methylnaltrexone 8 mg/0.4 mL subcutaneous syringe

Generic name:
Methylnaltrexone - injection

Pronunciation
(METH-il-nal-TREX-one)

Brand name(s)
Relistor

This medication is used to treat constipation caused by opioid medication. It blocks the effect of opioids on the gut without blocking the effect on pain. Methylnaltrexone belongs to a class of medications known as opioid antagonists.

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using methylnaltrexone and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on a set schedule or once every other day as needed. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not use more than once in 24 hours. The injection is given in the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh. Do not inject into a muscle or vein. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Ask your doctor if you should keep using your usual medications for constipation. This medication is used only for constipation caused by opioids. Stop using methylnaltrexone when you stop using opioid pain medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Make sure you are close to a bathroom after using this medication. This medication works quickly. Most people have a bowel movement within a few minutes to a few hours after using this medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, gas, dizziness, fever, or diarrhea may occur. Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using methylnaltrexone and tell your doctor right away if you have diarrhea that doesn't stop.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms may occur in some people. Tell your doctor right away if any of these withdrawal symptoms occur:

• sweating
• chills
• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, extreme sleepiness, visual hallucinations)
• yawning

This drug may rarely cause a serious tear in the stomach or intestinal wall (perforation). Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur:

• severe stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away
• fever
• severe dizziness
• fainting
• severe nausea/vomiting

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using methylnaltrexone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, ulcers, tumors, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis)
• kidney disease
• liver disease

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. If you are using the vial form and draw the medication into a syringe, you may store that syringe at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Each vial is for a single use only. Discard any unused medication remaining in the vial after removing your dose. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.