Laxative utilization over time in chronic pain patients with opioid-induced constipation

Aim: To determine laxative utilization over time among chronic noncancer pain patients with opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Setting: A prospective longitudinal study conducted in the USA, Canada, Germany and UK. Methods: Patients on daily opioid therapy for treatment of chronic noncancer pain with OIC were recruited from clinics to complete a survey at Baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24. Results: 489 patients completed baseline with 452 completing one or more follow-up visits. 128 (28%) were nonlaxative users, 112 (25%) were insufficient laxative users and 212 (47%) were sufficient laxative users. The consistent sufficient laxative users reported the most bowel movements per week. Conclusion: The majority of OIC patients do not take or only intermittently take laxatives.