Methylnaltrexone Bromide, Injection meth-il-nal-TREKS-ohn BRO-mide

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: mu-opioid receptor antagonist, treats constipation

Generic and brand names: methylnaltrexone bromide, injection; Relistor Injection

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat constipation caused by narcotic pain medicines when laxatives have not worked well enough.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a blockage in your intestines
• kidney disease

Females of childbearing age: Talk with 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.

How do I use it?

Sometimes you can give yourself these shots from kits or have someone at home give them to you. The shots are given just under the skin. Be sure you know how and when to have them and how much medicine to use.

Carefully read and follow the directions that come in the package of medicine. Wash your hands before using this medicine. Follow these steps to give yourself the shots:

1. Use an alcohol swab to clean the skin where you will give yourself the shot. Shots should be given in the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh.
2. Gently pinch up the skin and insert the needle into the skin at a 45° angle. After you insert the needle completely, release your grasp of the skin.
3. Inject all of the solution by gently and steadily pushing down the plunger.
4. After you have given yourself the shot, withdraw the needle and syringe and press an alcohol swab on the spot where the shot was given.
5. Dispose of used needles in rigid puncture-resistant containers with lids or caps, such as heavy plastic bleach bottles with screw caps. DO NOT throw needles directly into garbage cans or dumpsters.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: dizziness, fainting.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. This medicine works quickly, usually causing a bowel movement within a few minutes to a few hours of taking a dose.

This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are fully alert.

You may have pain or red skin at the site of the shot. This will go away quickly.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

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): Severe or continuous diarrhea; sudden or severe abdominal pain.

Other: Diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, gas, irritation at the site of the shot, sweating.

What products might interact with this medicine?

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.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze this medicine. Keep the medicine in its original containers. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.