Uses
What is Trulance used for?
Trulance (plecanatide) is commonly used to treat constipation in people with certain bowel problems, including irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation.
Trulance may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Trulance work (mechanism of action)?
Trulance works by increasing the amount of fluid in your intestines. This helps soften your stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. Trulance also helps to move food through your gut more quickly.
How is Trulance supplied (dosage forms)?
Trulance is available as 3 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
How should I store Trulance?
Trulance should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep Trulance in its original container. To help protect Trulance from moisture, do not remove the desiccant from the container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Trulance?
The most common side effect of Trulance is diarrhea (see below). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of Trulance that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Trulance?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Trulance are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Trulance may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Trulance and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Trulance, and it can sometimes become severe. Stop taking Trulance and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.
- Unusual or severe stomach pain
- Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever
- Bright red blood in your stool or black tarry stools
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Trulance?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Trulance.
- Trulance
- Plecanatide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Trulance.
Children Less Than 6 Years of Age. Trulance can cause serious diarrhea in children less than 6 years of age, which may result in severe dehydration. Trulance should not be used in children under 6 years of age.
Blockage in the Gut. Do not take Trulance if you have a blockage in your gut (bowel obstruction). Trulance could make your condition worse.
What should I know about Trulance before using it?
Do not take Trulance unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Trulance with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Trulance out of the reach of children.
Trulance can be taken with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, you may crush it and mix it with a teaspoonful of applesauce. You can also dissolve the tablet in one ounce (30 milliliters) of water. Swallow the mixture right away.
Trulance can be given through a nasogastric or gastric tube. If you are giving it through a feeding tube, make sure that you or a caregiver understand how to properly prepare and use Trulance. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Trulance?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Trulance is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Trulance could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Trulance while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Trulance passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Trulance?
For more information about Trulance, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.trulance.com or call them at 800-321-4576.
Interactions
Does Trulance interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Trulance and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between Trulance and alcohol.
Does Trulance interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Trulance and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Trulance?
If you or someone else has used too much Trulance, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Trulance?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Trulance (plecanatide)?
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