Survey Question | Yes | No | Sometimes |
Do you currently take opioids to treat and manage your pain? | 287 | 72 | 151 |
Have you ever experienced OIC as a result of opioid use to manage your pain? | 343 | 167 | |
Did you know there are prescription drugs specifically for OIC? | 478 | 32 | |
Experience? Appetite loss | 165 | 345 | |
Experience? Tiredness and lethargy | 284 | 226 | |
Experience? Abdominal Tenderness | 331 | 179 | |
Experience? Feeling and being sick | 382 | 128 | |
Experience? Bulging in abdomen | 346 | 164 | |
Experience? Bloating Feeling | 391 | 119 | |
Experience? Cramping | 311 | 199 | |
Experience? Cutting Pain | 115 | 395 | |
Experience? Stabbing Pain | 173 | 337 | |
Do you plan to ask your doctor for more information? | 487 | 23 |
Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a different type of constipation.
Know the basics:
Opioids block pain signals, but they can also block activity in the bowel
OIC is one of the most common side effects of opioids
OIC can last for as long as you’re taking opioids to manage your chronic pain
Signs it may be time to talk to your health care provider about OIC
Hard stools: The appearance of your stool is an important clue to your digestive health. Dry, hard stools are a good indicatorof constipation
Decreased number of bowel movements: Many patients taking opioid medications experience a decreased number of bowel movements, which may be an indicator of OIC
Feeling of incomplete evacuation: If you are using the restroom often but do not feel you are having complete bowel movements, this could be a symptom of OIC
Opioid Induced Constipation Awareness Project
510 survey participants who were self-identified as patients who are currently or have taken opioids long-term. Each participant watched an online video and completed our survey showing their understanding/knowledge of OIC.
We have identified some of the patients who participated willing to or have already contacted their local and state legislators to let them know the importance of access to OIC medications.
We also produced an awareness video on OIC, bookmark, and spoke about the OIC issues and challenges in radio shows and in person presentations.