Naloxegol for Opioid-Induced Constipation User Reviews (Page 3)

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2017

"I just started taking this, and it works. I have been taking hydrocodone with codeine 10 mg for a few months and had horrible constipation. Miralax and other products didn't work. Yes, with Movantik, it can be uncomfortable... but I never had any of the other issues. I did get a little dizzy, but nothing serious that would send me to the ER."

• Gam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2024

"Prior to starting Movantik, I had been placed in the emergency room twice due to severe constipation. I was miserable day in, day out. I felt like crying! Miralax didn't work, stool softeners failed, suppositories didn't change anything. I was ironically scared sh*tless about starting Movantik due to the reviews here. I looked into it more and more, and it turns out that the cause of severe abdominal pain and withdrawal that some people experience is due to a very specific type of medication. If you take a medicine that is a CYP3A4 inhibitor, DO NOT TAKE MOVANTIK. You can Google '(name of medicine) and CYP3A4' to find out. If you take Movantik with one of those inhibitors, you are a lot more likely to experience bad symptoms. If none of yours are, give Movantik a try, but please make sure, no matter what strength they prescribe you, try 12.5mg at first. After trying 12.5mg, I found that it was enough to give me a consistent, daily bowel movement. No need to move up to the 25mg :)"

• Kil...
• August 25, 2020

"I read each review before I got it. I would have done anything to go number twos in the bathroom. I am 5'9" and 115 lbs with an extended stomach. I am lucky if I go once a month. I didn't realize how many people have this, and I can feel the pain you all have. After 27 years of being on some type of opioid, I am down to 2 Suboxone. I took this for 5 days and went through bad withdrawal. I wouldn't care if it made me go to the bathroom! I was sweating, every bone hurt, and I had no sleep, but nothing happened in my stomach! Then I did more research, and the main ingredient is 25 mgs of Naloxegol! Exactly the same as the 2 mgs Naloxone in Suboxone. They say it only goes in your intestines, which is impossible by how it affected my body. People don't understand what not going to the bathroom does to us. If I could add one thing, I was on methadone for 3+ years, and that stuff is worse than heroin! So if you are young and on that, please try and switch. I wish someone told me that when I was 28!"

• Jwr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2019

"I am a recovering addict who is prescribed Suboxone. I suffer from extreme opioid-induced constipation. The medication didn't work. It made me very nauseous and just made my gut feel crappy in general (no pun intended). I tried sticking it out but had to stop after 2 weeks. Also, Movantik caused me to test positive for both methamphetamine and morphine. As part of my treatment, I am required to go in twice a month to talk to an addiction doctor and get my Suboxone. I am required to not use any non-prescribed or illegal substances. I have never in my life touched methamphetamine and have only been given morphine in a hospital setting. I have been clean for nearly a year with the UAs to back it up and now I suddenly have a dirty test. The ONLY thing that changed was the Movantik. I've ruled out my other prescription medications and any OTC substances I've taken. Movantik is, without a doubt, the culprit. There are other medications that are reported to be better and more effective for OIC."

• Cyn...
• October 8, 2017

"OMG!! I didn't go to the bathroom for almost a month. I did go a little, not much, then I started to get wicked bad heartburn, so I said let me try the Movantik again. Within 15 mins, I began to sweat profusely, I'm not kidding. I was drenched with sweat and had cramps so bad I thought I died, and the chills-I couldn't believe that this could actually do this to someone. And the throwing up was also horrible!! No lie, I thought I was puking poop. I was so grossed out, and I'm still sweating like no tomorrow, and it's been 2 days now since I took a dose of it. I'm glad it works for some, but I wouldn't give that to my worst enemy!! That stuff is just horrible!! I've been on methadone for almost 18 years now for back pain, failed surgery, fusion, and SCS failed."

• Sub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2017

"I was an opiate addict for 24 years, been clean for a year. I have always had trouble with constipation. I was taking OTC stool softeners when I'd go 4 or 5 days without going. I would be in so much pain I would literally put a glove on with Vaseline and dig it out. Movantik has been a lifesaver. I take 1 every night, have coffee in the morning, and go. Little cramping the first couple of days but no withdrawals or nausea. I have lost 14 pounds in a month as well. Very happy."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2021

"I had been on methadone for about 12 years, and my doctor told me I should be having bowel movements more often than every 10 days (duh), so prescribed me Movantik. Honestly, one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I was at work (not a good place to take this!), and within 10 or so minutes, I started to have stomach pains. I went to the washroom and sat on the toilet but never had a bm, just severe stomach pains. I didn't know what to do, I just sat there hunched over. The pains were off and on, so when I thought they had stopped, I ended up going back to the unit I was working on, but the pains hit again, and I had to lay down on the floor. FYI, I work in a long-term care facility. Back to the bathroom I went, where the pains eventually went away. I can't even explain how bad this experience was. And now reading all of these reviews that sound exactly like what happened to me. Little bottle costs just under $500. No warnings from my doctor either. Don't take this!"

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2018

"This constipation by far is the worst. I, too, have gone almost 3 weeks without relief. To me, it feels like you're poisoning yourself with all your toxic waste just sitting in your body for far too long. That's how I describe it. I get hot, sweaty, I turn red like my blood pressure is going through the roof. Just like being poisoned. It starts out with small, rock-hard waste, and then once that first plug that has blocked is gone, then I can't stop going. That's when it gets terrible, I can't make it to the bathroom. I can't leave the house. I don't dare. What do they use to clean out a patient that is going to have an exam for colon cancer or just a checkup? Well, I hope they figure this out soon."

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2018

"My doctor gave me samples of Movantik. I have been on pain meds for years, also, I have to take iron pills because I am anemic. I have tried taking stool softeners, Miralax, and it doesn't work. I took the Movantik first thing in the morning. The first day, I got cramps, but after that, just very little cramping. Within a couple of hours, I have a movement with really no side effects. I will keep using it. The only thing I am noticing is I have the chills."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2017

"I've been on it for a week, and man does it work. Within 15-25 minutes, I'm going to the restroom 3 or more times. I take it when I know I have nothing to do for at least an hour or two because you don't want to be running errands when it starts to work, as you will never make it home or to a restroom in time. I am on pain medication for 4 failed fusion back surgeries, and I was drinking Miralax 3 times a day as the doctor recommended, but I couldn't leave the house because I was always running to the bathroom. When taking this pill, I can plan days where I take it hours before my errands, and it runs its course before I have to go, or I'll take it at night when I know I'm staying home the rest of the night. I have had stomach aches and a growling stomach. It does give you some withdrawal."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2023

"I took Movantik on the advice of an NPA who works for my primary doctor, whom I have seen before. I had to visit my doctor annually for my Medicaid provider. I am in a hospice program, and my primary doctor is a partner in the practice. However, this medication is the most dangerous one I have ever used. I have survived cancer for 22 years and various other deadly diseases and endured side effects, but never have I experienced anything like when taking Movantik. I take opioids due to chronic pain that neither surgeries nor treatments have relieved, and I have learned to cope with it. Additionally, I have a mild case of constipation, which is one of my many medical issues, including irritable bowel, colitis, duodenal ulcers, and pain, a pacemaker for afib for six years, damaged lungs from pulmonary disease, and cardiologists and primary doctors agreeing to my hospice care. I had been treated by palliative care for three years before transitioning to hospice. So, I had a breast cancer and colorectal cancer scare that was eventually determined to be severe hemorrhoids."

• Dis...
• November 13, 2017

"Within 40 minutes, I was in the bathroom with profuse sweating and intense abdominal pain. It is now 5 hours later, and the abdominal pain is still there. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Please take this off the market!"

• No...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2017

"I've been on hydrocodone 10/235 mg for years, and my orthopedic changed me to Subutex (generic). I was taking 8 Senokot-S a day for at least 3 days so I could get a small movement, and it was hard, very hard to get out. So I was told by MD and pharmacy to try and take Movantik 25 mg, and now I'm being told to take both Movantik 25 with 2 or 4 Senokot-S because Movantik isn't working by itself. Anyone else having this problem? I'm on a high-fiber diet and I'm drinking exactly 140 oz of water a day, every day? I rated Movantik 25 mg a (3) out of kindness because I think it needs to be lower."

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

"I have to take daily opiates due to chronic back pain despite three back surgeries, including lumbar fusion. I tried everything but always would ultimately get backed up. I tried Movantik at one point a couple of years ago, but it gave me bad stomach cramps, so I quit. At that time, I had some partial impaction. I recently did a magnesium citrate flush, like prepping for a colonoscopy. I then tried Movantik again and have a bowel movement within an hour or so. I do get some stomach cramps but only for 1-2 hours. Taking 1-2 doses of Miralax a day can help if the stool is hard. The big negative is cost."

• Lap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2018

"I've been taking Movantik for 8 months. I agree with some of the other reviews in that it worked great initially but eventually lost its effectiveness. It still helps some, but I have to take Amitiza, Miralax, and fiber supplements along with it. The main disadvantage for me is it reduces the effectiveness of my pain medication. I notice a huge difference in pain control on the days I take it, my meds don't work as well. For this reason, I usually take 1/2 a tablet instead of the whole thing. I have tried just not taking it at all, but I got very constipated despite the 3 other meds I take to prevent that. So I guess 1/2 a tablet is my happy medium."

• jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

"I have been on various mild-moderate pain opiates for 4 weeks for back pain, caused constipation which seemed to be relieved with Dulcolax. Then back got a lot worse and diagnosed as herniated disc and trapped sciatic nerve with MRI and was first put on 60 mg codeine every 4 hours, then liquid morphine 10-15 mg every 2 hours for the past 3 weeks. Absolutely nothing would work to move my bowels for 3 weeks and I tried everything!!! Eventually, in tears at the doctor's, she prescribed Movantik 25 mg. Day one could feel something happening but mostly just gas, but day two... hurrah - everything moved!!! No pain, no side effects, no cramps - amazing. I am just so, so, so grateful as I was feeling so sick from constipation. Maybe I didn't have the side effects people here describe as I haven't developed a physical dependency on opiates after just 6 weeks on them - just complete GI tract shutdown. Thank you, Movantik!!!"

• LA-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2021

"After a spinal cord injury, I've been taking 40-60 mg of hydrocodone (Norco) per day. This is not enough to produce withdrawal symptoms on the rare occasion I'm forced to go without, but it is enough to make constipation a big deal. I started with the half-dose (12.5 mg) and no laxatives. That didn't do much, but after a week of experimentation, I was able to reduce the amount of Senna and Miralax that I use. We just upped the dose to 25 mg/day. I can recommend it for people in similar condition."

• gri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2017

"This medication SHOULD NOT be used if a person has had an ORGAN TRANSPLANT. My husband had a heart transplant in October 2016 and was taking opioids from a mechanical heart that was put in between his ribs as a bridge to transplant. He was prescribed Movantik for constipation. He had two weeks of terrible watery diarrhea. After being hospitalized, he was almost in renal failure, and his anti-rejection was off the charts."

• Bur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2022

"I have taken opioids for 15 years, multiple back injuries and others. I'm getting older and don't move around as much. Anyway, I was given 25 mg and tried 1 pill. It was too much. Caused cramping, pain, some diarrhea, but gave relief. I believe it caused withdrawals for days. And though it is not listed as a laxative or fast-acting, it was my experience anyway, it was. I tried a third about 8 mg. That also acted fast. After not taking it for 3 days, I'm going to give it a try after another day or 2. This time, a quarter or 6 mg max. I feel it will still work. Everyone is different and taking different doses of opiate. If you choose to try this med, I would start with a very low dose while at home. And be sure to save your pain med till after, or take it long enough before it doesn't completely leave you in withdrawals. My half dose left me feeling worse than the constipation days later. I think that's what it was. So my final opinion, it can work, but needs to be better regulated than prescribed."

• Kan...
• July 29, 2017

"I've been taking Movantik once in the morning for a month, and it does nothing for me. I'm so disappointed because I've tried everything. I go 5 to 7 days without bowel movements. I'm at a loss of what to do next. I hope my gastro doctor has a plan. The only things I've experienced from Movantik are gas and severe cramping."

• lit...
• March 1, 2021

"I take 60 mg of oxy and take 10 mg methadone (slow withdrawal from 17 yr of prescribed methadone). I get less withdrawal symptoms if I take 1 hour before eating, always first thing in the morning. Today, I had bad symptoms because I had food with the pill, and it really shook me up with bad withdrawal symptoms. I try to take this every other day and take Miralax the night before the Movantik dose. Give this drug at least 1-2 hrs to work in the morning BEFORE pain meds. This will give the drug time to be absorbed and block the receptors that cause constipation. An empty stomach is really critical too! Alternative is warm water enemas every 2 days."

• cvd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2022

"When I asked my doctor for help with my opioid-induced constipation, she originally called in Relistor. My insurance flat out refused to cover it without me trying Movantik first. At first, it didn't do anything much. I had her increase the strength, and that did the trick. Within a day or two, I finally went to the bathroom. While I do not use the bathroom every day, I am using it every other day, which is a big improvement. Whereas before I could go a week without using it and I was miserable, I would recommend this medication. I suggest that you give it a try. It may take a while for it to start working, and it might also require a higher dose. It has been a lifesaver for me."

• 87...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2024

"I've been on an Opioid Patch since 2017 for a back with 6 screws in it plus another stenosis just below that repair. Constant constipation combined with a lousy pain management office have given me fits. Finally, a new office opened in my area! She has been wonderful. The history reported by the first pain Dr. was wrong, so she almost didn't try the one that works, we went through several others. I've only been on Movantik for 5 days, and I worry that it will stop working. I've had bad times, one time I was so blocked up they had to do manual evacuations, so painful. Then I bit the bullet and tried the SUPER expensive med. That didn't work. Movantik 12.5 didn't, but 25 mg did work the very first day. I am so thankful. No appointment for 3 weeks, and I'm wondering if I should take every other day so my body doesn't get used to it, and I go back to having those awful problems. I have minor withdrawal symptoms, but manageable and so much better than being blocked up."

• nyd...
• February 8, 2018

"Movantik was prescribed after lumbar fusion surgery. The drug was $324.00, my share, and it was not effective. The drug was taken as prescribed, on an empty stomach. After 4 days of constipation, other laxatives had to be taken. The pain from the first bowel movement after Movantik had been taken, and induced by other medications, was excruciating."

• HJB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2017

"Last year I had both my hips replaced (at 2 separate times) and was prescribed opioids. Within days I had horrible constipation, tried the over-the-counters first suggested by my surgeon with no relief. I addressed this with my surgeon during my follow-up visit and asked him about Movantik, I remember seeing the commercial. He stated that he never heard of it before, looked it up, and gave me a script. Took Movantik the next morning, by that evening, I had my first bowel movement and felt so much better. I did experience a little cramping, but I would take that over the constipation any day. Was only on my opioid for two weeks, so I stopped the Movantik at the same time. I was just shocked how my surgeon had never heard of Movantik before."