Warnings and Precautions With Tegaserod

Among the people who should not take tegaserod are those with severe kidney problems, including kidney failure; those with moderate to severe liver problems, including cirrhosis; and those who are allergic to tegaserod or the inactive components used to make it. Also, because tegaserod can potentially interact with certain other drugs, you should let your healthcare provider know (prior to taking tegaserod) about all other drugs you may be currently taking. A few other warnings and precautions with tegaserod include the risk of very severe diarrhea or ischemic colitis in some people taking the drug and the safety of taking it while pregnant or nursing.

Tegaserod Maleate

Tegaserod: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm^®) if you have:

Kidney disease or failure (renal failure)
Liver disease or failure, including cirrhosis
Frequent diarrhea
A history of a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage
A history of gallbladder disease, including gallstones
A history of abdominal adhesions
Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
Are breastfeeding.

It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

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.

(Warnings and Precautions With Tegaserod Continued: Page 2)