movantik

Movantik (naloxegol) is a prescription medicine that blocks certain effects of narcotic medicines.

Movantik is used to treat constipation caused by prescription pain medicines called narcotic or opiates, in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by cancer. Naloxegol treats constipation without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the narcotic.

Movantik is used in people who have been taking narcotic pain medicine for at least 4 weeks, to treat chronic pain that is not caused by cancer.

Important information

You should not use Movantik if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

Many drugs can interact with naloxegol, and some drugs should not be used together. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Movantik.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Movantik if you are allergic to naloxegol, or if you have:

• a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

Some medicines can interact with naloxegol and should not be used at the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

• idelasilib, imatinib;

• nefazodone;

• an antibiotic - clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;

• antifungal medication - itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole;

• hepatitis C medications - boceprevir, telaprevir; or

• HIV/AIDS medication - atazanavir, cobicistat (Stribild, Tybost), delavirdine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.

To make sure Movantik is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a stomach or intestinal disorder (including Crohn"s disease, diverticulitis, or Ogilvie"s syndrome);

• stomach cancer, colorectal cancer;

• history of perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

It is not known whether Movantik will harm an unborn baby. Movantik may cause withdrawal symptoms in your newborn if you take the medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether naloxegol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Movantik is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Movantik?

Movantik is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Movantik on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the first meal of the day. Tell your healthcare provider if you stop taking your opioid pain medicine. If you stop taking your opioid pain medicine, you should also stop taking Movantik.

Do not crush, chew, or break a Movantik tablet. Swallow it whole.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Movantik dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Opioid Induced Constipation - Chronic:

Initial dose: 25 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 25 mg orally once daily. Dose may be reduced to 12.5 mg orally once a day for patients unable to tolerate higher dose, patients with moderate, severe, or end-stage renal impairment, and patients who require treatment with some medications that may inhibit the metabolism of naloxegol.

Comments: Prior to initiation, discontinue all maintenance laxative therapy; laxatives can be used as needed for suboptimal response after 3 days.

Use: For the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Movantik?

Do not use any other laxatives that your doctor has not prescribed.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with naloxegol and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Movantik.

Movantik side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Movantik: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain that will not go away;

• severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain, diarrhea, or nausea;

• nausea or vomiting that are new or worsening symptoms; or

• symptoms of narcotic medicine withdrawal - anxiety, sweating, chills, yawning, stomach pain, diarrhea.

Common Movantik side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• diarrhea, gas; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Movantik?

Other drugs may interact with naloxegol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.