Naloxegol and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Ann...
• September 27, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I was given samples of the 25mg dose for constipation due to methadone. I took it as prescribed, 2 hours after a meal. Within an hour, I was vomiting, had severe diarrhea, and horrible stomach cramps. I ended up calling an ambulance and spending 2 days in the hospital. All my electrolytes were out of balance, my temperature dropped to 95, I was so dehydrated they could barely get blood out of me. They kept a heart monitor on me the entire time I was in the hospital. I had to be put on morphine, the pain was so bad. I was released after 2 days but am now just starting to eat again. I am usually very tolerant of new medications, but this one could have killed me. I would NEVER recommend this to anyone."

• Sko...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Like many people who have commented, I have been on heavy doses of opioids for 20 years with severe constipation. My doctor recommended Movantik, which I took exactly as directed. Unfortunately, I experienced horrible side effects including terrible cramping, diarrhea, sweating, hot flashes, and essentially the misery of full-blown withdrawal. I now have a huge bottle of Movantik that will likely collect dust forever. I will try everything else before considering that again."

• MzC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "After using Relistor shots as needed for my OIC (opioid-induced constipation) (which caused extreme stomach cramps and diarrhea, but it's very effective), my PM doc put me on Movantik. I didn't see results that were nearly as drastic, but it seemed to kind of work. It seems that my pain meds aren't as effective with Movantik in my system. I've had withdrawal symptoms: sweats, cramping, anxiety, yawning profusely, agitation, and my anxiety level has gone through the roof. Not worth it. It's produced BMs on occasion, but I'll stick to my stool softeners, laxatives, and drinking lots of water. I don't like the idea of having another addictive drug in my body to counteract symptoms from the first one. And feeling like crap is not a good trade. GOOD LUCK!"

• JWD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Amitiza has worked well for over two years to control constipation which is a direct result of opioids taken for pain control. However, my doctor gave me a box of Movantik to try instead. NEVER AGAIN! Within a short period of time, my colon began cramping for several hours. Initially, I hoped that a bowel movement would reduce the pain. It did not! I then got diarrhea. Not wanting to call 911, I tried to breathe deeply as I went from chills to sweats to chills & the cramping continued. Praying not to throw up, but when I did, it was SO VIOLENT that it went through one of my nostrils. I had peritonitis 20 years ago, and it is a toss-up which was worse. Childbirth wasn't as severe. I'll never again try this pill even at a lesser dosage."

• hun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Worst medication I've ever tried. It gets rid of your constipation but also causes horrible withdrawal. At first, I thought everything was fine. Six hours in, I had gone to the toilet four times. I was okay except for some stomach pain, which I expected. After eight hours in, I had the most horrendous cramps of my life. My whole body ached. I was nauseous. As time goes on, I realized I was in full-blown withdrawal. I started shivering. The cramps, pain, and diarrhea were horrible. Twelve hours in, I can't leave the toilet. My pain's unbearable. I felt I had nothing left to evacuate, but I keep just cramping up. My entire body is shaking. FYI, I take 30 mg oxycodone IR every three hours and Norco 10 four times daily. Movantik has made this ineffective. I'm writing this in the hopes that you do not take this drug. I was going to the bathroom every morning with just Miralax. My insurance company decided to stop covering it. But I'll figure out I'll just buy the Miralax. It's the next morning now, and finally, it's over except for residual cramps."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I've been on methadone maintenance for over four years. And I've been having problems pooping ever since. I heard about Movantik a couple of days ago, so I asked my doc about it, and I haven't felt this good in a long time. Other than having severe diarrhea for the first couple of days after taking it, it has been great."

• Cak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have chronic pain issues and have for years. I am on OxyContin & oxycodone. I have dealt with drug-induced constipation for years. I will NOT ever take another dose of this medicine. It's been several hours since I took my first dose, and I was surprised that I had a bowel movement within an hour. Regular, which was nice for once, then had to go again right away... and again... and again, and things got softer, then went to liquid. I went to bed around 1 am and was awoken with an urgency to go to the bathroom, only to find that I had 'wet' the bed by the bowel leaking while I slept for ONE hour. My bed was soaked, I was soaked. Not only was I humiliated like a child would be, but the diarrhea isn't stopping! From what I read, the best is yet to come!!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Awful stomach pain that lasted hours. Very small amount of diarrhea. Not worth the pain. I threw the medication away, it was that bad. I didn't want to be tempted to take it again. It's really that bad. I wouldn't even bother halving the 25 mg tablet. Also, the fact that it seems to suck the options out of your body. I'm in more pain than before. Unfortunately, I had taken my morphine before this drug. Stay away from it, terrible medication."

• Con...
• October 21, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I took it very close to the same time I had taken my dose. Within an hour, I had a bowel movement, but as soon as I did, I began violently vomiting and having explosive diarrhea. My hands and feet started going numb, and I could not stop vomiting. I ended up in the ER via ambulance. I have never in my life been that ill. My BP jumped to 174/101. At the hospital, they finally got me into triage and gave me Zofran after an hour and a half. It finally eased the nausea. I had a terrible migraine to boot. Finally, once the nausea wore off, I told my mom to take me to my house, as I just wanted to lay down, so I ended up walking out, dehydrated, migraine and all. I went home and slept it off. The point of this comment is Movantik threw me into full-blown withdrawal. I had no clue what this medication was, it's naloxegol, which is like naloxone. Had I known, I'd have never even touched it, so if you're on methadone, think twice before taking it. Has anyone on methadone maintenance who has taken this medicine experienced having a positive UDS because of Movantik?"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I took my first dose yesterday morning at seven. Within thirty mins, I had the worst cramps of my life! Was sweating puddles, bright red, sick as anything! My boyfriend had to drive me to the ER. It took Benadryl, Toradol, phenetol, Phenergan, and a muscle relaxer that they had to put in my arm because they couldn't start an IV because my body was going through chills and dehydration from throwing up and horrible diarrhea. My stomach felt like it was tearing! I've been on methadone treatment for a little over two years. I do believe this medication sent me into the worst withdrawals of my life, and that's how it unconstipates you. With my insurance, I paid $30, and I won't be taking the other 29. I wouldn't take the chance of putting yourself through this."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2018

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I will NEVER EVER take this medicine. I took one pill last night after taking 180 mg of morphine a day. I've never been in so much pain in my life. EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA AND A LOT OF VOMITING. I literally threw up everything in my body, including my morphine - for 18 hours straight, I was in excruciating pain and withdrawals because every time I took my meds again, I threw them up. I couldn't even keep down Xanax to help with anxiety. Please be aware it will relieve your constipation, but you will be cleaning your bathroom floor, sink, and toilet when you finally feel better. I agree with whoever said I wouldn't give this to my worst enemy."

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have been on a small amount of Methadone, 5 mg twice daily. I can only go to the bathroom like 1 - 2 times a week, and then it's little hard balls. I took Movantik, 25 mg 1 time and went within 1 hour. That would have been okay, but then a few minutes later my stomach hurt, I mean really hurt. I was in tears. Then I went again. Well, I have gone so much it is pure water now, and I will not take this again. I would be scared to try the 12.5 mg. No withdrawal symptoms, but the runs. Well, the last time I had this that bad my kidneys were shutting down, so I fear for this. Cannot eat or drink anything, it runs right through me... Be careful, I would try the lower amount first and see how that goes."

• Nur...
• August 5, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "I have been dealing with chronic pain for over 5 years, in which I've had to take opioids on and off. After 3 failed surgeries in an attempt to relieve my pain, I decided to see a pain management doctor who has put me on a daily regimen of opiates. I've tried Amitiza, Linzess, and of course fiber, Miralax, laxatives, and enemas. None of these have worked like Movantik. It's been truly a miracle drug. I take it first thing in the morning with my other meds and coffee, but I don't eat until an hour later, as the directions say, and it works every time. I've never had diarrhea, horrible stomach cramps, nausea, etc. It just makes me have a large, normal, and complete BM in the morning, and that's it. It's been a life saver for me."

• Max...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2015

For Constipation, Drug Induced "This drug has been amazing for me over the past week that I've been taking it. My experience does not match the other reviews here in any way. I take Movantik in the early morning, and a few hours later I have a bowel movement - a normal bowel movement, not diarrhea. It's been very good for me."

• Hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2019

For Constipation, Chronic "This stuff is horrible! I took 1 dose, 25 mg, within 30-40 minutes, I started getting a really gassy stomach, really distended. Then the abdominal pain and cramping started. It was the worst thing I have ever endured. I almost went to the hospital, it was so incredibly bad. Sweating, yawning, explosive diarrhea. After 24 hours, the cramping and extreme pain have subsided significantly but still have a little. By 36 hours, my stomach feels really bloated, but most of the other side effects have subsided. Thank God! I tell you, that was the WORST experience I have ever endured. No one should take this toxic poison."

• Jer...
• November 14, 2017

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "My doctor gave me some samples of Movantik, as well as an Rx for it. Took the first pill on an empty stomach one hour before a meal, as directed. Cramps started about an hour after taking it. Cramps increased in intensity over the next few hours until I was experiencing the worst stomach pains of my life. I've actually gone to the ER for stomach pain less severe than this. Initial normal bowel movement quickly turned into total diarrhea (with the most horrible odor imaginable). Additional side effects included intense nausea and just an overall feeling of being very sick. These symptoms continued for an agonizing 8 to 10 hours. I reported the side effects to my doctor, and he advised against taking any more of it. This drug is a nightmare."

• Hig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I have been on opioids for over 8 years. Movantik was suggested after an ER visit due to constipation. On my first night of taking this pill, I went into the ER with severe diarrhea (5 episodes in 2 hours), cramping, and nausea. I took the pill again the next night and still got cramps with diarrhea, but both were not as bad as the night before. I kept taking the pill at night before bed, and the side effects got better and better with each continuous night. By the second week, I was no longer cramping nor getting diarrhea. When taken at 10 pm, I would have a bowel movement at about 6 am, and it was loose without needing a laxative. It is my suggestion that even if the first few nights bring diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and other discomforts, to stick with it; it will get better. As painful as those first few nights may be, the long-term outcome of it will be worth it more than the struggle of dealing with the consequences of not staying on Movantik."

• No...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "My advice on Movantik is to understand that Movantik is an opioid blocker in the same manner that naloxone (found in Suboxone) is an opioid blocker. My husband took 12.5 mg and was thrown into withdrawal. Nausea first, chills, fever, shaking so hard the bed was vibrating. I thought Movantik worked on the backed-up s**t, but it stops the opioid from working. Of course, you will have diarrhea when your pain meds are cut off. It may not happen to everyone, but it happened to my husband. I guess it's back to OIC."

• Swa...
• December 8, 2016

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Movantik worked like a charm for me - when used correctly, meaning no sooner than 2 hours after your last meal or 1 hour before your first meal of the day. I suffer from pain due to nerve damage in the lower back (S1 nerve root) after multiple surgeries and take oxy and Percocet daily. When I did not follow that very simple schedule (by accident), i.e., took it too close to my last meal, I had horrible bloating, pain, cramping, and terrible diarrhea. So I would guess that many of the negative reviews on here may be because of misuse."

• Tha...
• October 9, 2019

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "Was given a sample of 25 mg from my doc, the pharmacy said not covered on my plan. Got a note months later from my provider that an appeal on my behalf has been ruled favorable on my side. Although still a $100 co-pay, I thought I'd try it, and if it works, it'll be well worth the cost. I took a tablet from my sample. Within 20 mins, cramps started (no sweat, that's expected), another 10 mins and strange sounds started rumbling deep in my gut, and the surprisingly tranquil farting started. Another 15 mins and I was having a bowel movement and was overjoyed. After a few of these, I got a sharp pain in my lower back, I started yawning, cold sweats, and proceeded to have explosive diarrhea for the next 6 hours straight. I also had a severe migraine and thoughts of impending doom. It took 11 hours before my bowels calmed down. I actually slept in my recliner lined with plastic trash bags in case I blew containment. Now, nearly 24 hours later, my gut is finally somewhat back to normal. $2.49 enema."

• ais...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2017

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Been taking Movantik for 2 1/2 months. At first, it seemed to be working great, no side effects with normal daily bowel movements and was thrilled. Then last month, I noticed being nauseous about an hour after taking my morning dose (the literature recommends taking your dose in the morning, 1 hour before your first meal). Usually after eating, it resolved, but then I started having random sudden severe cramping and nausea, cold soaking sweats, feeling extremely dizzy, and bad diarrhea ultimately. I didn't realize it was the Movantik until I stopped it for a few days. Felt fine, and then after restarting, it happened all over. I guess that's withdrawal then? Had no idea but figured out it was the Movantik causing all the symptoms!"

• Sac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2021

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I messed up. It didn’t say on the label not to take it with food, so I took it with dinner. Then I read the reviews and was terrified. I take 85 mg methadone daily, by the way, down from 180 mg slowly over the last four years. Anyway, 15 min later, I was cleaned out! No cramping. No diarrhea. I kept waiting for the precipitated withdrawals to set in. I was certain they would because I took it with food and figured I’d absorb more of the drugs and be screwed. I was only prescribed the 12.5 mg. But guess what? The precipitated withdrawals never came! I didn’t have any negative side effects! The poop wasn’t even hard to get out! It was like a dream! A poop dream. I will update if I get any bad side effects with continued use! And Medi-Cal covered the entire cost!"

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "Ok, I'm NEVER taking that Movantik EVER again!!!!! I feel like I'm going to die! Insane stomach pain, cramping, sweat pouring off me, chills, lightheadedness, diarrhea, crazy lower back pain. I threw up while on the toilet... uhh... no! That pill is awful! I'll deal with the constipation.... I can't handle this. I'm lying on the couch downstairs in excruciating pain, shaking, sweating, and wanting to puke. So yeah... you could say it “worked,” but I’m not willing to deal with the consequences."

• Tan...
• May 12, 2018

For Constipation, Drug Induced "I took this one time, and I will never take this again. I took it 12 hours ago and have been up the entire night with explosive diarrhea. Chills, stomach ache, feeling like I'm dying. But the absolute worst part is, it feels as though I've been stripped of my pain medication, so I am in so much back pain that I've been crying. Nothing will stop it, and I've even taken more pain relief this morning. I really felt like going to the hospital, I'm in so much pain."

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

For Opioid-Induced Constipation "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."