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Patients with opioid-induced constipation are frequently cycling through over-the-counter (OTC) options with little benefit. Many OIC patients suffer for years without adequate relief2,3
How long is too long?
In a survey* of 441 chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) patients on opioid therapy with OIC, 64% of patients reported trying OTC medications at the recommendation of their health care provider (HCP)2:
*A national, 1-week online survey sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with the US Pain Foundation and conducted by Wakefield Research, which surveyed 441 US adults, aged 18 years or older, who were living with CNCP, on opioid therapy, and suffering from OIC.2
OTC laxatives may not provide adequate relief for patients with opioid-induced constipation4
In a survey of 322 patients taking opioids orally on a daily basis4:
81% of patients taking oral opioid therapy and OTC laxatives reported still being constipated4
OTC options may help some patients manage their symptoms, but they do not treat the underlying cause of OIC1,5Opioid-induced constipation is a different form of constipation that may not respond to OTC laxatives4,6-8
OIC is caused by opioids binding to mu-opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, significantly slowing GI motility.8,9 Three effects that can contribute to OIC include:
- Decreased peristaltic motion10
- Increased fluid absorption from gut10
- Decreased fluid secretion into gut10
OIC often persists throughout patients’ opioid therapy; it is usually not dependent on dose or duration of opioid use8You have the power to identify OIC and intervene early to help address the underlying cause
Take a proactive approach to OIC by starting the conversation with your patients. These questions can help to identify OIC:
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How many bowel movements are you having per week?
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Are you taking OTC laxatives? How many have you tried?
Download the Doctor Discussion Guide to help your patients evaluate and talk about their symptoms.Download now
