Managed Care - January 2008 - (Page 24) It’s time to approach opioid-induced In the United States, over 1.5 million people per year have an advanced illness and receive palliative care.1,2* Many of them are prescribed opioid-based therapy to ease their pain.3,4 Opioid analgesics interact with mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to inhibit pain.5 They also bind to receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing peristalsis and intestinal secretion, ultimately leading to constipation.5 *Patients having incurable cancer or other end-stage disease. © 2007, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., Philadelphia, PA 19101 Opioid-induced constipation is one of the most common and distressing side effects of opioid use.3 The GI side effects can sometimes be severe enough to limit opioid use.3,6 Many patients may receive less than optimal relief of constipation.7 Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is committed to continued scientific research to enhance the care of patients with advanced illness receiving palliative care. 206115-01
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