Medications

Ibsrela

Ibsrela

Previously Found with Medfinder

Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.

Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$75 copay with commercial insurance and the manufacturer copay program; prior authorization and step therapy typically required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$2,000–$2,500 for a 30-day supply without insurance; eligible patients may pay as little as $0 with the Ibsrela Commercial Copay Program.
Medfinder Findability Score
60
/100
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Post Author

Peter Daggett

Last Updated

February 16, 2026

Ibsrela 2026 Availability, Prices, and Tips to Find

What Is Ibsrela?

Ibsrela (Tenapanor) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitors. Ibsrela is the first and only NHE3 inhibitor approved for IBS-C, offering a unique mechanism of action compared to other treatments on the market.

The active ingredient, Tenapanor Hydrochloride, is also marketed under the brand name Xphozah for a separate indication (hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease).

How does Ibsrela work?

Ibsrela works by blocking the sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) transporter located on the surface of intestinal cells. By inhibiting NHE3, Tenapanor reduces sodium absorption from the intestines, which increases fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen. This results in softer, more frequent bowel movements and reduced abdominal pain associated with IBS-C.

Unlike some other IBS-C treatments, Ibsrela acts locally in the gut with minimal systemic absorption, which may contribute to its favorable side effect profile.

What doses are available for Ibsrela?

  • 50 mg oral tablet — the only available strength. Taken twice daily, immediately before breakfast and dinner.

How hard is it to find Ibsrela in stock?

Ibsrela (Tenapanor) is a brand-name specialty medication manufactured solely by Ardelyx, Inc. While it is not currently listed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database, many local pharmacies do not routinely stock it due to its specialty status and high cost. Patients often need to use specialty pharmacies or order it through mail-order services. Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that have Ibsrela in stock near you.

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Who Can Prescribe Ibsrela?

Ibsrela is most commonly prescribed by:

  • Gastroenterologists — specialists in digestive disorders, most likely to initiate Ibsrela therapy
  • Internal Medicine physicians — may prescribe after initial evaluation
  • Primary Care/Family Medicine doctors — can prescribe Ibsrela, though many may refer to a GI specialist first

Telehealth consultations are also available for patients who need a prescription. If you're having trouble finding a prescriber, Medfinder can help connect you with providers in your area.

Is Ibsrela a controlled substance?

No, Ibsrela is not a controlled substance. It is not classified under any DEA schedule. This means there are no special prescribing restrictions related to controlled substance regulations, and refills can be obtained without additional DEA oversight.

Common Side Effects of Ibsrela

The most commonly reported side effects of Ibsrela include:

  • Diarrhea (16%) — the most frequent side effect; can be severe in some cases
  • Abdominal distension (3%) — bloating or swelling of the abdomen
  • Flatulence/gas (3%)
  • Dizziness (2%)

Important warning: Ibsrela carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of serious dehydration in pediatric patients. It is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age and should be avoided in children 6 to 12 years old. If you experience severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or signs of dehydration, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Alternative Medications to Ibsrela

If you cannot find or afford Ibsrela, there are several alternative medications used to treat IBS-C:

  • Linzess (Linaclotide) — a guanylate cyclase-C agonist approved for IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation. Often the first-line treatment tried before Ibsrela.
  • Trulance (Plecanatide) — another guanylate cyclase-C agonist approved for IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation.
  • Amitiza (Lubiprostone) — a chloride channel activator used for IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation.
  • Motegrity (Prucalopride) — a 5-HT4 receptor agonist approved for chronic idiopathic constipation.

Talk to your doctor about which alternative may be right for you if Ibsrela is unavailable or not covered by your insurance.

Drug Interactions with Ibsrela

Ibsrela has a relatively favorable drug interaction profile compared to many other medications:

  • OATP2B1 substrates (e.g., Enalapril) — Tenapanor inhibits the OATP2B1 transporter, which may reduce the absorption of co-administered OATP2B1 substrates. If taking Enalapril or similar medications, your doctor should monitor your blood pressure closely.
  • No significant CYP450 interactions — Ibsrela does not inhibit major drug-metabolizing enzymes (P-gp, BCRP, OATP1B1, or OATP1B3).

Ibsrela should be taken immediately before meals (breakfast and dinner) for optimal effectiveness. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Final Thoughts on Ibsrela

Ibsrela offers a unique treatment option for adults with IBS-C through its first-in-class NHE3 inhibitor mechanism. While the medication is not currently in shortage, its specialty status and high retail cost ($2,000–$2,500 per month) can make it challenging to find at local pharmacies. The good news is that the manufacturer's copay program can bring out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 for eligible patients with commercial insurance.

If you're struggling to find Ibsrela in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that carry it. No generic version is currently available, with the earliest generic entry estimated for August 2033.

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