Doctors Urge Early Discussion of Alternative Therapies for Opioid-Induced Constipation Lasting Two Weeks
A press conference on April 13, 2026, highlighted that approximately 50% of patients taking opioid analgesics experience opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Nurse Hong Yu-chun of Tri-Service General Hospital and Dr. Cheng Shao-yi of National Taiwan University Hospital emphasized the severe impact of OIC on patients' physical and mental well-being, including cases of two-week constipation leading to malnutrition and fractures. They advocated for early evaluation and discussion of treatment strategies, particularly the use of Peripherally Acting μ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists (PAMORAs), which have shown significant benefits in improving bowel function without compromising pain relief. A survey of 489 patients revealed OIC can exacerbate depression and affect medication adherence, with 30% skipping doses. PAMORAs usage in the US increased from 4,221 to 72,592 beneficiaries over four years.
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- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 17:16
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 17:31 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 18:28 (56 min after Collected)
On April 13, 2026, Nurse Hong Yu-chun from the Hospice Ward of Tri-Service General Hospital and Dr. Cheng Shao-yi, Chairman of the Taiwan Hospice Palliative Care Association and Director of the Family Medicine Department at National Taiwan University Hospital, discussed the challenges of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). They reported that about 50% of patients using opioid analgesics suffer from OIC, which can lead to severe physical discomfort, psychological distress, and even impact medication adherence. A case study involved a 50-year-old male with stage 4 anal cancer who experienced two weeks of severe constipation due to OIC, leading to malnutrition and a fall-related fracture. After switching to Peripherally Acting μ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists (PAMORAs), his bowel function improved the next day without affecting pain control, significantly enhancing his quality of life. A survey of 489 patients indicated that OIC can worsen depression, lower self-esteem, and increase irritability. Approximately 30% of patients intentionally miss opioid doses to avoid OIC symptoms, and nearly 40% hesitate to discuss OIC with their doctors. Dr. Cheng recommended early assessment of OIC treatment, especially within the first week, and the timely use of PAMORAs for better outcomes. Data from the US showed a substantial increase in PAMORAs beneficiaries, from 4,221 to 72,592, over a four-year period.