Alvimopan
Generic name: alvimopan [ AL-vi-MOE-pan ]
Brand name: Entereg
Dosage form: oral capsule (12 mg)
Drug class:Peripheral opioid receptor antagonists
What is alvimopan?
Alvimopan 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.
Alvimopan will not reduce the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.
Alvimopan is also used to help restore normal digestive functioning after surgery to remove a portion of your intestine.
Alvimopan 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.
Alvimopan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use alvimopan 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 alvimopan long-term during clinical studies. It is not clear whether alvimopan is the actual cause of heart attack. alvimopan should not be used for longer than 7 days after your surgery.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use alvimopan if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
Do not take alvimopan 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.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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 alvimopan given?
Alvimopan is given only in a hospital ...
