This website is intended for healthcare professionals only and contains promotional content.

Report an adverse event here
Link Logo
United Kingdom - English

United Kingdom - English

United Kingdom | English

These country specific websites are specifically intended for healthcare professionals in listed countries only.

Europe

Deutschland - DeutschDeutschland - Deutsch España - EspañolEspaña - Español Italia - ItalianoItalia - Italiano United Kingdom - EnglishUnited Kingdom - English

NOTICE: Kyowa Kirin International has agreed a joint venture with Grünenthal GmbH for the Established Medicines portfolio. The new company, KKI NewCo (known as Grünenthal Meds), is responsible for the content on this page. For more information please click here.​

moventig-product-image

MOVENTIG

naloxegol

MOVENTIG is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to laxative(s).1

Definition of laxative inadequate responder (LIR): In the two weeks prior to first study visit patients had to have reported concurrent OIC symptoms of at least moderate severity while taking at least one laxative class for a minimum of four days during the pre-study period.1

Adverse Events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse Events should also be reported to Kyowa Kirin International UK NewCo Ltd, known as Grünenthal Meds on +44 (0)1896 664000, email PVUK@grunenthalmeds.com

Click here for Prescribing Information.

Understanding OIC

Opioids prescribed for pain relief often cause constipation as a side effect. This is known as opioid-induced constipation, or OIC. It has been shown that most users of opioids will experience OIC.2

OIC is caused by both weak opioids (e.g. tramadol, codeine) and strong opioids (e.g. morphine, oxycodone) to a similar degree.3

Many of the signs and symptoms of OIC are similar to other forms of constipation, however the condition is different in having a distinct identifiable cause. The agonist action of opioids at opioid receptors in the gut causes disturbance in three essential GI functions: a change in gut motility, decreased gut secretion and increased sphincter tone.4,5 The combination of these factors results in OIC.

signs and symptoms of OIC

How MOVENTIG Works

Opioid antagonist drugs can be helpful in relieving the symptoms of OIC, however drugs such as naloxone cross the blood-brain barrier and so can compromise pain control.4 The chemical structure of MOVENTIG (naloxegol) has been designed to prevent the drug entering the central nervous system, thereby avoiding this problem.

MOVENTIG is one of a class of drugs known as peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs).1 These have been designed to relieve constipation without compromising the central nervous system mediated analgesic action.

MOVENTIG's chemical structure is comprised of a molecule of the opioid antagonist naloxone, with an inert polymer (polyethylene glycol) strand attached by a process known as PEGylation.1

The high molecular weight of MOVENTIG restricts its passage across the blood-brain barrier. This allows MOVENTIG's powerful opioid antagonist action to treat the symptoms of OIC, without compromising pain control.5

MOVENTIG's efficacy in treating OIC derives from its action at mu-receptors in the gut. Its higher affinity displaces opioid molecules, reversing the dysmotility to restore normal peristalsis, normalising the secretion and absorption balance so stools are less dry and hard and potentially restoring sphincter co-ordination and tone, giving rise to less straining and easier evacuation.5

RELATED CONTENT

MEDICAL EDUCATION

Professor Drewes on the challenges in OIC

Professor Asbjørn Mohr Drewes talks about the effects of opioids on the gut and the limitations of laxatives in the treatment of OIC.

The effects of opioids on the gut and the limitations of laxatives in the treatment of OIC.

WATCH NOW

MEDICAL EDUCATION

MASCC Webinar Expert Videos

Hear from expert speakers from the 2020 MASCC (Multinational Associate of Supportive Care in Cancer) virtual meeting. Featuring presentations from Dr. Antoine Lemaire, Dr. Andrew Davies, Dr. Carmen Beato and Dr. Francesca Caputo.

WATCH NOW

MOVENTIG (naloxegol) is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to laxative(s). For advice on the responsible use of opioids to treat pain, please click here

Average:

  • References

    1. MOVENTIG Summary of Product Characteristics.

    2. Bell TJ, et al. Pain Med. 2009;10(1):35–42.

    3. Andresen V et al. UEG Journal 2018;6(8):1254-1266.

    4. Camilleri M. Am J Gastroenterol 2011;106:835-842.

    5. Poulsen JL et al. Clin Exp Gastroent 2014;7:345-358.

    6. Brock C, et al. Drugs. 2012;72(14):1847–1865.

    KKI/INT/MOV/0115 November 2023