methylnaltrexone (oral/injection)
What is the most important information I should know about methylnaltrexone?
Methylnaltrexone may cause a perforation (a hole or tear) within your stomach or intestines. Stop using this medicine and get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain.
While using this medicine, you may have symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as anxiety, sweating, chills, yawning, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
Stop using methylnaltrexone and call your doctor if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea.
What is methylnaltrexone?
Methylnaltrexone reduces constipation caused by using opioid medicine. Methylnaltrexone treats constipation without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.
Methylnaltrexone is given to adults who use opioid medicine to treat severe chronic pain that is not caused by cancer. Methylnaltrexone injection is also for use in adults who have advanced illness and are receiving palliative care (treatment to relieve suffering and improve quality of life during a serious illness).
Methylnaltrexone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using methylnaltrexone?
You should not use methylnaltrexone if you have a blockage in your stomach or intestines.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a stomach ulcer;
- perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- colitis or other intestinal disorder such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, or Ogilvie's syndrome.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you use methylnaltrexone while you are pregnant, your newborn baby could have withdrawal symptoms.
You should not breastfeed while using methylnaltrexone.
Methylnaltrexone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use methylnaltrexone?
Stop using laxatives before you start using methylnaltrexone.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Methylnaltrexone can produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes. Be sure you are near a restroom when you use this medicine.
Methylnaltrexone oral is taken by mouth.
Take methylnaltrexone tablets on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
Take the tablets with a full glass of water.
Methylnaltrexone injection is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject methylnaltrexone. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each methylnaltrexone injection vial (bottle) or prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Do not use methylnaltrexone more often than once every 24 hours.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days. You may use other laxatives after 3 days of treatment with methylnaltrexone.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the 2 canisters of moisture-absorbing preservative.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
After you stop using your opioid pain medication, you should also stop using methylnaltrexone.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Do not use this medicine more than once in a 24-hour period.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
When you have an opioid medication in your system, an overdose of methylnaltrexone could stimulate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms are yawning, irritability, sweating, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and body aches.
What should I avoid while using methylnaltrexone?
Do not use any other laxatives that your doctor has not prescribed.
What are the possible side effects of methylnaltrexone?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Methylnaltrexone may cause a perforation (a hole or tear) within your stomach or intestines. Stop using this medicine and get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain that gets worse or will not go away.
Stop using methylnaltrexone and call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing diarrhea;
- extreme dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out;
- bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- nausea or vomiting that are new or worsening symptoms; or
- symptoms of opioid medicine withdrawal --anxiety, sweating, chills, yawning, stomach pain, diarrhea.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain, gas, bloating;
- mild nausea or diarrhea;
- headache, muscle spasms;
- dizziness, tremors, feeling anxious;
- runny nose; or
- chills, sweating, or hot flashes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect methylnaltrexone?
Other drugs may affect methylnaltrexone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about methylnaltrexone.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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