Plecanatide is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

Plecanatide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use plecanatide if you have a blockage in your intestines.

Do not give plecanatide to a child younger than 6 years old. Plecanatide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Swallow the tablet whole, with or without food.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush and mix the tablet with a spoonful of water or applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.

This tablet mixture with water may also be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube using a catheter-tipped syringe. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the tablets in their original bottle or blister pack until you are ready to take one. You may remove the packing coil from inside the pill bottle. But leave the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative inside the bottle.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation:

3 mg orally once a day

Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation:

-Under Age 6 Years: Contraindicated.
-Age 6 to Under 18 Years: Not recommended.

You should not use plecanatide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blockage in your intestines.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

Avoid using plecanatide in anyone younger than 18 years old. In animal studies, plecanatide caused severe dehydration leading to death.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

An overdose of plecanatide is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication. A child under 6 who takes plecanatide may become severely dehydrated.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Remove and discard the polyester coil (used to protect the tablets during shipping) after opening the bottle. Do not remove the desiccant (drying agent) from the bottle, if one has been provided.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of plecanatide. Stop using plecanatide and call your doctor at once if your diarrhea is severe.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect plecanatide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.