 Receiving alvimopan
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed alvimopan to help you recover after colon surgery. This drug reverses the effects of opioids on your colon so your colon functions normally and you recover more quickly. The brand name of this drug is Entereg.
How you'll receive Entereg
You'll be given one dose of the drug 30 minutes to 5 hours before surgery. Starting the day after surgery, you'll receive the drug twice a day for a maximum of 7 days or until you're discharged.
What to do if you miss a dose
This drug may only be given in the hospital. It will be administered by the staff to ensure you get it on time.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects of this medication.
Common: constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence.
Less common: difficulty urinating, back pain.
What you must know about other medications
You could be more prone to side effects, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea if you have a history of opioid use. Tell your health care provider if you've used opioids in the past week or for treatment of chronic pain.
Special directions
- Report any side effects to your prescriber immediately.
Keep in mind
- It isn't known how this drug could affect a breast-fed baby. Tell your health care provider if you're breast-feeding.
- It isn't known if this drug could affect an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you think you might be pregnant.
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