Tegaserod — Membership Pricing

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About Tegaserod

Tegaserod, commonly known by its brand name Zelnorm, is a prescription medication designed to provide relief for women under 65 suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C). This article explores its function and typical costs. TheDrugClub is dedicated to helping members access significant savings on necessary prescriptions like tegaserod, making vital treatments more accessible.

Tegaserod is a specialized medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in women under the age of 65. IBS-C is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and infrequent, difficult bowel movements. For those who haven't found sufficient relief with other treatments, tegaserod offers a targeted approach to managing these challenging symptoms.

How Tegaserod Works to Alleviate Symptoms

Tegaserod functions as a serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist. In simpler terms, it works by stimulating specific serotonin receptors in the gut. This stimulation leads to an increase in gut motility (the movement of food through the digestive tract) and fluid secretion into the intestines. By accelerating the transit of stool and softening its consistency, tegaserod helps to relieve constipation, reduce abdominal discomfort, and alleviate bloating associated with IBS-C, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected.

Understanding the Cost of Tegaserod

As a brand-name medication and a specialized treatment, tegaserod can be quite expensive, especially without insurance coverage or if you have a high deductible plan. Typical out-of-pocket costs can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month, depending on the dosage, supply, and the pharmacy you choose. These costs can be a significant barrier for many patients seeking relief from IBS-C.

The information above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.

What Tegaserod is approved for (FDA label)

ZELNORM is indicated for the treatment of adult women less than 65 years of age with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of ZELNORM in men with IBS-C have not been established [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . ZELNORM is a serotonin-4 (5-HT 4 ) receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of adult women less than 65 years of age with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: The safety and effectiveness of ZELNORM in men with IBS-C have not been established. ( 1 )

Source: Read the full FDA label on DailyMed. Label effective date: June 9, 2020.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage forms and strengths for Tegaserod (FDA label)

ZELNORM Tablets: 6 mg tegaserod; supplied as whitish to slightly yellowish, round flat tablet with a beveled edge engraved with “ZEL” and “6”. Tablets: 6 mg tegaserod. ( 3 )

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: 6a44eefe-fbe8-431c-a418-2571b26aa42e. SPL document ID: 2159f794-0f55-48b5-833c-ff1db7567bed. Label effective date: June 9, 2020. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Adverse reactions for Tegaserod (FDA label)

The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Ischemic Events, including MACE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Ischemic Colitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Volume Depletion Associated with Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Suicidal Ideation and Behavior [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Most common adverse reactions (>2%) are headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, dyspepsia, and dizziness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alfasigma USA at 1-855-697-9232 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: 6a44eefe-fbe8-431c-a418-2571b26aa42e. SPL document ID: 2159f794-0f55-48b5-833c-ff1db7567bed. Label effective date: June 9, 2020. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Contraindications for Tegaserod (FDA label)

ZELNORM is contraindicated in patients with: A history of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or angina [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] A history of ischemic colitis or other forms of intestinal ischemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Severe renal impairment (eGFR< 15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) or end-stage renal disease [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] Moderate and severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 )] A history of bowel obstruction, symptomatic gallbladder disease, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or abdominal adhesions [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] Hypersensitivity to tegaserod [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] ZELNORM is contraindicated in patients with: A history of myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or angina. ( 4 , 5.1 ) A history of ischemic colitis or other forms of intestinal ischemia. ( 4 , 5.2

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: 6a44eefe-fbe8-431c-a418-2571b26aa42e. SPL document ID: 2159f794-0f55-48b5-833c-ff1db7567bed. Label effective date: June 9, 2020. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and precautions for Tegaserod (FDA label)

Cardiovascular Ischemic Events, Including Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE): The potential risks of treatment must be balanced with expectations in improvements in symptoms of IBS-C. Discontinue ZELNORM treatment in patients who experience a myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack or angina. ( 4 ) Evaluate the risks and benefits of continued treatment in patients who develop clinical or other evidence of cardiovascular ischemic heart disease and/or experience changes in health status that could increase cardiovascular risk during treatment. ( 4 , 5.1 ) Ischemic Colitis: Monitor for rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, and new or worsening abdominal pain and discontinue ZELNORM if symptoms develop. ( 5.2 ) Volume Depletion Associated with Diarrhea: Avoid use in patients with severe diarrhea.

Source: FDA prescribing information (DailyMed). Set ID: 6a44eefe-fbe8-431c-a418-2571b26aa42e. SPL document ID: 2159f794-0f55-48b5-833c-ff1db7567bed. Label effective date: June 9, 2020. Read the full label.

Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information. This is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.