Why Is Linzess For IBS-C And CIC So Expensive?

IBS-C affects an estimated 55 million Americans. – PubMed Central

Linzess (linaclotide) has become a lifeline for Americans suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). The monthly cost often exceeds $400, leaving patients choosing between essential prescription medication and other necessities. If you’ve already exhausted traditional savings methods like discount codes, drug rebate programs, or patient assistance programs without finding adequate relief from these crushing costs, there’s a solution many patients don’t know exists.

But First – What is Linzess and Why Does It Work So Well?

Linzess was approved by the FDA in August 2012 and subsequently launched in December 2012. It was approved to treat two main conditions:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in adults
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older

IBS-C is a type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome where the main symptoms are hard or lumpy stools and chronic constipation, affecting less than 25% of bowel movements with loose or watery stools.

CIC is a functional bowel disorder characterized by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements that persist for at least three months, without an identifiable anatomical or physiological cause.

Linzess works by increasing fluid secretion in the intestines and speeding up the movement through the digestive tract. This dual action helps relieve both constipation and abdominal pain associated with IBS-C.

In a pair of clinical trials involving over 1600 adult IBS patients, study participants who took Linzess instead of a placebo had more complete spontaneous bowel movements per week.

So, how much does Linzess cost in America?

Linzess Retail Price by Dosage

According to current pharmacy pricing, the cost of a 30-capsule supply of Linzess, whether it’s prescribed in 72 mcg, 145 mcg, or 290 mcg strength, generally falls within the range of $600 to $800. That’s $20 to $26.6 per capsule! 

For patients requiring long-term Linzess treatment, these costs quickly add up to nearly $7,000 annually, an amount that’s simply unaffordable for most American families. Insurance coverage doesn’t guarantee relief either. Many high-cost medications like Linzess aren’t included in standard formularies, and even when they are covered, insurance companies can remove medications from their approved lists with minimal notice to patients.

Rather than depending on unpredictable insurance coverage or risking treatment interruptions, the smarter approach is securing a consistently affordable source for your Linzess prescription. DoctorSolve.com provides exactly that solution, offering Americans access to Linzess for approximately $4.30 per pill through a licensed Canadian and international pharmacy network. This represents savings of up to 70% compared to typical U.S. retail prices, making your essential digestive health treatment truly affordable.

Core Reasons for Linzess’s High Price

Understanding why Linzess is so expensive requires looking at several factors that drive pharmaceutical pricing in the United States.

Patents and Exclusivity Drive Up Linzess Costs in America

You pay a high price for Linzess because the drug is protected by patents in the U.S. Patents give the manufacturer exclusive rights to sell this medicine for many years, preventing cheaper generic versions from entering the market. This limited competition keeps prices elevated, and you have very few alternatives that work in the same way as Linzess for IBS and chronic constipation. 

Limited Options Push the Price of Linzess Higher

If you need Linzess, it may be because other treatments weren’t effective for you. Since there aren’t many options that work as well, manufacturers can set higher prices knowing that you may have few alternatives if you need symptom relief.

Unregulated Pricing Keeps Linzess Expensive for Patients

In the United States, government agencies don’t regulate how drug companies set prices. You end up paying more because, unlike in many other countries, there is no legal limit or direct negotiation on what pharmaceutical companies can charge for prescription drugs. Until recently, Medicare has started negotiating prices for select drugs, but Linzess remains costly.

High R&D Spending Contributes to Linzess Costs in the US

The price you pay for Linzess also reflects the cost of bringing a new drug to market. Drug companies invest millions in research, clinical trials, and marketing. These expenses are recovered through higher prices once the drug is approved, meaning you help cover these costs with every purchase.

Why Aren’t There Generics Yet?

The answer lies in patent protection and legal settlements. 

When will there be a generic for Linzess?

The 72 mcg generic version is expected to become available in March 2029. For the higher dosage strengths, 145 mcg and 290 mcg generic versions are anticipated to reach the market by March 31, 2029, though this timeline could potentially extend into 2030 or 2031, depending on ongoing patent disputes

Legal settlements with Teva Pharmaceuticals and other generic manufacturers have delayed market entry. These “pay-for-delay” agreements are common in the pharmaceutical industry, where brand manufacturers pay potential generic competitors to delay their market entry.

The settlements also include licensing agreements that will allow Teva to market generic versions once the agreed-upon dates arrive, assuming FDA approval.

How to Pay Less for Linzess

Don’t let the high sticker price discourage you. There are several strategies to reduce your Linzess cost.

Buy Linzess for Less from An Online Canadian Pharmacy

Canadian pharmacies accept U.S. prescriptions. The mix of lower prices, strict safety measures, and growing trust in the system makes this option worth serious consideration. Research indexed by the National Library of Medicine shows that reputed Canadian and international pharmacies can provide the same prescription medications at significantly lower prices. For many Americans, this can mean real savings compared to U.S. retail costs. 

DoctorSolve.com stands ready to help you access affordable Canadian pharmacy services safely and legally. As a trusted intermediary with years of experience serving U.S. patients, DoctorSolve connects you with a CIPA-certified Canadian pharmacy.

You can buy Linzess from a Canadian pharmacy through DoctorSolve.com for about $4.30 per pill.

Is it safe to buy U.S. prescription meds from Canadian pharmacies?

Safety concerns are valid when considering cross-border prescription purchases. However, reputable Canadian pharmacies maintain high safety standards and are comparable to U.S. facilities. The key lies in choosing properly certified and regulated Canadian pharmacies.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Linzess?

If Linzess is expensive for your budget, discuss these alternatives with your doctor.

Lubiprostone (generic Amitiza): Lubiprostone is used to alleviate symptoms of IBS-C and CIC by increasing intestinal fluid secretion. 

You can buy Lubiprostone from a Canadian pharmacy through Doctorsolve.com for about $1 per pill.

Trulance (plecanatide) Trulance is used to treat adults with CIC. It helps to increase the frequency of bowel movements.

You can buy Trulance from a Canadian pharmacy through DoctorSolve.com for about $6.17 per pill. 

Prucalopride Succinate (generic Motegrity): A constipation medication can help treat adults who do not know precisely why they have long-term constipation. 

You can buy generic Motegrity from a Canadian pharmacy through Doctorsolve.com for about $2.90 per pill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to get Linzess cheaper? 

Yes. You can buy Linzess online for way cheaper from a Canadian pharmacy through DoctorSolve.com. Always consult with your doctor.

When will there be a generic for Linzess? 

Generic linaclotide 72 mcg is expected in March 2029, with other strengths following by March 2030-2031 per settlement agreements.

Is there a cheaper version of Linzess? 

No direct generic exists yet. Consider alternatives like Trulance, generic Amitiza (lubiprostone). Always talk to your doctor before switching.

Does Medicare cover Linzess? 

Coverage for Linzess (linaclotide) depends on your specific Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Because Linzess is a brand-name medication, you should confirm with your plan to see if it is included on its formulary (list of covered drugs).

References

• Fda.Gov. (2012). Highlights Of Prescribing Information 
• Fda.Gov. (2023). Fda Approves First Treatment For Pediatric Functional Constipation
• National Library Of Medicine. (2014). Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Current And Emerging Treatment Options
• National Library Of Medicine. (2013). Linaclotide (Linzess) For Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation And For Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
• Cms.Gov. (2025). Hhs Announces 15 Additional Drugs Selected For Medicare Drug Price Negotiations In Continued Effort To Lower Prescription Drug Costs For Seniors
• Linzess.Com. (2025). Cost & Savings
• Sec.Gov. (2025). United States Securities And Exchange Commission
• Ftc.Gov. (2025). Pay-For-Delay: When Drug Companies Agree Not To Compete
• Abbvie. (2024). Patient Assistance Program 
• National Library Of Medicine. (2024). Comparing Prescription Drugs In The U.S. And Other Countries: Prices And Availability
• Fda.Gov. (2025). Personal Importation
• Napra.Ca. (2021). How To Verify If A Canadian Online Pharmacy Is Legitimate
• National Library Of Medicine. (2021). Review Of Treatment Options For Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation And Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
• Mayo Clinic. (2024). Nonprescription Laxatives For Constipation: Use With Caution