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IBS-C patient profiles

Not actual patients.

Meet 2 patients with IBS-C

IBS-C

Not an 
actual patient.

Meet Olivia,

A 33-year-old real estate agent

  • Visited a doctor who prescribed 2 different OTC laxatives and dietary changes1,2
  • Experienced recurring and unpredictable abdominal pain for more than 3 years1
  • Often notes an impact to her daily work schedule due to her symptoms

Signs and symptoms

Abnormal stool frequency2,3

  • 1 to 3 bowel movements per week

Abdominal pain2,3

  • A recurrent abdominal pain score of 5 to 6 on a 0- to 10-point scale

Poor stool consistency2

  • >25% of bowel movements associated with BSFS 1 or 2, with BSFS 6 or 7 occurring in <25%

Treatment goal

Find a once-daily treatment for IBS-C that may offer relief for her chronic constipation and abdominal pain.

Not an actual patient.

IBS-C

Not an 
actual patient.

Meet Derek,

A 42-year-old husband and father

  • Experienced constipation and abdominal pain for
3 years1
  • Prescribed OTC laxatives and fiber supplements by 2 doctors2,4
  • Reports that symptoms interrupt his daily routine2

Signs and symptoms

Abnormal stool frequency1

  • 2 to 4 bowel movements per week

Abdominal pain1,3

  • A recurrent abdominal pain score of 3 on a 0- to 10-point scale

Poor stool consistency1

  • >25% of bowel movements associated with BSFS 1 or 2, with BSFS 6 or 7 occurring in <25%

Treatment goal

Stop cycling through OTCs and find a treatment for IBS-C that may help his chronic constipation and abdominal pain.

Not an actual patient.

Adult patients using OTCs may be frustrated by their IBS-C symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort4

According to an online survey of 501 IBS-C sufferers4,†:

3.3YEARS

is the average length of time IBS-C sufferers reported using OTC laxatives

2.9

is the average number of OTC laxatives IBS-C sufferers try before speaking to an HCP about their GI symptoms

16%

of sufferers with IBS-C reported being “very satisfied” with their OTC laxatives‡

The multifactorial nature of IBS-C may be the underlying cause for symptoms beyond constipation

  • IBS-C is characterized by altered fluid secretion and motility, which may result in constipation1
  • Visceral hypersensitivity is thought to be one of the underlying causes of the condition and is thought to drive pain associated with IBS-C5

BSFS, Bristol Stool Form Scale; CIC, chronic idiopathic constipation; GI, gastrointestinal; HCP, healthcare professional; IBS-C, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation; OTC, over the counter.

†Data from an online survey commissioned by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Allergan in 2018. 501 patients with IBS-C and 610 patients with CIC qualified for the detailed survey after meeting Rome IV criteria for IBS-C or CIC.4

‡In this survey of IBS-C sufferers taking OTC laxatives, 16% were “very satisfied,” 44% were “somewhat satisfied,” 22% were “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied,” 11% were “somewhat dissatisfied,” and 7% were “very dissatisfied.”4

A survey revealed that patients typically struggle with symptoms for ~2 years before seeking help from an HCP4
IBS-C mechanism of action