Precautions
Relistor can produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes. Be sure you are near a restroom when you use this medicine. Take the 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. Relistor injection is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home.
How do I take Relistor?
INDICATIONS 1 RELISTOR ® (methylnaltrexone bromide) is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation in adults... 2 RELISTOR tablets and RELISTOR injection are used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults... 3 RELISTOR injection is also used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with advanced illness...
What does Relistor stand for?
Relistor can work quickly. You may have a bowel movement within 4 hours* Individual results may vary. * Based on a clinical study of 401 adult patients with opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and long-lasting (chronic) non-cancer pain treated with Relistor tablets or placebo (sugar pill).
How long does it take for Relistor to work?
Relistor should be taken at least 30 minutes before eating your first meal of the day. Do not eat food right before taking Relistor. Take Relistor with a cup of water. Relistor subcutaneous injection should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider and should be kept at room temperature.
What time of Day should I take Relistor?
How quickly does Relistor (methylnaltrexone) work?
After getting a Relistor (methylnaltrexone) injection, you can expect to have a bowel movement within 4 hours. Some people may even be able to have...
Is Relistor (methylnaltrexone) a laxative?
Relistor (methylnaltrexone) helps with laxation, which is the medical term for having a bowel movement. Unlike traditional laxatives, which are typ...
Is Relistor (methylnaltrexone) a narcotic?
Relistor (methylnaltrexone) isn't a narcotic or controlled substance, since it doesn't have potential for abuse. Relistor (methylnaltrexone) is use...
How often can you take Relistor (methylnaltrexone)?
If you are using Relistor (methylnaltrexone) to treat opioid-related constipation and you don't have cancer, you should take this medication once d...
How should I take Relistor (methylnaltrexone)?
If you're taking the oral form of Relistor (methylnaltrexone), you'll want to take it with water on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before you...
How does Relistor work?
Relistor works differently from over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives — it is specifically designed to target the constipating effect opioids have in the gut by helping keep opioids from attaching to the mu-opioid receptors, without impacting opioid pain relief in the central nervous system.
What is relistor used for?
Relistor is an FDA-approved prescription medication specifically for opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain.
What is the purpose of Relistor?
RELISTOR tablets and RELISTOR injection are used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by active cancer.
How many times a day should you not inject relistor?
You should not inject more than 1 dose of Relistor in a 24-hour period.
Can you stop Relistor if you have diarrhea?
Stop using Relistor and call your healthcare provider if you get diarrhea that is severe or that does not go away during treatment with Relistor.
Does relistor cause nausea?
of Relistor injection in people with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by cancer included stomach-area (abdomen) pain (21%), nausea (9%), diarrhea (6%), sweating (6%), hot flush (3%), tremor (1%), and chills (1%)
Can you take Relistor if you have a bowel blockage?
Do not take RELISTOR if you have a bowel blockage (called an intestinal obstruction) or have a history of bowel blockage.
How long does it take for relistor to work?
After getting a Relistor (methylnaltrexone) injection, you can expect to have a bowel movement within 4 hours. Some people may even be able to have a bowel movement 30 minutes after the dose, which is why they tell you to make sure that you're near a toilet after taking this medication. Relistor (methylnaltrexone) doesn't work quickly for everyone, however, so you may have to take laxatives if you don't have success after 4 hours. The oral form of Relistor (methylnaltrexone) doesn't work as reliably or quickly, but taking it every day will help you have more bowel movements per week. If you haven't had a bowel movement after taking the oral form for 3 days, you may need to take laxatives along with Relistor (methylnaltrexone).
Where to inject relistor?
You'll want to inject Relistor (methylnaltrexone) into the upper arm, abdomen (belly area), or thigh. Rotate injection sites so that you're not using the same spot over and over again. Afterwards, make sure to throw out your needle in an appropriate disposal container, not the trash.
What is methylnaltrexone used for?
Overview TOP. Methylnaltrexone injection is used to treat constipation caused by opioids (narcotic pain medicines), in adults with long-lasting pain that is not caused by cancer, or in patients with long-lasting pain caused by a previous cancer or its treatment who do not need weekly increases in opioid dosage.
Why does relistor cause constipation?
Relistor (methylnaltrexone) is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the opioid receptors in the intestines so that you can go to the bathroom more easily.
Can you stop taking laxatives before starting Relistor?
If you're using opioids for non-cancer-related pain, stop taking all laxatives before starting on Relistor (methylnaltrexone). You can start using laxatives again if you're still constipated after using this medication for 3 days. Let your provider know if you change your opioid dose, since you may be more likely to get side effects like diarrhea.
Can you give methylnaltrexone at home?
Methylnaltrexone injection may be given at home to patients who do not need to be in the hospital. If you are using this medicine at home, your doctor will teach you how to prepare and inject the medicine. Be sure that you understand exactly how the medicine is prepared and injected.
Is relistor a good pain reliever?
Relistor (methylnaltrexone) is a good oral or injectable option for treating constipation due to opioid pain medications, but it can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms and diarrhea, and is quite expensive if it's not covered by insurance.
What is relistor used for?
Relistor is a prescription medicine used to treat constipation in adults that is caused by prescription pain medicines called opioids: •. Relistor tablets and Relistor injection are used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by cancer. •.
What is relistor injection?
Relistor injection is indicated for the treatment of OIC in adult patients with advanced illness who are receiving palliative care, when response to laxative therapy has not been sufficient.
What does it mean when your stomach hurts when you take Relistor?
Tear in your stomach or intestinal wall (perforation). Stomach pain that is severe can be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you get stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse, stop taking Relistor and get emergency medical help right away.
What to do if you have diarrhea while on Relistor?
If severe or persistent diarrhea occurs during treatment, advise patients to discontinue therapy with Relistor and consult their healthcare provider .
How old are people on Relistor?
Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of Relistor tablets, a total of 136 patients (10%) were aged 65 years and older, while 23 (2%) were aged 75 and older. In clinical studies of Relistor tablets, no overall differences in effectiveness were observed. Adverse reactions were similar; however, there was a higher incidence of diarrhea in elderly patients.
How long can you use relistor?
Use of Relistor injection beyond four months has not been studied in the advanced illness population.
How to use a vial?
Use one hand to hold the vial steady. Use your other hand to insert the needle straight down into the rubber top of the vial ( See Figure K). Do not insert it at an angle. This may cause the needle to bend or break. You will feel some resistance as the needle passes through the rubber top.
What is relistor used for?
Relistor is used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with long-lasting (chronic) non-cancer pain. Relistor is used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain. Relistor can help get things going by increasing your number of spontaneous bowel movements each week. Get moving.
What is the purpose of Relistor?
RELISTOR tablets and RELISTOR injection are used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with long-lasting (chronic) pain that is not caused by active cancer.
What is the purpose of a resorer injection?
RELISTOR injection is also used to treat constipation caused by opioids in adults with advanced illness or pain caused by active cancer and who need increases in their opioid dose for comfort care.
How does relistor help with constipation?
Opioids attach to mu-opioid receptors in your bowels. This can cause constipation. Relistor can help keep opioids from attaching to mu-opioid receptors in the gut, decreasing the constipating effects.
What are the side effects of Relistor?
In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Relistor injection in people receiving treatment for their advanced illness include: stomach-area (abdomen) pain, gas, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to FDA.
Can you take Relistor while pregnant?
Taking Relistor during pregnancy may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms in your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with Relistor.
Can you stop Relistor?
Stop using Relistor and call your healthcare provider if you get diarrhea that is severe or that does not go away during treatment with Relistor. You may have symptoms of opioid withdrawal during treatment with Relistor including sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, anxiety, and yawning.
What is the purpose of Relistor?
RELISTOR tablets and RELISTOR injection are indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain , including patients with chronic pain related to prior cancer or its treatment who do not require frequent (e.g., weekly) opioid dosage escalation.
Where to inject Relistor?
Inject RELISTOR subcutaneously in the upper arm, abdomen or thigh. Do not inject at the same spot each time (rotate injection sites).
What to do if you have diarrhea while on Relistor?
If severe or persistent diarrhea occurs during treatment, advise patients to discontinue therapy with RELISTOR and consult their healthcare provider .
How old are people on Relistor?
Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of RELISTOR tablets, a total of 136 patients (10%) were aged 65 years and older, while 23 (2%) were aged 75 and older. In clinical studies of RELISTOR tablets, no overall differences in effectiveness were observed. Adverse reactions were similar; however, there was a higher incidence of diarrhea in elderly patients.
How to clean a swollen injection site?
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry. Do not touch this area again before giving the injection (See Figure D).
Does Relistor affect metabolism?
In healthy subjects, a subcutaneous dose of 0.3 mg/kg of RELISTOR did not significantly affect the metabolism of dextromethorphan, a CYP2D6 substrate.
Is methylnaltrexone a selective antagonist?
Methylnaltrexone is a selective antagonist of opioid binding at the mu-opioid receptor. As a quaternary amine, the ability of methylnaltrexone to cross the blood-brain barrier is restricted. This allows methylnaltrexone to function as a peripherally-acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist in tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, thereby decreasing the constipating effects of opioids without impacting opioid-mediated analgesic effects on the central nervous system.
How to use Relistor?
How to use it. RELISTOR is given by an injection under the skin (by subcutaneous injection) in either (1) your upper legs (thighs), (2) your abdomen (stomach), and (3) your upper arm (if not self-injecting). RELISTOR can be taken with or without food. See INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING AND GIVING AN INJECTION OF RELISTOR.
How does Relistor work?
RELISTOR works by stimulating the muscle contractions of the digestive tract. This helps waste move more easily through the intestines. RELISTOR is used when other medicines to treat constipation, called laxatives, have not worked well enough. Your doctor may have prescribed RELISTOR for another reason.
How long do you have to take relistor before taking a laxative?
Patients maintained their regular laxative regimen for at least 3 days prior to study entry, and throughout the study. Rescue laxatives were prohibited from 4 hours before to 4 hours after taking an injection of study medication. Twenty-three patients received Relistor intermittently for a period of 3-4 months.
What is relistor used for?
Relistor is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients with advanced illness who are receiving palliative care when response to laxative therapy has not been sufficient.
How long is relistor good for?
Use of Relistor beyond 4 months has not been studied. Safety and efficacy with longer term use and in other patient groups have not been established.
What is the active ingredient in Relistor?
It contains the active ingredient called methylnaltrexone bromide. RELISTOR is used to relieve constipation caused by strong pain relievers called opiates (for example, morphine, codeine) prescribed by your doctor. RELISTOR works by stimulating the muscle contractions of the digestive tract.
What are the side effects of resor?
Diarrhoea (passing of frequent watery stools) Excessive sweating. Common side effects likely to occur in more than one in 100 patients, but in less than one in ten patients receiving RELISTOR are: Dizziness (light-headed) Other side effects may occur when using RELISTOR.
Indications and Usage For Relistor
This medication is used to treat constipation caused by opioid medication.
May Treat: Opioid-induced constipation
Drug Class: Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonists, Peripherally-Acting
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Opioid-induced constipation
Drug Class: Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonists, Peripherally-Acting
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: SALIX PHARMACEU
- Call doctor if severe diarrhea occurs
- Call Dr. if stomach pain, vomiting or nausea occur
- For kit products : Important to read patient package insert& med guide. Rotate under-the-skin sites of injections. Don't use if solution has particles or color change. Use once and discard any extra medicine. Redness or swelling may occur at injection site. May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Call doctor if severe diarrhea occurs
- Call Dr. if stomach pain, vomiting or nausea occur
- For kit products : Important to read patient package insert& med guide. Rotate under-the-skin sites of injections. Don't use if solution has particles or color change. Use once and discard any extra medicine. Redness or swelling may occur at injection site. May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- For tablet products : Before use, important to read the Medication Guide. Take 30 min before break- fast on an empty stomach. Tell doctor if not able to pass stool at all. Tell doctor your complete medical history. Store at room temperature.
Relistor Dosage and Administration
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Contraindications
Warnings and Precautions
- Opioid-Induced Constipation in Adult Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
Relistor tablets and Relistor injection are indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain, including patients with chronic pain related to prior cancer or its treatment who do not require frequent (e.g., weekly) opioid dos… - Opioid-Induced Constipation in Adult Patients with Advanced Illness
Relistor injection is indicated for the treatment of OIC in adult patients with advanced illness or pain caused by active cancer who require opioid dosage escalation for palliative care.
Adverse Reactions
- Important Administration Information
• 1. Be within close proximity to toilet facilities once Relistor is administered. • 1. Discontinue Relistor if treatment with the opioid pain medication is also discontinued. • 1. In adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain and OIC: • 1.1. Patients receiving opioids for less than 4 weeks ma… - Opioid-Induced Constipation in Adult Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
• 1. The recommended dosage of Relistor tablets is 450 mg taken orally once daily in the morning. • 1. The recommended dosage of Relistor injection is 12 mg administered subcutaneously once daily.
Drug Interactions
- Tablets:
- 150 mg methylnaltrexone bromide supplied as film-coated, white, round, biconvex, debossed with “REL” on one side and plain on the other side.
Use in Specific Populations
- Relistor is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction and patients at increased risk of recurrent obstruction, due to the potential for gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Overdosage
- Gastrointestinal Perforation
Cases of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in adult patients with OIC and advanced illness with conditions that may be associated with localized or diffuse reduction of structural integrity in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, Ogilvie’s syndrome, div… - Severe or Persistent Diarrhea
If severe or persistent diarrhea occurs during treatment, advise patients to discontinue therapy with Relistor and consult their healthcare provider.
Relistor Description
- Serious and important adverse reactions described elsewhere in the labeling include: • 1. Gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • 1. Severe or persistent diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • 1. Opioid withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]