Does Linzess cause weight gain?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Does Linzess cause weight gain?
Yes, Linzess does cause weight gain as a side effect. A lot of research studies may tell you otherwise, but this side effect is extremely common among people who actually use it.
However, the drug may also make some people lose weight. It is impossible to predict how your body will react once it is exposed to Linzess. The best thing to do is to reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re gaining weight on Linzess rapidly.
Linzess and weight gain in the light of research
There are many reasons why Linzess can possibly cause weight gain as a side effect, according to research. Many theories are related to the mechanism of action of this drug. Several research studies have indicated that Linzess can make your body retain water (1).
Now we all are aware of the fact that your water weight can significantly affect your overall weight and can make you heavier on the scales. This effect is commonly reported by people and this type of weight is the easiest to lose.
When you begin to lose excessive fluids from your body, your weight goes back to normal. However, some people have experienced Linzess-induced weight gain without any water retention.
They just felt bloated all the time and complained of a heavy, tender, and painful stomach. This can indicate that Linzess is associated with weight gain. However, the exact reason for this side effect is still unknown and further research is required for a proper conclusion.
What to do if Linzess makes you gain weight?
If Linzess makes you gain a significant amount of weight in a very short span of time, there are a few things you can try to keep that weight off. These include:
Consult your healthcare provider
The first and most important thing is to inform your doctor about Linzess-induced weight gain and discuss the possible reasons why this drug is affecting you in this way.
If fluid retention is the cause of weight gain in your body, then your healthcare provider may suggest something to help you with it.
In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe you a low-dose diuretic to help eliminate the excess water from your body and switch you to another medication to relieve your constipation.
However, do not use diuretics without your doctor’s approval. These meds are associated with a number of side effects and may significantly slow down the heart rate of a normal person as they reduce blood pressure.
Drink coffee
Coffee can significantly help you with a lot of things, but make sure not to drink it with Linzess. There should be a sufficient time gap between coffee and Linzess to prevent the chance of any interaction.
Caffeine, the chemically active moiety in coffee, can help you with a lot of things. Caffeine acts as a natural diuretic. It can help increase your urine output and can remove excess water from your body. This can help you with Linzess-induced weight gain.
Caffeine can also help you with your constipation as this beverage can increase your intestinal motility and help with bowel evacuation. Caffeine can also help boost your metabolism which can help you burn more calories.
Limit your salt intake
Make sure you limit your salt intake if the cause of your Linzess-induced weight gain is fluid retention. Water and salt work together to maintain your body’s fluid.
The excess amount of sodium will cause more water to stay in your body and decrease your urine output. This can make your side effects much worse. So make sure you limit the use of salt as long as you’re taking Linzess.
Exercise
Exercise also holds some great importance when it comes to losing weight. It will not only help you with burning fat but sweating can also help you get rid of accumulated water and Sodium in your body, which can significantly make you heavier on the scale.
Exercise can also help you with symptoms associated with constipation and can help regulate your bowel movements.
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References
1.-
Kalola UK, Chowdhury YS. Linaclotide. 2023 Mar 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 35201736. Bookshelf ID: NBK578208. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578208/