More opioids, more constipation? Evaluation of longitudinal total oral opioid consumption and self-reported constipation in patients with cancer

Purpose Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a distressing physical symptom for patients with cancer taking opioids. Total opioid consumption may contribute to developing worsening OIC-related symptoms. We completed a retrospective analysis examining the association of total daily opioid consumption on self-reported constipation in patients with cancer.