- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Movantik
Uses: This medication is used to treat constipation caused by narcotic (opiate-type) medications in people with ongoing pain that is not caused by cancer. It blocks the effect of narcotics on the gut without blocking the effect on pain. Naloxegol belongs to a class of drugs known as narcotic antagonists.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Uses
This medication is used to treat constipation caused by narcotic (opiate-type) medications in people with ongoing pain that is not caused by cancer. It blocks the effect of narcotics on the gut without blocking the effect on pain. Naloxegol belongs to a class of drugs known as narcotic antagonists.
How to use Movantik
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking naloxegol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning.
The manufacturer directs not to crush or chew the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be crushed or chewed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Naloxegol is used only for constipation caused by narcotics. Stop using this medication when you stop taking narcotic pain medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Stop taking other laxatives before you start treatment with naloxegol. Your doctor may direct you to take other laxatives if your condition does not improve after 3 days of treatment with naloxegol. Ask your doctor for more details and follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Tell your doctor if your constipation persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Pain in the stomach/abdomen, diarrhea, or gas may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Opiate withdrawal symptoms may occur in some people. Tell your doctor right away if any of these withdrawal symptoms occur: sweating, chills, pain in the stomach/abdomen, diarrhea, yawning, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety/irritability).
This drug may rarely cause a serious tear in the stomach or intestinal wall (perforation). If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, get medical help right away: severe/persistent/worsening pain in the stomach/abdomen, fever, dizziness/fainting, nausea/vomiting.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
MOVANTIK Side Effects List by likelihood and severity
The following side effects are associated with Movantik:
Common side effects of Movantik:
DiarrheaLess Severe
Feel Like Throwing UpLess Severe
GasLess Severe
Head PainLess Severe
Intense Abdominal PainLess Severe
Throwing UpLess Severe
Infrequent side effects of Movantik:
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Rare side effects of Movantik:
A Rupture in the Wall of the Stomach or Intestine Severe
Symptoms from Stopping Treatment with Opioid Drugs Severe
Precautions
Before taking naloxegol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal blockage, stomach/intestinal ulcers or tumors, bowel disease (such as Crohn's, diverticulitis), kidney disease.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, naloxegol should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of naloxegol from your body, which may affect how naloxegol works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), ritonavir, tipranavir, among others.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.