Uses

What is Movantik used for?

Movantik (naloxegol) is commonly used to treat constipation in people who regularly take pain medicines called opioids.

Movantik may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Movantik work (mechanism of action)?

Movantik works by blocking certain receptors in your intestines so that opioid pain medicines can not attach to those spots in your gut. Normally, opioids attach to certain receptors in your digestive system, which causes your intestines to slow down and make it hard to have a bowel movement. When opioid receptors in your intestines are blocked, you can have more normal bowel movements without affecting pain relief in other parts of your body. 

How is Movantik supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Movantik

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 12.5 mg, 25 mg oral tablets

How should I store Movantik?

Movantik should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Movantik?

The most common side effects of Movantik are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stomach pain and diarrhea (see below)
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Headache 
  • Gas

There may be other side effects of Movantik that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Movantik?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Movantik are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Movantik may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Movantik and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Opioid Withdrawal. Movantik may cause you to go into withdrawal from your opioid medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Sweating or chills
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Yawning

Stomach Pain or Diarrhea. Some people taking Movantik have severe stomach pain with or without diarrhea, sometimes requiring a hospital stay. Stop taking Movantik and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe stomach pain or diarrhea that does not go away.

Stomach or Intestinal Tears (Perforation). Movantik can increase your risk for developing a hole in the wall of your stomach or intestines. The risk is higher if you have had recent stomach or intestinal surgery, Crohn’s disease, an intestinal blockage, or certain other conditions. Stop taking Movantik and get emergency help right away if you have stomach pain that gets worse or does not go away. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Movantik?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Movantik.

  • Movantik
  • Naloxegol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Movantik.

Drug Interactions. Movantik should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Movantik, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or have used recently. See the Interactions section for more details.

Gut Blockage. Movantik should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) or a history of one. Movantik can increase the risk of developing a tear (perforation) that can lead to death in people with a bowel blockage.

What should I know about Movantik before using it?

Do not take Movantik unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Movantik with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Movantik out of the reach of children.

If you have trouble swallowing Movantik tablets whole or have a nasogastric (NG) tube, you can crush Movantik tablets into a powder and mix with water before each dose. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about how to mix and take Movantik. 

Stop taking all laxatives before starting Movantik. Your healthcare provider will not be able to tell how well Movantik is working if you are taking a laxative when you start the medicine.

Tell your healthcare provider if you stop taking your opioid pain medicine. You will need to also stop Movantik.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Movantik?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Movantik is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach or intestinal problems 
  • Inflammation in parts of the large intestine (diverticulitis)
  • Inflammation and injury of the intestines caused by reduced blood flow (ischemic colitis)
  • Stomach or intestinal cancer
  • Recent surgery on the stomach or intestines 
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Pregnancy. Movantik may cause harm to your unborn baby. If you take Movantik during pregnancy, your baby may have opioid withdrawal symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Movantik passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Movantik.

How can I get more information about Movantik?

For more information about Movantik, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.movantik.com or call them at 833-237-4455.

Interactions

Does Movantik interact with foods or drinks?

Movantik should be taken on an empty stomach. Take Movantik at least 1 hour before the first meal of the day or 2 hours after the meal.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Movantik. Using these together can increase your risk of developing side effects from Movantik.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Movantik.

Does Movantik interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking or have recently taken.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Movantik.

  • Bevacizumab, which is a medicine for cancer 
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Diltiazem, which is a medicine for high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
  • Verapamil, which is a medicine for high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
  • Erythromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections 
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, which is a medicine used to reverse the effects of an opioid pain medicine 

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Movantik. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Movantik. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Movantik (naloxegol) interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Movantik?

If you or someone else has used too much Movantik, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Movantik?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is more than 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Drug Survey

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This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.