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Movantik Coupon - Movantik 25mg tablet

Movantik

naloxegol
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation

Movantik (naloxegol) is an opioid antagonist that's used to treat opioid-induced constipation, or constipation from opioid medications, in adults. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once every morning on an empty stomach. The dosage is typically 25 mg, but it can be lowered to lessen side effects or risks from interactions with other medications. Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Movantik (naloxegol) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's no lower-cost generic version yet.

Last reviewed on May 3, 2024
basics-icon

What is Movantik (naloxegol)?

What is Movantik (naloxegol) used for?

How Movantik (naloxegol) works

Constipation is a common side effect of opioid pain medications. When you take an opioid, it can attach to opioid receptors in the intestines and affect how well your digestive system works. For example, it causes food and waste move through the gut slower.

Movantik (naloxegol) is an opioid antagonist. It blocks opioid receptors in the intestines so that opioid medications can't attach to these receptors. This helps to treat constipation caused by opioid medications so that you can go to the bathroom more easily.

Are you looking for information on naloxone (Narcan) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMovantik
Drug Class Opioid antagonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$512.83(save 20.03%)
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$410.09
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What are the side effects of Movantik (naloxegol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Stomach pain (up to 21%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 9%)
  • Nausea (up to 8%)

Other Side Effects

  • Passing gas
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Sweating

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe stomach pain or diarrhea
  • Opioid withdrawal: suicidal thoughts, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, stomach cramps, sweating, chills
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Movantik (naloxegol)

thumbs-up

Pros

A good option to help with constipation from opioids

Taken by mouth once a day

Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water for people who have trouble swallowing them whole

thumbs-down

Cons

Must take on an empty stomach

Might not work as well if you've been taking opioids for less than 1 month

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Movantik (naloxegol)

pharmacist
  • Movantik (naloxegol) only works to treat constipation from opioid medications. It's not an antidote (reversal agent) and doesn't work to treat an opioid overdose. Always carry naloxone (Narcan), a medication that helps reverse the effects of opioids in situations like an accidental overdose.

    • Stop using other laxatives before you start taking Movantik (naloxegol). You can use other laxatives again as needed if you're still constipated after you've used Movantik (naloxegol) for 3 days.

      • Swallow the Movantik (naloxegol) tablet whole every morning on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after breakfast. Taking it with food can make your body absorb more Movantik (naloxegol), which can possibly affect how well your opioid medication works and raise your risk for withdrawal symptoms.

        • Movantik (naloxegol) can sometimes cause diarrhea. Make sure to stay hydrated if you have diarrhea while you're taking this medication. Seek medical help if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint. Also get help right away if you have severe diarrhea; your dose might be too high.

          • Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit can raise the levels of Movantik (naloxegol) in the body and put you at risk for side effects.

            • Tell your healthcare team and pharmacist about all the other medications that you take. Movantik (naloxegol) interacts with many medications, and these interactions can be harmful. You might need to take a lower dose of Movantik (naloxegol) or stop taking one of your other medications to prevent side effects from drug interactions.

              • If you can't swallow Movantik (naloxegol) tablets whole: You can crush the tablet into a powder and mix with a half-cup of water. Stir and drink right after mixing. Stir in another half-cup of water and drink right after mixing to make sure you've taken all the medication. You can also give the medication through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube; ask your prescriber or pharmacist about the proper technique.

                • Talk to your healthcare team about the risks and benefits of taking Movantik (naloxegol) while pregnant or breastfeeding. It's not clear how safe the medication is for people who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It's not recommended to take Movantik (naloxegol) while nursing to be safe.

                  • Stop taking Movantik (naloxegol) if you stop treatment with your opioid medication. You'll need to use a different laxative if you continue to have constipation after you stop taking the opioid. Movantik (naloxegol) will no longer be helpful.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Movantik (naloxegol)

                    Does Movantik (naloxegol) cause weight gain?
                    No. People who took Movantik (naloxegol) in clinical studies didn't report weight gain as a side effect. Let your healthcare team know if you experience unexpected weight gain after you start Movantik (naloxegol). They can check in with you and try to help you figure out the cause. They can also recommend tips to help you maintain a health body weight.
                    Is Movantik (naloxegol) a controlled substance?
                    No. Movantik (naloxegol) was classified as a controlled substance when the medication first came out in 2014. But then the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) decided to no longer classify it as a controlled substance after they reviewed data and found that it didn't have a risk of addiction, misuse, or dependence. Movantik (naloxegol) is an opioid antagonist that helps treat constipation from opioid medications, which are controlled substances.
                    What happens if you take Movantik (naloxegol) with food?
                    Studies show that taking Movantik (naloxegol) with food can raise the amount of medication that's absorbed into your body. If too much of the medication gets absorbed into your body, it might raise the risk for opioid withdrawal symptoms and less pain relief from the opioid you're taking. For this reason, it's recommended to take Movantik (naloxegol) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after breakfast.
                    How long does it take for Movantik (naloxegol) to work?
                    In clinical studies, some people had a bowel movement about 6 to 12 hours after taking 25 mg of Movantik (naloxegol). But for most people, it took about 24 hours to have a bowel movement after a dose. It's usually recommended that you give this medication about 3 days to work before using other laxatives.
                    Is Movantik (naloxegol) a laxative?
                    Movantik (naloxegol) helps with laxation, which is the medical term for having a bowel movement. Unlike traditional laxatives that can be helpful for constipation due to various causes, Movantik (naloxegol) only works for constipation due to opioid medications. This is because Movantik (naloxegol) specifically targets opioid receptors in the intestines. For people who have constipation from opioid medications, Movantik (naloxegol) has a similar effect as traditional laxatives because it gets your intestines moving again. Give Movantik (naloxegol) 3 days to work before using other laxatives like bisacodyl (Dulcolax) to help with constipation from opioids.
                    Can Movantik (naloxegol) be cut in half?
                    The manufacturer doesn't say whether it's okay to cut Movantik (naloxegol) tablets in half. Movantik (naloxegol) is available as 12.5 mg and 25 mg tablets. Speak with your prescriber or pharmacist about taking the 12.5 mg tablets instead of cutting the 25 mg tablets in half if your dose is lowered. If you're having trouble swallowing tablets whole, the manufacturer says that you can crush an entire tablet into a powder, mix it with 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water, and drink it immediately. Speak with your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take a lower dose of Movantik (naloxegol) or if you have trouble swallowing tablets whole.
                    Can you take Movantik (naloxegol) at night?
                    It's typically not recommended to take Movantik (naloxegol) at night. This medication might cause diarrhea as a side effect, which might keep you up at night. Talk to your prescriber if taking Movantik (naloxegol) in the morning isn't possible for you to discuss the best time of day to take the medication.
                    What's the difference between Relistor and Movantik (naloxegol)?
                    Relistor (methylnaltrexone) and Movantik (naloxegol) are opioid antagonists that are quite similar to each other. They're both used to treat constipation from opioids. Relistor and Movantik also have similar side effects, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Both medications are tablets that are taken by mouth once a day, but Relistor also comes as an injection that's given under the skin. Although Relistor and Movantik haven't been directly compared to each other to see which works better, both medications are good choices for treating constipation from opioids. Talk to a healthcare professional to help you compare Relistor and Movantik.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Movantik (naloxegol)?

                    Movantik (naloxegol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Opioid withdrawal

                    • Risk factors: Taking methadone for pain

                      Although rare, some people who took Movantik (naloxegol) experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, chills, diarrhea, stomach pain, anxiety, and irritability. In studies, these symptoms were more likely to happen in people who took methadone for pain. In some rare cases, you might also get less pain relief from your opioid medication. Talk to your prescriber if you experience any withdrawal symptoms or if your pain medications aren't working as well anymore.

                      risk-warning

                      Severe stomach pain or diarrhea

                      • Risk factors: Taking 25 mg of Movantik (naloxegol)

                        Movantik (naloxegol) can cause stomach pain or diarrhea, which can be severe enough to require going to the hospital. These side effects can happen within a few days of starting Movantik (naloxegol). The side effects are more likely to happen if you're taking 25 mg of the medication per day. Let your prescriber know if you have severe stomach pain or diarrhea while you're taking Movantik (naloxegol). You'll probably need to have your dose lowered to 12.5 mg daily or be switched to a different medication.

                        risk-warning

                        Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) injury

                        • Risk factors: Gastrointestinal cancer | Recent gastrointestinal surgery | Gastrointestinal inflammation such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, or colitis | Taking Avastin (bevacizumab)

                          In some rare cases, people who've taken Movantik (naloxegol) reported having stomach or gut problems, including inflammation or a tear in the wall of the gut. This can be dangerous and require hospitalization. Before you start Movantik (naloxegol), let your prescriber know if you have a history of bowel or gut-related problems. Notify your healthcare team right away if you have severe stomach pain, stomach pain that doesn't go away, worsening stomach pain, chills, or fever.

                          risk-warning

                          Allergic reaction

                          Allergic reactions to Movantik (naloxegol) are possible. People have reported allergic reactions, such as rash and hives. But some allergic reactions can be life-threatening and include facial swelling and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice rash, hives, dizziness, a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, swelling around your eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue after you take Movantik (naloxegol).

                          dosage

                          Movantik (naloxegol) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 30 tablets of 25mg of Movantik (naloxegol) is $411.46 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.77% off the average retail price of $512.83.
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          12.5mg30 tablets$410.09$13.67
                          25mg30 tablets$411.46$13.72

                          Typical dosing for Movantik (naloxegol)

                          The typical dose is 25 mg by mouth once daily in the morning at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after breakfast.

                          Your prescriber might lower your dose if you're having side effects, if you have kidney problems, and if you're taking a medication that interacts with Movantik (naloxegol).

                          drug-cost

                          How much does Movantik (naloxegol) cost?

                          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                          contraindications-icon

                          Movantik (naloxegol) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Movantik (naloxegol) will not be safe for you to take.
                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Movantik (naloxegol)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Movantik (naloxegol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Movantik (naloxegol)
                          $410.09 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          • Constipation due to opioid pain medications

                          $2293.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          • Long-term constipation due to unclear cause (idiopathic)

                          • Constipation due to opioids

                          • Constipation due to irritiable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women 18 years or older

                          $43.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          images

                          Movantik (naloxegol) images

                          Purple Oval 25 And Ngl - Movantik 25mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Purple, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ngl" And "25".Purple Oval 25 And Ngl - Movantik 25mg Tablet
                          Purple Oval 25 And Ngl - Movantik 25mg Tablet
                          This medicine is Purple, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ngl" And "25".Purple Oval 25 And Ngl - Movantik 25mg Tablet

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Crockett, S. D., et al. (2018). American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the medical management of opioid-induced constipation. Gastroenterology.

                          Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration. (2015). Schedules of controlled substances: removal of naloxegol from control. Federal Register.

                          MedlinePlus. (2022). Gastrointestinal perforation.

                          View All References (3)

                          MedlinePlus. (2022). Nasogastric feeding tube.

                          RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (2020). Movantik- naloxegol oxalate tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Yoon, S. C., et al. (2017). Naloxegol in opioid-induced constipation: A new paradigm in the treatment of a common problem. Patient Preference and Adherence.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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