Constipation
FDA Approves New Type of Drug To Treat Constipation in Adults
WASHINGTON-The Food and Drug Administration approves a new type of drug to treat constipation in adults.
The drug, which will be sold under the brand name Amitiza, is the first in the class of drugs that works to increase the intestinal fluid secretion. The drug is made by privately held Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Bethesda, Md.; and will be co-marketed with Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America Inc.; Lincolnshire, Ill.
Unlike other treatments on the markets, Amitiza drug can be used long term and in people aged sixty-five and older. Novartis AG’s drug, Zelnorm, is FDA approved for use in treating chronic constipation in adults age sixty-four and younger.
Chronic idiopathic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems and affects millions of Americans. Symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation include abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, and straining.
Amitiza will be available as capsules that should that should be taken twice daily with food to treat the idiopathic constipation cases that aren’t caused by other diseases or by use of other medication. The FDA says doctors and patients should periodically assess the need for continued treatment.
Brad Fackler, vice president of marketing for Sucampo, said the drug should be available in April. Common side affects reported in clinical studies of the drug included headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and distension. Mr. Fackler said many of the side effects improved over time.
Alternatives
As with all drugs, the side effects often lead to more drug use to counter the daily struggle by patients to live with these drug side effects.
In many cases, a change in an eating lifestyle can eliminate the suffering of constipation.
A diet high in fiber works wonders. A breakfast consisting of bran cereal with blueberries is a great way to start the day. Eating Romaine Lettuce after a meal is a great way to aid digestion and bowel movements. Lay off heavy meat consumption.
Constipation can lead to disease. The lack of daily bowel movements causes bacteria to develop in the large intestine. This bacteria passes through the intestinal walls into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream it is the fuel that feeds free radicals, which cause all disease.
Remember, simple lifestyle changes can heal what ails you. Most people find it hard to change their eating habits. That is why 98% of all diets fail.
We recommend beginning gradually and over a two to four week period with improved bowel movements, you should want to adopt this lifestyle regime for good.
Whenever possible, always buy organic.
  Infinite Health Resources does not at any point, for any circumstances suggest that you do not follow or stop medical advice of your physician. We do not advocate any drugs that has not been prescribed by your physician, nor suggest that we are medical doctors nor are we giving medical advice. Infinite Health Resources is here purely as a resource. |
