In 2007, tegaserod was removed from the U.S. market and was made available only through a restricted distribution program from the manufacturer. Beginning in April 2008, tegaserod will no longer be available through the restricted distribution program; therefore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to make tegaserod available to physicians for patients in emergency situations that are life-threatening or require hospitalization. If your doctor believes that you should receive tegaserod, he or she may contact the FDA for more information. If you are receiving tegaserod through the restricted distribution program, you should talk to your doctor about switching to another treatment.
Tegaserod is used to relieve pain, bloating, and constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women whose main symptom is constipation. This medication is also used to increase the frequency of bowel movements and relieve bloating, straining, and stomach pain in women and men with chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation that is not due to other diseases or medications and that has been a problem for longer than 6 months). Tegaserod is in a class of medications called serotonin agonists. It works by improving muscle movement and increasing production of fluid in the bowels.
Tegaserod comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach shortly before a meal. Take tegaserod at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tegaserod exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you have IBS with constipation, your doctor will probably tell you to take tegaserod for 4-6 weeks. If your symptoms improve, your doctor may tell you to take tegaserod for another 4-6 weeks. If you have chronic idiopathic constipation, you should talk to your doctor regularly to see if you should continue to take tegaserod. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling, and do not take tegaserod for longer than your doctor prescribes.
Tegaserod controls the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation, but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take tegaserod even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tegaserod without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking tegaserod, your symptoms may return within 1-2 weeks.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
You should skip the missed dose. Wait until the next time you are supposed to take tegaserod, and then take your normal dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
headache
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
gas
leg or back pain
joint pain or problems
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
runny nose, congestion, or other cold symptoms
rash
hives
itching
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
difficulty breathing and swallowing
hoarseness
People with IBS may need to have abdominal surgery, especially gallbladder surgery, more often than people who do not have IBS. People with IBS who took tegaserod needed this type of surgery somewhat more often than people who did not take tegaserod. It is not known if taking tegaserod increases your chance of needing abdominal surgery. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking this medication.
You should know that tegaserod rarely may cause ischemic colitis. Tell your doctor and stop taking tegaserod right away if you have new or worsening stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or blood in your stools.
Tegaserod may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
diarrhea
headache
stomach pain
gas
nausea
vomiting
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when getting up too quickly from a lying position
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.