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Compare Relistor vs. Symproic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Relistor (methylnaltrexone) and Symproic (naldemedine) are both opioid antagonists used to treat constipation caused by opioid pain medications. Relistor is available in both oral and injectable forms, while Symproic is only available as an oral tablet. You need to take Relistor on an empty stomach, but you can take Symproic with or without food. Relistor can work quickly, especially in its injectable form, often within 4 hours, whereas Symproic's timing isn't specified. Relistor is also used for people with advanced illnesses, but Symproic can't be used for those taking opioids for cancer pain. Both medications can be expensive since they are brand-name only. Common side effects for both include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

  • Relistor (methylnaltrexone)
    Symproic (naldemedine)
  • Relistor (methylnaltrexone)
    Symproic (naldemedine)

  • Summary of Relistor vs. Symproic

    Summary for Opioid antagonist
    Prescription only

    Relistor (methylnaltrexone) is a good oral or injectable option for treating constipation due to opioid pain medications, but it can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms and diarrhea, and is quite expensive if it's not covered by insurance.

    Summary for Opioid antagonist
    Prescription only

    Symproic (naldemedine) is a prescription opioid antagonist. More specifically, it's a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist (PAMORA) that targets opioid receptors in the gut. It's a first-choice treatment option for opioid-induced constipation in adults. It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day with or without food. Side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Symproic (naldemedine) is brand name only and not available as a generic.

  • Indications of Relistor vs. Symproic

    Indications for
    •Constipation due to opioid pain medications
    Indications for
    •Constipation from opioid pain medications in adults with long-term pain not due to cancer

  • Pros and Cons of Relistor vs. Symproic

    Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist
    Pros
    •Improves your chances of having bowel movements while you're on opioid medications
    •Available in injection form if you're unable to take medications by mouth or if you have an advanced illness
    •Injection form works pretty quickly (about 4 hours)
    •Directly targets the receptors that are causing constipation
    Cons
    •Usually reserved for more severe constipation, after you have tried other medications first
    •Oral form must be taken daily, cannot be used "as needed"
    •Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea are fairly common side effects.
    •Brand-name only and may be very expensive
    Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist
    Pros
    •Good option if over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives don't work well
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •Most people have bowel movement within 24 hours
    Cons
    •Tablet only; might be hard to take for people who have trouble swallowing
    •Only for adults
    •Raises your risk for opioid withdrawal

  • Common Side Effects of Relistor vs. Symproic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abdominal pain (14-29%)
    •Diarrhea (5-6%)
    •Nausea (9-12%) - mainly with injection form
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (11%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Relistor vs. Symproic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) injury
    •Diarrhea
    •Opioid withdrawal
    Common Side Effects for
    •Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) injury
    •Opioid withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Relistor vs. Symproic

    Learn more about Relistor
    Learn more about Symproic

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