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.

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.

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 methylnaltrexone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do not use any other laxatives that your doctor has not prescribed.

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 methylnaltrexone and get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain that gets worse or will not go away.

Methylnaltrexone may cause serious side effects. 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 of methylnaltrexone 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.

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.