Dr Gerald M Sacks explains that the peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonists are designed to treat opioid-induced constipation. When taken on a daily basis, it can prevent its development. Talking about the greatest unmet need in the management of OIC, it is the lack of education, which also falls into a lack of time from the busy primary care practitioners and other busy health care practitioners to have an in-depth discussion with the patient addressing the issue of OIC.
Dr Sacks has seen an increase in the educational background, in the knowledge base, of healthcare professionals in both understanding the concept of OIC and understanding that there are effective treatments for the same. The recommendations from the primary care practitioners include utilizing lifestyle changes such as good hydration, good levels of physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables, and making sure that the patients are utilizing over-the counter medications when needed.
Overall, according to Dr Gerald M Sacks, OIC can be a difficult problem not only for patients but also for health care professionals to discuss with the patients. It is important that everyone should be comfortable discussing the adverse effects of any medications being prescribed, so that patients can both address and prevent the development of OIC.
Dr Gerald states that OIC is dramatically affecting the life of patients. Additionally, it is impacting their inability to interact with their families, and to interact at work.