Movantik Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Movantik Tablet (naloxegol) is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by prescription opioid pain medicines in adults with chronic pain not caused by active cancer. It belongs to the peripheral opioid receptor antagonist drug class. Movantik works by blocking certain opioid effects in the gut without reducing the opioid's pain-relieving effects.

What is Movantik Tablet

Movantik is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation caused by prescription opioid pain medicines in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by active cancer. It blocks certain effects of opioid medication in the gut without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.

Movantik Tablet uses

• Treats constipation caused by opioid pain medicine (opioid-induced constipation) in adults with chronic pain not caused by cancer
• Used in people who have been taking opioid pain medicine for at least 4 weeks
• Treats opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults
• Used for constipation caused by opioid pain medicines
• Helps manage constipation when opioid treatment is continued

Benefits of Movantik Tablet

• Reduces constipation caused by opioid pain medicine
• Works without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the opioid
• Helps increase bowel movement frequency
• Relieves constipation caused by opioid medicines
• Helps reduce straining during bowel movements
• May improve abdominal discomfort associated with opioid-induced constipation
• Works by blocking opioid effects in the gut while generally preserving pain relief

How Movantik Tablet works

Movantik blocks opioids from attaching to receptors in the gut, which reduces the constipating effects of the opioid. Because the medicine is designed to stay mostly outside the brain and central nervous system, it is not expected to interfere with the opioid's pain-relieving effects.

Movantik Tablet dosage

Movantik is taken once per day, usually in the morning. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your first meal of the day. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, it can be crushed into powder, mixed with water, and drunk right away; the glass should then be refilled with more water, swirled, and drunk to get the full dose. It can also be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube following specific instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.

Stop taking other laxatives before starting this medicine; a laxative may be added back if needed after 3 days of treatment if symptoms continue. Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment. After you stop taking your opioid pain medication, you should also stop taking this medicine. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not take two doses at one time.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Movantik Tablet

Common

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Headache

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Symptoms of opioid withdrawal: anxiety, feeling irritable, sweating, chills, yawning, stomach pain, diarrhea
• Severe stomach pain that will not go away
• Severe diarrhea
• Tear in the stomach or intestinal wall (perforation)

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you have, or have ever had, a blockage in your stomach or intestines.
• This medicine can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, sweating, chills, yawning, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Tell your doctor if these occur.
• If you take methadone for pain, you may be more likely to have stomach pain and diarrhea while on this medicine.
• Severe stomach pain and diarrhea can occur within a few days of starting treatment and can lead to hospitalization.
• Do not take this medicine together with certain strong antibiotics or antifungal medicines, as this combination is not allowed and can be dangerous.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it can increase side effects.
• This medicine is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.
• Using this medicine during pregnancy may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms in you or your unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
• Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine because it may cause opioid withdrawal in the baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems; people with reduced kidney function usually need to start on the lower dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver problems. This medicine should be avoided in people with severe liver impairment.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need
• Keep out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain and/or diarrhea, which can lead to serious medical problems.
• Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help right away if you have stomach pain that gets worse or does not go away, as this can be a sign of a tear in the stomach or intestinal wall.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• If you take too much of this medicine, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Naldemedine
• Lubiprostone
• Polyethylene Glycol