Movantik: Uses, indications and precautions when using

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Movantik (naloxegol), an oral medication for opioid-induced constipation in adults. This article will help you read more information about the uses and instructions to use Movantik correctly to avoid unwanted complications.

Opioids are a group of drugs used to treat and control pain. But a common side effect when using these drugs is that they reduce the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, making bowel movements difficult... to the consequence of drug-induced constipation. Therefore, Movantik is licensed for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in people with ongoing pain that is not caused by cancer. It blocks the effects of opioids on the gut without blocking the effects on pain.

Patients should carefully read the instructions for use provided by the pharmacist before starting or using Movantik again. Movantik is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Usually, Movantik is tolerated orally on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, once daily in the morning. If you are unable to swallow this medication whole, you can crush the tablet into a powder, mix it with 4 ounces (120ml) of water, and drink it right away. Add 4 ounces of water to the glass, stir, and drink. If you are giving this medication through a tube into your stomach (nasogastric tube), ask your healthcare professional for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and give the medication.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all products you are using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products). Do not increase your dose or use this medicine more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, but the risk of side effects will increase.
Note that Movantik is only used for opioid-induced constipation. Stop using this medicine when you stop taking an opioid pain reliever, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless agreed to by your doctor. Grapefruit may increase the risk of side effects with medications. Stop taking other laxatives before you start treatment with Movantik.
Before using Movantik, tell your doctor:
You are allergic to Movantik; or if you have any other allergies . All products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products). If you intend to become pregnant, during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Note that not all users of the drug Movantik experience side effects. Therefore, you should listen to your body's changes and contact your doctor immediately if you notice some typical symptoms such as:
Your constipation persists or gets worse. Stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloating may occur. Sweating, chills, stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, yawning, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety/irritability). Severe/persistent/worse stomach/abdominal pain, fever, dizziness/fainting, nausea/vomiting. Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Drug interactions can change the way Movantik works or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not cover all possible drug interactions. So keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.
Other drugs that may affect the removal of Moventik from your body, examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), boceprevir, clarithromycin, cobicistat, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, rifamycins ( such as rifampin, rifabutin), ritonavir, tipranavir, among others.

Reference source: webmd.com