Alvimopan (Entereg)
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, Alvimopan REMS Program, and you will receive only 15 doses. Only hospitals registered in the program may use alvimopan.
Alvimopan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Alvimopan (Entereg) used for?
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Alvimopan (Entereg)?
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 or have ever had:
- heart disease or prior heart attack;
- blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
- a colostomy or ileostomy;
- a pancreas disorder;
- if you have recently used any type of opioid medicine; or
- liver or kidney disease.
It is not known if alvimopan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before your surgery.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Alvimopan (Entereg)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people had heart attacks while taking alvimopan long-term. It is not clear whether alvimopan is the actual cause of a heart attack. Call your doctor at once if you have heart attack symptoms, such as:
- chest pain or pressure;
- pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
- anxiety, nausea, sweating.
Common side effects may include:
- heartburn.
You may be more likely to have unpleasant effects including stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting if you used any type of opioid medicine shortly before your surgery.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Alvimopan (Entereg) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if alvimopan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before your surgery.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Alvimopan (Entereg)?
Do not take opioid pain medicines right before surgery unless your doctor says it is okay.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Alvimopan (Entereg)?
Use Alvimopan (Entereg) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Alvimopan is given only in a hospital for a short period of time.
You may be given alvimopan with or without food.
You will be monitored at the hospital to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction or have severe side effects.
You will receive your first dose of alvimopan before your surgery. You will then be given additional doses 2 times per day until you leave the hospital.
This medicine should not be used for longer than 7 days (maximum 15 doses) after your surgery.
In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Alvimopan (Entereg)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.
Images
2312
Color: white
Shape: capsule
Imprint: 2312
PAR 3012
Color: blue
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Imprint: PAR 3012
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Color: blue
Shape: capsule
Imprint: 54 88