Entereg

Generic name:alvimopan [ AL-vi-MOE-pan ]
Drug class:Peripheral opioid receptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 10, 2021.

What is Entereg?

Entereg reduces certain side effects of opioid medicine used to prevent pain after surgery. Some side effects of opioid medicine (stomach pain, bloating, constipation) can delay recovery after surgery on your stomach or intestines.

Entereg will not reduce the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.

Entereg is also used to help restore normal digestive functioning after surgery to remove a portion of your intestine.

Entereg is available only under a special program, and you will receive only 15 doses. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of alvimopan.

Warnings

You should not use Entereg if you have severe liver or kidney disease, or if you have used an opioid medicine for more than 7 days in a row just before your surgery.

Some people had heart attacks while taking Entereg long-term during clinical studies. It is not clear whether alvimopan is the actual cause of heart attack. This medicine should not be used for longer than 7 days after your surgery.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, painful or difficult urination, or confusion with uneven heart rate, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling, and increased urination.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Entereg if you have severe liver or kidney disease.

Do not take Entereg if you have used opioid medicine for more than 7 days in a row just before your intestinal surgery. Opioid medicines include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and many others.

To make sure Entereg is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart disease or prior heart attack;

• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• a colostomy or ileostomy;

• a pancreas disorder; or

• if you have recently used any type of opioid medicine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is Entereg given?

Entereg is given only in a hospital for a short period of time.

You will receive your first dose of Entereg before your surgery. You will then be given additional doses 2 times per day for up to 7 days.

This medicine should not be used for longer tha...