 Taking methylnaltrexone bromide (Relistor)
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed methylnaltrexone for the treatment of your constipation related to opioid use. This drug selectively binds to the receptor in the GI tract that is usually occupied by the opioid. Doing this allows the drug to block the constipating effects of the drug. The brand name of this drug is Relistor.
How you'll be given Relistor
You'll be given Relistor by a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection every other day. You or a significant other should learn to give this type of injection.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, don't double the dose. Inject the dose when you remember and then every other day.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea (frequent small meals may help).
Less common: dizziness (if this occurs, use caution to avoid injury and don't drive a car or operate dangerous machinery).
What you must know about other medications
There are no known drug interactions associated with this drug, but you should tell all of your health care providers that you're receiving this drug.
Special directions
- You should inject the drug every other day; mark the days on a calendar to avoid confusion.
- Use strict sterile technique when giving the injection. Don't reuse the needle. Use each vial only once, don't reenter the vial.
- Rotate injection sites; keep a chart of injection sites.
- Dispose of the needles and syringes in an appropriate container.
- Store the vials at room temperature, protected from light.
- If you draw the drug up into the syringe but for some reason can't use it right away, the syringe can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
- Most patients will have a bowel movement within a few minutes to a few hours after taking the drug.
- You may experience nausea and abdominal pain; frequent small meals may be helpful. Drugs may be available to relieve these symptoms if they are severe; check with your health care provider.
Keep in mind
- It isn't known if this drug could affect an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while you're taking this drug, consult your health care provider immediately.
- It isn't known how this drug could affect a breast-fed baby. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects on an infant, another method of feeding the baby should be used while you're receiving this drug.
- Keep the syringes, needles, and this drug out of the reach of children.
- Report diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and new nausea or vomiting that doesn't go away.
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