Movantik (Naloxegol)

Do’s

• Before starting Movantik, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Take Movantik by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before your first meal of the day or 2 hours after the meal, as directed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken once daily in the morning.
• If you are unable to swallow the medication whole, you may crush the tablets to a powder, mix it in 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of water, and drink it immediately. Refill the glass with another 4 ounces of water, stir the contents, and drink it.
• If you are giving this medication through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric tube), ask your healthcare provider for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and administer it.
• The dosage of Movantik is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• Movantik is used only for constipation caused by opioids. Stop using this medication when you stop taking opioid pain medication unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
• Stop taking other laxatives before you start treatment with Movantik. Your healthcare provider may direct you to take other laxatives if your condition does not improve after 3 days of treatment with Movantik.

Don’ts

• 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.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your healthcare provider says you may do so safely.

Common Side Effects:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Excessive sweating

Less Common or Serious Side Effects:

• Bloody, black, or tarry stools
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Severe abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or burning
• Symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as anxiety, irritability, sweating, chills, stomach pain, and diarrhea

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individuals may experience other effects. If you experience any side effects or have concerns, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

Movantik should not be used if there is a blockage in the stomach or intestines.

Patients should discontinue Movantik and promptly seek medical attention if they develop unusually severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain and/or diarrhea.

Females of reproductive potential should be advised that the use of Movantik during pregnancy may precipitate opioid withdrawal in a fetus due to the undeveloped blood-brain barrier. Nursing mothers are advised against breastfeeding during treatment with Movantik.

Patients with conditions that might result in impaired integrity of the gastrointestinal tract wall, such as Crohn's disease or gastrointestinal obstruction, are at risk of gastrointestinal perforation. Monitoring for abdominal pain and/or diarrhea is recommended, and Movantik should be discontinued if severe symptoms occur.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all the medications they are taking, such as prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products,

as Movantik may interact with other drugs, leading to side effects or reduced effectiveness.