar?
Constipation symptoms of IBS-C may include
- Infrequent bowel movements (fewer than 3 per week)
- Hard or lumpy stools Take a closer look at stool types
- Straining to go to the bathroom
- Feeling that your bowels do not empty completely
Belly symptoms of IBS-C may include
- Pain
- Bloating
- Discomfort
BRISTOL STOOL CHART
CONSTIPATION
Separate hard lumps
Lumpy and sausage like
NORMAL
A sausage shape with cracks in the surface
Like a smooth, soft sausage or snake
Soft blobs with
clear-cut edges
DIARRHEA
Mushy consistency with ragged edges
Liquid consistency with no solid pieces
CONSTIPATION
DIARRHEA
CONSTIPATION
DIARRHEA
Adapted from original © 2000 Rome Foundation. Used with permission.
What are the causes of IBS-C?
There are many different causes of IBS-C:
Slow stool movement (or slow motility)
Leaky gut (or increased intestinal permeability)
Sensitive nerves (or visceral hypersensitivity)
Gut-brain interaction
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since the causes of IBS-C are different in different people, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach. You may have to try different medications to find the one that’s right for you.
What are the causes of IBS-C?
There are many different 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.
Since the causes of IBS-C are different in different people, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach. You may have to try different medications to find the one that’s right for you.
View transcript
Suzanne VO:
IBS-C very much impacted my ability to live my life.
I used to go 14-15 days without a bowel movement – and I had terrible cramping and bloating. I love to go camping with my husband – and now that we are retired, we have plenty of time to do so. But I didn’t want to leave the house just in case I got the urge to go to the bathroom.
And the abdominal pain and bloating were so bad – I really didn’t feel like doing much of anything. I went to multiple healthcare providers before finding one that was able to find the right medication for me.
*Individual results and experiences may vary.
The IBS-Connection
THE IMPORTANCE OF FINDING THE MEDICATION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Suzanne felt uncomfortable leaving her house to go camping with her husband due to her IBS-C symptoms. After trying other options, and with the help of her healthcare provider, she was able to find a medication that works for her.*
*Individual results and experiences may vary.
View transcript
Suzanne VO:
IBS-C very much impacted my ability to live my life.
I used to go 14-15 days without a bowel movement – and I had terrible cramping and bloating. I love to go camping with my husband – and now that we are retired, we have plenty of time to do so. But I didn’t want to leave the house just in case I got the urge to go to the bathroom.
And the abdominal pain and bloating were so bad – I really didn’t feel like doing much of anything. I went to multiple healthcare providers before finding one that was able to find the right medication for me.
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, real person living with IBS-C
Don’t be okay with feeling just okay. If you continue to have IBS-C symptoms that bother you, talk to your healthcare provider. Answer these questions about your IBS-C symptoms to help you and your healthcare provider discuss your treatment options.
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.
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 patients 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. It is not known if IBSRELA passes into your breast milk. 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.
Please also see Medication Guide within the full Prescribing Information.
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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.
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 patients 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. It is not known if IBSRELA passes into your breast milk. 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.
Please also see Medication Guide within the full Prescribing Information.
