What Is Amitiza?

Amitiza is used to treat chronic constipation due to unknown medical reasons in adults.

Amitiza has not been studied in patients with liver or kidney problems.

Amitiza has not been studied in children.

Who Should Not Take Amitiza?

You should not take Amitiza if you:

• have or had a blockage in the stomach or intestinal area.  Your healthcare professional should examine you if you have symptoms of a stomach or intestinal blockage.
• are allergic to Amitiza or to any of the ingredients in Amitiza

What Are The Risks?

The following are the major side effects of Amitiza therapy. However, this list is not complete.

• Nausea. Nausea may be decreased by taking Amitiza with food.
• Diarrhea. Diarrhea may occur when taking Amitiza.  Tell your healthcare professional if you have severe diarrhea when taking Amitiza.
• Some common side effects that may occur with Amitiza include:
  • stomach feels full and tight (bloated)
  • stomach area (abdominal) pain
  • headache
  • gas

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

Before you start taking Amitiza, tell your healthcare professional if you:

• are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Amitiza has not been studied in pregnant women. Amitiza has been studied in pregnant animals.  Some pregnant animals lost their babies after given Amitiza.  Women who can become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test before starting Amitiza and use effective birth control when taking Amitiza.
• are breastfeeding

Can Other Medicines Or Food Affect Amitiza?

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your healthcare professional.

How Should I Take Amitiza? 

• Amitiza is taken by mouth.
• Amitiza should be taken with food

  Date created: January 31, 2006, Updated:  August 15, 2006