Naloxegol

Naloxegol is used to treat constipation caused by opiate (narcotic) pain medications in adults with chronic (ongoing) pain that is not caused by cancer. Naloxegol is in a class of medications called peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists. It works by protecting the bowel from the effects of opiate (narcotic) medications.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Naloxegol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the first meal of the day. Take naloxegol at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take naloxegol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are unable to swallow the tablets whole, crush the tablet to a powder and mix it in a glass with 4 ounces (120 mL) of water. Drink the mixture immediately. Then, refill the glass with 4 ounces (120 mL) of water, stir the contents, and drink the remaining mixture contents.

If you have a nasogastric (NG) tube, your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to prepare naloxegol tablets to give through a NG tube.

You should stop taking other laxative medications before you start taking naloxegol. Be sure to let your doctor know if naloxegol does not work for you after taking it for 3 days. Your doctor may tell you to take other laxative medication(s).

Tell your doctor if you stop taking opiate (narcotic) medications. Your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking naloxegol.

Part of the reason for these long wait times and short appointments is due to a nationwide shortage of physicians that is only getting worse. A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that, due to population growth and specifically growth of the elderly population, the physician shortfall in the U.S. could reach 121,300 by the year 2030.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.