Type of medicine: opioid receptor antagonist
Generic and brand names: alvimopan, oral; Entereg
This medicine is taken by mouth after bowel surgery to prevent constipation, bloating, nausea, and vomiting caused by narcotic pain medicines.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you have taken any narcotic pain medicines in the 7 days before your surgery.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
A healthcare provider will give you this medicine in the hospital. You will receive this medicine for up to 7 days after surgery.
You will be watched very closely after you receive this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any pain or redness at the site of the infusion.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain; irregular or pounding heartbeat; unusual bruising or bleeding; swelling in hands, feet, or ankles; trouble urinating; severe headache.
Other: Constipation, heartburn, gas, back pain, stomach pain, diarrhea.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
