Tenapanor

Tenapanor is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C; a condition that causes stomach pain or cramps, bloating, and infrequent or difficult passage of stools) in adults. Tenapanor is in a class of medications called sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE3) inhibitors. It works by increasing the movement of food and waste through the stomach and intestines.

Tenapanor comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice daily just before breakfast and just before dinner. Take tenapanor 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 tenapanor exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Tenapanor controls the symptoms of IBS-C, but it does not cure it. Your constipation symptoms may improve in 1 week, and it may take slightly longer for your stomach pain to improve. Continue to take tenapanor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tenapanor without talking to your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking tenapanor,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tenapanor, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tenapanor tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have any type of blockage in your stomach or bowels. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take tenapanor.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had other medical conditions.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tenapanor, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

• Tenapanor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • dizziness

  • gas

  • stomach bloating or tenderness

  • mild diarrhea

• Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • severe diarrhea

• Tenapanor 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 (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). Do not remove the desiccant (drying agent) from the bottle, if one has been provided.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• diarrhea

• extreme thirst, dry mouth and/or skin, decreased urination, sunken eyes, or fast heartbeat

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.