The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday that it has approved Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide) for use with patients who are receiving opioids to treat pain in late-stage, advanced illnesses to help restore bowel function.
According to the FDA news release opioids can "interfere with normal bowel elimination function by relaxing the intestinal smooth muscles and preventing them from contracting and pushing out waste products." Relistor blocks opioids from entering the smooth muscles of the intestine and allows the bowels to function normally.
“This new drug will be helpful to patients who experience severe constipation associated with the continuous use of morphine or other opioids, which are an important part of care for patients with late-stage, advanced illness.” said Joyce Korvick, M.D., deputy director of the Division of Gastroenterology Products, FDA.
Relistor is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Progenics Pharmaceuticals.
[Source: FDA]
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