Relistor approved by FDA for patients on opioid pain killers

WASHINGTON The Food and Drug Administration has approved Wyeth and Progenics Pharmaceuticals new drug Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide), which is indicated to help restore bowel function in patients with late-stage, advanced illness who are receiving opioids on a continuous basis to help alleviate their pain.

Opioids can interfere with normal bowel elimination function by relaxing the intestinal smooth muscles and preventing them from contracting and pushing out waste products. Relistor acts by blocking opioid entrance into the cells thus allowing the bowels to continue to function normally.

Relistor is an injectable medication. It can be administered as needed, but not to exceed one dose in a 24-hour period. The recommended starting schedule is one dose every other day as needed for patients with late-stage advanced illness.