Sometimes, when we take strong painkillers, or opioids, prescribed by doctors for a serious problem, after surgery, or for ongoing pain, we end up with a different problem, right? That's constipation . For some people, this is so annoying that they can't even eat or drink. So today we're going to talk about a special injection that helps with constipation caused by opioids. That's a drug called methylnaltrexone.
What is this drug called methylnaltrexone? How does it work?
Now let's take a look at what exactly this drug called methylnaltrexone is and how it can help you. Simply put, it is specifically designed to treat constipation caused by the opioids you take for pain.
Think about it, the opioids you take can really reduce pain. That's true. But they also slow down your bowel movements, making your intestines a little 'lazy'. The speed at which stool moves through your intestines slows down. That's when bowel movements become delayed, sometimes lasting for days, or very difficult.
So, this methylnaltrexone drug does a really amazing thing. It blocks the effects of those opioids in your gut, which is to stop the bowels from working. But, the most important thing is, it doesn't go to your brain to relieve pain. It just works directly on your intestines. Then the muscles in your intestines start working properly again, helping you pass stool. You can usually see the results within half an hour. We call this type of drug an 'opioid blocker' . That is, it blocks some of the actions of opioids, especially their effect on the intestines.
This medication may sometimes be prescribed by doctors for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor or the pharmacist. This medication also comes under the brand name `(Relistor)`.
What are the things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you start taking methylnaltrexone, it is important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. This is because only then can you determine whether this medication is right for you. Here are some things you should definitely know:
- If you have kidney disease . Because many medications are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, if you have kidney problems, you need to think carefully about the dosage of the medication.
- If you have liver disease . The liver is also a major organ that cleanses our body of drugs. So if there is a liver problem, that should also be mentioned.
- If you have any problems with your stomach or intestines . For example, if you have a blockage in your intestines, an ulcer, or another serious condition. Because this medicine increases the activity of the intestines, it may not be suitable for people with such conditions.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to methylnaltrexone, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is essential to talk to your doctor before taking any medication at this time.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also be aware that some medications can pass to your baby through breast milk.
Not only these things, but it is also very important to tell your doctor about any health problems you have and any other medications you are taking.
How do I use this medicine? What is the best way?
This medicine, called methylnaltrexone, is given as an injection under the skin . It is usually given in a hospital or clinic.
However, sometimes you may have to give yourself this injection at home. If that happens, don't worry. Your doctor or nurse will teach you exactly how to prepare it, how to inject it under your skin, and how to do it cleanly. You should do it exactly as they tell you, in exactly the same order. It's not a good idea to take more or more often than the doctor tells you.
The most important thing is, shouldn't you put your used needles and syringes in the trash? There is a special sharps container for that. You can ask for it at your pharmacy or doctor. That's where you should put these used items. This is for the safety of all of us and to avoid endangering others.
When you are prescribed this medicine, the pharmacy will give you a special information leaflet called ``MedGuide'' . This is given to you every time you get a new medicine, even when you get a refill. It contains a lot of important information about the medicine. Therefore, it is very important to read it carefully.
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children . Therefore, if you want to give this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor about it carefully and follow their instructions.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call your nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately. Otherwise, go immediately.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Never share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This is not a medication that is usually taken at the same time every day. That is, it is not a medication that is used regularly. It is given as needed. Therefore, there is no need to worry about missing a medication appointment. However, if you have any questions about how your doctor has told you to use it, ask.
What other things can interact with this medicine? (Interactions)
There are some medications that can cause problems if taken with methylnaltrexone. For example:
- Alvimopan
- Naloxone
- Naltrexone
This list is not complete. There may be other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (whether prescribed by other doctors or bought at the pharmacy), herbal products, vitamins, and dietary supplements you use. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs. Some things can interact with this medicine and cause problems.
What should we be especially careful about when taking this medicine?
There are a few things you should be careful about while using this medicine:
- After taking this injection, stay in a place where you can get to a toilet as soon as possible. You may need to defecate shortly after taking this medicine. Sometimes it can be sudden.
- While you are taking this medicine, your medical team will monitor your condition closely. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor or nurse right away.
- You may feel a little drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration.
- Don't stand or sit up suddenly. Be especially careful if you're elderly. Doing so can make you feel dizzy and you could fall.
- Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine? (Side Effects)
Like any medicine, methylnaltrexone can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, and some are not so serious.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:
If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. These can be very dangerous.
- Severe stomach pain: This means that the pain is more severe, persistent, and increasing than a normal stomach ache.
Side effects that usually do not require medical advice, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
These usually go away in a few days. However, if they persist and bother you, tell your doctor:
- Feeling cold (Chills)
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain (non-specific)
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else that is not listed, talk to your doctor about it. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How to store this medicine? (Storage)
It is also very important to store medicines properly.
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit) . Do not store in extreme cold (such as in the freezer). Also, protect from light.
- Do not use expired medicines. Dispose of them properly.
This leaflet is only a summary. It may not contain all the information you need. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so, shall we remind you again of the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about?
1. Methylnaltrexone is a special injection given for constipation caused by opioids (painkillers).
2. This only works on the intestines, it has no effect on painkillers.
3. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you are taking.
4. Use the injection exactly as your doctor tells you. Dispose of used needles safely.
5. Stay near a toilet after taking the injection. Be aware of drowsiness and dizziness, as this can occur.
6. If you experience severe stomach pain or an allergic reaction, tell your doctor immediately.
I hope you find this information useful. Stay healthy!
` Methylnaltrexone, Methylnaltrexone, opioid constipation, constipation medication, Relistor, drug side effects, injection
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න