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1/5

What is the most common adverse event experienced by patients taking opioids for chronic, non-cancer pain?

(Kalso E, et al. 2004)

This question requires an answer
  • A: Constipation
  • B: Nausea
  • C: Somnolence

In a meta-analysis of 11 placebo-controlled RCTs of WHO step 3 oral opioids for efficacy and safety in chronic non-cancer pain (n=1025), about 80% of patients experienced at least one adverse event, compared to 56% on placebo, with constipation (41%), nausea (32%) and somnolence (29%) being most common

2/5

What proportion of patients treated with opioids for chronic pain experience OIC (opioid-induced constipation), despite taking laxatives?

(Bell TJ, et al. 2009. Panchal SJ, et al. 2007.)

This question requires an answer
  • A: Up to 24%
  • B: Up to 53%
  • C: Up to 81%

In an online survey of 322 patients taking daily oral opioids for chronic pain and laxatives, the most prevalent opioid-induced side effects were constipation (81%) and straining to pass a bowel movement (58%). OIC can occur for the duration of opioid use

3/5

In an online survey of patients with chronic pain and OIC, what percentage of patients reported that they had reduced their opioid pain medication when they were constipated?

(Epstein R, et al. 2014)

This question requires an answer
  • A: 40%
  • B: 50%
  • C: 60%

In an online survey of 513 patients with OIC, nearly 60% of patients reported that they had reduced their pain medication when they were constipated

4/5

How can OIC impact a person’s quality of life?

(Bell TJ, et al. 2009. Camilleri M, et al. 2014.)

This question requires an answer
  • A: Making them worried about going out of the house
  • B: Affecting their mental wellbeing
  • C: Interfering with their ability to spend time with loved ones
  • D: All of the above

OIC can impact a person’s quality of life by making them worried about going out of the house, affecting their mental wellbeing and interfering with their ability to spend time with loved ones

5/5

True or False?
Opioid-induced constipation subsides with chronic use of opioids

(Benyamin R, et al. 2008. Pappagallo M. 2001.)

This question requires an answer
  • A: True
  • B: False

OIC can occur at opioid initiation (with a single dose of morphine) and may continue for the duration of opioid use. Although most opioid side effects subside with chronic use, tolerance does not typically develop with respect to OIC

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Are your patients talking about their constipation?
Talkaboutconstipation.com is a general public and patient resource for people who are taking opioids for pain, and who are experiencing constipation and constipation-related symptoms. Its aim is to increase awareness of the link between opioid usage and constipation and to help and encourage patients suffering from opioid-induced constipation (OIC) to speak about their symptoms to their healthcare professional.
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