Laxative utilization over time in chronic pain patients with opioid-induced constipation. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Datto, Catherine J; LoCasale, Robert J; Margolis, Mary Kay; Thompson, Christine L; Coyne, Karin S
• Is Part Of: Pain management. Volume 6:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 531
• Page End: 541
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: constipation -- laxatives -- opioid -- pain -- symptoms; Pain -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.047205
• DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2016-0010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-1869

Abstract

Aim: To determine laxative utilization over time among chronic noncancer pain patients with opioid-induced constipation (OIC).Setting: A prospective longitudinal study conducted in the USA, Canada, Germany and UK.Methods: Patients on daily opioid therapy for treatment of chronic noncancer pain with OIC were recruited from clinics to complete a survey at Baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24.Results: 489 patients completed baseline with 452 completing one or more follow-up visits. 128 (28%) were nonlaxative users, 112 (25%) were insufficient laxative users and 212 (47%) were sufficient laxative users. The consistent sufficient laxative users reported the most bowel movements per week.Conclusion: The majority of OIC patients do not take or only intermittently take laxatives.