Side Effects of Tegaserod

Common side effects of tegaserod can include dizziness, bloating, headache, and abdominal pain (or stomach pain), among other things. Some rare tegaserod side effects include increased appetite, sleep problems (insomnia), vision changes, and difficulty breathing or throat pain. There are also a number of side effects with tegaserod that you should report to your healthcare provider, including vision changes (such as blurred vision or double vision); severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts for several days; and lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

Tegaserod Maleate

Side Effects of Tegaserod: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm^®). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate tegaserod well. When people do develop side effects of tegaserod, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(The side effects of tegaserod discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with tegaserod. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)

In March 2007, Zelnorm was taken off the market in the United States because it was shown to increase the risk for a heart attack, angina, or stroke. In July 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zelnorm will be available to people who meet certain criteria through a special program called a "treatment IND" (see Zelnorm Recall for more information). However, as of April 2, 2008, Zelnorm is no longer available under the treatment IND program, although it may still be available in certain emergency situations.

(Side Effects of Tegaserod Continued: Page 2)