Opioid induced constipation (OIC)
Opioid induced constipation (OIC) impacts quality of life for many patients
Up to
81%
of chronic pain patients on opioids are estimated to be struggling with OIC (n=322)1

Almost
62%
of cancer patients on opioids are estimated to suffer with OIC despite laxative use (n=520)2
OIC lasts for the duration of their opioid treatment3
OIC IS CAUSED BY OPIOIDS BINDING TO MU-RECEPTORS IN THE BOWEL
Slows GI propulsion and reduces intestinal secretion4,5

OIC is defined as a change from baseline bowel habits and defecation patterns following initiation of opioid therapy5
OIC may require different treatment compared to constipation of other causes
To find out more about OIC and its impact on patients, visit the OIC eLearning module
Many patients with OIC don’t respond to laxatives
Laxatives do not target the cause of OIC6
Nearly
60%
of patients taking opioids and experiencing OIC reported that they had reduced their pain medication as a result of their constipation (n=513)7
…despite suffering increased pain4

54%
of patients don’t respond adequately to laxatives (n=76)8