Posted on 09/22/2024 7:09:59 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Opioids, potent pain relievers for patients with cancer, frequently cause constipation, which is a significant issue. Researchers revealed that administering naldemedine, which is a constipation medication, alongside opioids effectively prevents opioid-induced constipation, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.
Pain relief for patients with cancer is crucial, and opioids, such as morphine, play a vital role. However, constipation, which negatively affects the patient's quality of life, is a common side effect of opioid administration. This condition, also known as opioid-induced constipation, is prevalent and frequently does not resolve on its own, thereby necessitating effective interventions.
A recent study aimed to investigate the effects of naldemedine, a medication used to treat constipation, in preventing constipation when patients with cancer begin receiving opioids. Naldemedine is anticipated to prevent constipation by promoting regular bowel movements.
The study involved 99 patients with cancer, categorized into two groups: one receiving naldemedine and the other a placebo. After 14 days of treatment, 64.6% of the patients taking naldemedine showed no signs of constipation compared with 17.0% in the placebo group. Furthermore, the naldemedine group demonstrated improved quality of life and reduced nausea.
In conclusion, the study indicates that naldemedine, when administered in conjunction with opioids for pain relief in patients with cancer, contributes to a more comfortable life by preventing constipation.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
this would be a godsend... gonna show it to my Doc.
PIng
Major good news for those taking opiates for cancer or other intractable pain.
A Fried bologna sandwich at a greasy spoon restaurant will do the same for $4.95
My mother had the worst problem with constipation while on opioids — to the extent that once her doctor had to make a house call to fix things.
They were quite hesitant to use laxatives on her since they were “habit forming”. When you’re 90+ years old, that’s the last thing you have to worry about.
wouldn’t a taco bell burrito work as good?
Drugs to fix other drugs.
Yes. it truly would be a Godsend.
You know, I’ve had just that a while back, but I didn’t notice an issue.
I didn’t decide to get it again, though. It was okay, but not great.
Which ended up with her in the ER being roto-rutered.
It is something people joke about until they have seen it happen. It quickly becomes a lot less funny.
If this can help it will be a blessing.
Thanks for the link.
*
Bumping for distribution
That was definitely one of the worst side-effects from taking opioids.
If opioids would only help with the pain, even that side-effect might become tolerable. But opioids don’t help with the pain. On my most recent surgery, I told the surgeon that I didn’t want strong opioids, so he prescribed codeine. On my next surgery, I might refuse opioids completely. Ibuprofen (aka Motrin or Advil) is the only drug that actually helps with my pain. And it isn’t a narcotic/opioid.
“A Fried bologna sandwich at a greasy spoon restaurant will do the same for $4.95”
For me, fatty brisket from a good BBQ joint does the trick.
I went through cancer treatments and had pain-kill-constipation - while it’s not the best for you, MiraLAX works fine and doesn’t have the same dangers...then, an occasional dose of Dulcolax rounds things out.
I find it best to try to avoid prescription meds if at all possible - I use them when needed but only when nothing else works.
Metamucil and other fiber supplements will also help prevent opioid constipation. No need to take another drug.
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