For constipation.
Brand Name(s): Relistor
Generic Name: Methylnaltrexone
Instructions
This medicine is injected into the skin. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist where on your body this medicine can be injected and how to inject it.
Always inspect the medicine before using.
The liquid should be clear or light yellow.
Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.
Keep medicine at room temperature. Protect from light.
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Do not freeze the medicine.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.
If medicine has been drawn into a syringe, any medicine stored in the syringe should be used within 24 hours.
Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.
You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.
Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen or itchy.
Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.
Do not rub or massage the area where the injection was given.
Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Stop taking other laxatives while using this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Stay close to a bathroom after using this medication. This medicine works quickly. Most people have a bowel movement within a few minutes to a few hours after using this medicine.
Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.
Cautions
This medicine may cause you to experience some withdrawal symptoms from your pain medication. Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual sweating, chills, stomach pain, diarrhea, yawning or irritability.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- diarrhea
- excess gas
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- nausea
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent abdominal pain
- severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
- dizziness
- fainting
- fever
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about METHYLNALTREXONE - INJECTION
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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. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
