Facing bowel surgery, or thinking about the recovery period after surgery, can be a bit overwhelming for anyone. After surgery, we anxiously wait for everything to return to normal. Especially until the bowels start functioning again. Today, we are talking about a special medicine that can help speed up that healing process and restore bowel function.
What is this Alvimopan?
Simply put, Alvimopan is a medication that helps reduce the time it takes for the intestines to return to normal after bowel surgery. Sometimes, after surgery and due to some painkillers (especially opioids), the intestines can become a little "sleepy" or inactive. This condition is called Postoperative Ileus .
So what this Alvimopan drug does is "wake up" the inactive intestines again, helping them to resume normal functioning more quickly. The most commonly used brand name for this is Entereg.
The important thing is, this is not a medicine you can pick up at a pharmacy and take home. It is only given during your hospital stay, under medical supervision.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor decides to prescribe this medication for you, it is important that he or she knows your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Situation you need to report | Why is it important to inform about it? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | Although rare, some studies have reported an increased risk of heart attack, so your doctor should be aware of your heart health. |
| Kidney disease | Since medications are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted if the kidneys are functioning poorly. |
| Liver disease | Because the liver metabolizes drugs, it is important to know about liver function. |
| If you are already taking painkillers (especially opioids) | This medicine will not be given if you have been taking opioid painkillers such as morphine or codeine continuously within 7 days before surgery. |
| If you are having surgery for a blockage in your stomach or intestines | This medication is mainly used for surgeries such as removing part of the intestine and is not used for obstructions. |
| Allergy to Alvimopan or other medicines, foods, dyes | This is essential to prevent allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor needs this information to consider the possible effects on the child. |
How to use this medicine and what should you remember?
This comes in the form of a capsule. It is given to you with a glass of water. As mentioned earlier, this will only be given to you by the medical team at the hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take this medicine on time. If you miss a dose, do not worry and inform your doctor or nursing staff immediately.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since you are in hospital, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, tell your medical team immediately. In an emergency, the usual course of action is to notify the National Poisons Information Centre at the national hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products), as some medications can interact with Alvimopan.
Below are some such drugs:
- Amiodarone
- Cyclosporine
- Itraconazole
- Narcotic pain medications
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Spironolactone
- Verapamil
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Since you are in the hospital, the medical team will be constantly monitoring you for these.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, fainting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Upset stomach | A feeling of indigestion or a slight stomachache. |
Where do you keep this medicine?
You don't have to worry about this. This is not a medicine you can take home. The hospital staff will take care of keeping it safe while you are in the hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Alvimopan is a drug that helps to quickly restore bowel function after intestinal surgery.
- This is only given in a hospital, under medical supervision. It is not a medicine you can take home.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as allergic symptoms or chest pain, while taking the medicine, inform your medical team immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
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