Motegrity vs Linzess – Similarities, Differences, Side Effects, Costs

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Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Thu Apr 27 2023)

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two conditions that do not have a specific cause. Nearly 8 million people in the US seek medical attention for constipation every year. Therefore, certain medications can be prescribed to treat CIC and IBS.

So, in this article, we will discuss Motegrity vs Linzess and everything you need to know about these medicines. First, here is a quick explanation to get us started.

Motegrity vs Linzess: Motegrity and Linzess are two prescription drugs used to treat adults with CIC and IBS with constipation. Though both medicines offer the potential for the same treatment, they belong to different classes of drugs and may cause different side effects. The way you take each medication and the dosages also differ.

Now that you have the quick answer, let’s get into the specific details.

What is Motegrity?

Motegrity is a serotonin-4 receptor agonist indicated for adults with chronic idiopathic constipation. Takeda manufactures this medication, and it received approval from the FDA in 2018.

The active ingredient in Motegrity, prucalopride, is released and absorbed after it is taken. It starts to target a certain receptor in the colon, which improves the natural movements of the colon. This helps with bowel movements.

Since Motegrity is considered a prokinetic medicine, it helps control one’s acid reflux. It also strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter and causes stomach contents to empty faster.

This medication may be suggested for off-label use to treat IBS with constipation.

What is Linzess?

Linzess is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist that is indicated for adults with CIC and IBS with constipation. This medication is manufactured by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and received approval by the FDA in 2012 for IBS and 2017 for CIC.

Linzess is not a laxative and acts directly in the intestines. It works by calming pain-sensing nerves and by accelerating bowel movements.

Dosages of Motegrity vs Linzess

The dosages and when one should take Motegrity and Linzess are different when compared to each other. Here is a breakdown of the dosages:

• Motegrity: 1 mg or 2 mg tablets
• Linzess: 290 mcg for IBS and 145 mcg or 75 mcg for CIC

Both medicines are taken once daily, regardless of the dosage you have been prescribed.

It is recommended to take Linzess on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before your first meal. Motegrity can be taken anytime with or without food but should be taken around the same time each day.

Side Effects – Motegrity vs Linzess

The most common side effects of Motegrity may include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Gas
• Fatigue

More serious but rare side effects of Motegrity may include changes in mood or behavior and suicidal thoughts. Patients should stop taking Motegrity right away if they begin to notice changes in their behavior. Notify your doctor immediately if you have worsening depression.

The most common side effects of Linzess may include:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling
• Feeling of pressure in the abdomen (distension)

Though diarrhea is the most common side effect, it can sometimes become very severe, requiring medical attention. Stop taking Linzess or Motegrity and call your doctor if diarrhea becomes severe.

Patients should notify their doctor of any side effect that bothers them or does not go away.

Safety Information for Motegrity and Linzess

The safety information and warnings between Motegrity vs Linzess are similar but may differ slightly. Here is a breakdown of each medication’s safety information.

Important safety information for Motegrity:

• Do not take Motegrity if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You should not take this medication if you have a tear in your stomach or intestinal wall (bowel perforation), intestinal blockage, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. It is not known if Motegrity will cause harm to an unborn baby.
• Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding. The ingredients in Motegrity may pass through breast milk, causing harm to a nursing child.
• Talk to your doctor about the history of your medical conditions, including if you have or had depression, suicidal thoughts, mood problems, or kidney problems.
• It is no known if Motegrity is safe and effective for children.

Important safety information for Linzess:

• Do not take Linzess if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• It is not known if Linzess will cause harm to an unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• It is not known if this medication will pass through breast milk. Let your doctor know if you plan to breastfeed and discuss with them the best way to feed your child.
• Linzess should not be given to anyone under the age of 18, as it is not known if it is safe and effective for children.

Regardless of whether you are taking Motegrity or Linzess, you must talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking. This includes other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

Cost of Motegrity vs Linzess

The out-of-pocket cost for Motegrity 1 mg tablets is about $465 for 30 tablets.

The out-of-pocket cost for Linzess 72 mcg capsules is about $474 for 30 capsules.

Through Prescription Hope’s medication access service, you can pay just $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service each of these medications.

Is Motegrity or Linzess More Effective?

The effectiveness of Motegrity and Linzess will vary from person to person. Each patient will have different needs and respond differently to the medicines prescribed. Therefore, patients must listen to their doctor’s instructions and advice when getting prescribed medications.

Based on patient reviews, Motegrity was more effective for many over Linzess. It can be taken with or without food, which many find beneficial over Linzess. However, as mentioned before, each patient will respond differently. So, where some find Motegrity more effective, you may experience worse side effects with Motegrity than Linzess. So, Linzess might be your preferred medicine when comparing these two.

Conclusion

We hope this has given you better insight into Motegrity vs Linzess. Always consult your doctor for questions regarding your specific condition. If you start to have severe side effects or believe the medicine you have been prescribed is not working, then consult your doctor right away.

If you are struggling to afford your medications, then Prescription Hope can help. We work directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide patients with the medicine they need at a set, affordable cost. Enroll with us and start paying just $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service for each of your prescribed medicines .