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Plecanatide is used to treat certain types of bowel problems (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). It works by increasing fluid in your intestines and helping speed up movement of food through the gut. Plecanatide may improve stool texture and lessen symptoms such as straining and feelings of incomplete bowel movements.

This medication must not be used in children younger than 6 years because of the risk of serious side effects.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking plecanatide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you may crush the tablet and mix the powder into a teaspoonful of room-temperature applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away. Do not save the mixture for future use.

You may also place the tablet into a cup with an ounce (30 milliliters) of room-temperature water. Swirl the mixture for at least 10 seconds and then drink right away. If you see any part of the tablet left in the cup, add another ounce (30 milliliters) of water to the cup, swirl for 10 seconds and drink right away to get your whole dose. The water mixture may also be given through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). If you are giving this medication through a tube, ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to give it.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

Diarrhea may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe diarrhea.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking plecanatide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal blockage.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store in the original container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.