Relistor

Generic name: Methylnaltrexone (oral/injection)
Drug class: Peripheral opioid receptor antagonists

Usage of Relistor

Relistor blocks the effects of opioid medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Relistor reduces constipation caused by using opioid medicine. Methylnaltrexone treats constipation without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.

Relistor is given to adults who use opioid medicine to treat severe chronic pain that is not caused by cancer.

Relistor 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).

This medicine is usually given after laxatives have been tried without successful treatment of constipation.

Relistor side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Relistor: 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 Relistor 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 Relistor 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.

Before taking Relistor

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

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, 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 Relistor while you are pregnant, your newborn baby could have withdrawal symptoms.

You should not breastfeed while using methylnaltrexone.

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

Relate drugs

How to use Relistor

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation - Drug Induced:

Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: -Oral: 450 mg orally once a day in the morning -Parenteral: 12 mg suBCutaneously once a day Comments: -Prior to initiation, discontinue all maintenance laxative therapy; laxatives can be used as needed for suboptimal response after 3 days. -Patients should be within close proximity to a bathroom once this drug is administered. -Re-evaluate continued need for this drug when the opioid regimen is changed to avoid adverse reactions. Opioid-Induced Constipation in Patients with Advanced Illness: Parenteral: Weight-based dosing: Administer subcutaneously every other day as needed, but no more frequently than 1 dose in a 24-hour period: Less than 38 kg: 0.15 mg/kg 38 kg to less than 62 kg: 8 mg (0.4 mL) 62 kg to 114 kg: 12 mg subcutaneously (0.6 mL) More than 114 kg: 0.15 mg/kg subcutaneously Comments: To determine injection volume for patients whose weight is less than 38 kg or more than 114 kg: multiply patient weight (kg) by 0.0075 and round up to the nearest 0.1 mL Uses: -For the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain or advanced illness who are receiving palliative care, when the response to laxative therapy has not been sufficient.

Warnings

Relistor 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 Relistor and call your doctor if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea.

What other drugs will affect Relistor

Other drugs may interact with 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.

Disclaimer

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