FDA Approves Movantik for Opiod-Induced Constipation

Movantik (naloxegol) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Movantik is an oral treatment for opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain. Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat and manage pain. A common side effect of this drug class is the reduction of the gastrointestinal tract’s motility. Movantik is a tablet that works locally by blocking the binding effect of the opioids, thereby decreasing the constipating side effects.

Movantik is expected to be available to patients in the first half of 2015. Movantik is currently a Schedule II controlled substance because it is structurally related to noroxymorphone.