Managing Opioid-Induced Constipation: Translating Guidelines Into Patient Care

Constipation, the most common side effect of chronic opioid therapy, is a constellation of symptoms that includes infrequent or incomplete bowel movements, abdominal pain or bloating, and the need to strain when having a bowel movement.1,2 In addition to constipation-related discomfort, opioid-induced constipation (OIC) produces significant health and quality-of-life burdens.3,4 Poorly managed OIC can lead patients to reduce or skip opioid doses, thereby decreasing adherence, increasing pain-related biopsychosocial complications, diminishing functional gains, and compromising overall outcomes.4-6

During this online Interactive Professor™ program, the expert faculty will present practical approaches to multimodal management of OIC. Presenting faculty will discuss initiation and escalation of appropriate therapies, including pharmacologic treatment modalities that have been specifically approved for OIC by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).7,8 This program will review the most recent evidence-based guidelines for management of OIC,9 as well as effective patient communication strategies for discussing opioid-related bowel issues and available treatment options. Participants will gain experience in a hands-on approach to bowel assessment, management strategies, and implementation of individualized treatment plans for patients with OIC.

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