Tegaserod is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (a disorder that affects the digestive system which involves abdominal pain and changes in bowel movement) with constipation in women below 65 years.
Take Tegaserod exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before meals. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Tegaserod must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of heart problems e.g. heart attack, chest pain
- history of stroke
- gallbladder problems
- gastrointestinal diseases e.g. suspected problem with the sphincter of Oddi (a part of the digestive tract that controls the flow of pancreas juice and bile to the bowel), scar tissue in the abdomen, history of blood flow problems in the bowel or blocked bowel
- frequent or currently experiencing diarrhoea
- moderate to severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
as Tegaserod may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels in the blood
- diabetes
- obesity or overweight
- active smoker
Tegaserod is not intended for the treatment of women aged 65 years and above, and for use in men.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor may request an ECG (a test used to record the electrical activity of the heart) before starting the treatment.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for significant diarrhoea and signs and symptoms of worsening depression or emergence of suicidal thoughts may also be needed.
Tegaserod may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness with or without sensation of spinning, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach wind, increased appetite, joint pain or swelling, and weakness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- chest pain that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, stomach or back area, breathlessness, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- severe diarrhoea accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- bleeding in the rectum, bloody diarrhoea, new or worsening stomach pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking quinidine (medicine for irregular heartbeat).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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