IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced:
Relistor SubQ Uses
This medication is used to treat constipation caused by narcotic (opiate-type) medication. It blocks the effect of narcotics on the gut without blocking the effect on pain. It belongs to a class of medications called narcotic antagonists.
How To Use Relistor SubQ
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using methylnaltrexone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin in the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh, usually every other day as needed for constipation or as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than once in 24 hours. Do not inject into a muscle or vein.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site with each dose to avoid problem areas under the skin.
The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. Carefully check that you have drawn the correct dose into the syringe. The markings on the syringe measure the amount of liquid (milliliters/mL), not the amount of medication (milligrams/mg). For example, if your doctor has directed you to use 8 milligrams of medication, draw the liquid up to the 0.4-milliliter mark on the syringe. A 12-milligram dose is 0.6 milliliters. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or if you are not sure how to measure your dose.
This medication may be used with other laxatives. Ask your doctor if you should continue using your usual medications for constipation. This medication is used only for constipation caused by narcotics. Stop using methylnaltrexone when you stop taking narcotic pain medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
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 persists or worsens. If you have severe or persistent diarrhea, stop using this medication and tell your doctor promptly.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised October
2011.
Copyright(c) 2011 First Databank, Inc.
