Constipation, Often a Side-effect of Opioid Use
Opioids are most often prescribed to patients in advanced stages of their disease, too relieve pain and increase quality of life. 70% of patients with advanced cancer and 65% of patients with terminal non-malignant diseases complain of pain. A long term solution for these patients is opioid use, as they block ther perception of pain.
A common complaint amongs opioid patients is constipation. The effects of the drug on the body is such that is slows the movement of food through the digestive tract. It effects the contractions of the intestines hindering the progress of stool. Opioids can paralyze part of the stomach causing food to remain in the digestive system longer, additionally digestive secretions are often reduced. All of which can lead to constipation amongst patients.
JBR Clinical Research will soon be doing a study on Opioid-Induced Constipation, are interested in participating please submit your information on our website for consideration.
