Zelnorm 6 mg tablet

Generic name:
Tegaserod - oral

Pronunciation
(TEG-a-SER-od)

Brand name(s)
Zelnorm

This medication is used by women to treat a certain stomach/intestinal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, or IBS-C). Tegaserod works by speeding up the motion in your gut. This effect shortens the time stool remains in the bowel, and helps lessen symptoms such as belly pain and constipation.

This medication has not been shown to work in men with IBS.

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

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily, at least 30 minutes before a meal. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

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

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Headache, stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, gas, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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.

Diarrhea commonly occurs during the first week of treatment, but usually gets better as your body adjusts to this medication. Diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.

This medication may rarely cause damage to the intestines due to decreased blood flow to the intestines (ischemic colitis). Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as bleeding from your rectum, blood in your stools, or new/worsening abdominal pain.

This medication may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior such as signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or thoughts about harming yourself.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest/jaw/left arm pain
• shortness of breath
• unusual sweating
• weakness on one side of the body
• trouble speaking
• sudden vision changes
• confusion

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 tegaserod, 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:

• heart problems (such as previous heart attack, angina)
• increased risk for heart disease (such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes)
• kidney disease
• liver problems
• stroke
• mental/mood problems (such as anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide)
• other stomach/abdominal problems (such as blockage, gallbladder problems, ischemic colitis)

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

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 drug passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store 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.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.