How much does Movantik cost without insurance?
The list price for Movantik (naloxegol) can be significant. For example, one common prescription is for 30 tablets of 12.5 mg, which can cost around $3,199.00 [1]. Another prescription for 30 tablets of 25 mg may cost approximately $3,235.00 [1]. These prices reflect the cost without the benefit of insurance coverage.
Are there ways to get Movantik cheaper if I don't have insurance?
Patients without insurance may be able to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of Movantik. The manufacturer of Movantik, Recipharm, offers a savings program that can provide a discount. Under this program, eligible patients might pay as little as $20 for a 30-day supply [2]. Eligibility requirements for these savings programs typically include being a U.S. resident and having commercial prescription insurance. It's important to check the specific terms and conditions of any manufacturer coupon or savings card for Movantik.
What is Movantik used for?
Movantik is a medication used to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults [3]. OIC occurs when patients taking opioid pain relievers experience constipation as a side effect. Movantik works by blocking the effects of opioids on the gut, helping to restore normal bowel function without affecting the pain-relieving effects of the opioid [3].
How does Movantik work?
Movantik contains the active ingredient naloxegol [3]. Naloxegol is a peripherally acting mu-opioid antagonist (PAMORA) [3]. It works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Opioids, while effective for pain relief, can also bind to these receptors in the gut and slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation. Naloxegol is designed to block these opioid effects in the gut but not significantly cross into the central nervous system, thus preserving the analgesic effects of the opioid medication [3].
When does the patent for Movantik expire?
The patent protection for Movantik is a complex area, with multiple patents covering the drug and its uses. Information on specific patent expiry dates can be found through resources that track pharmaceutical patents. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, there are numerous patents related to Movantik [4]. The expected expiry dates can vary based on different patent types and jurisdictions.
Are there other medications for opioid-induced constipation?
Yes, there are other medications available for treating opioid-induced constipation. These include other PAMORAs like methylnaltrexone (Relistor) and naldemedine (Symproic) [5]. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as increasing fluid intake and dietary fiber, along with other laxative treatments, may be recommended by a healthcare provider, though these may not always be effective for OIC [5].
Sources
[1] https://www.goodrx.com/naloxegol
[2] https://www.movantik.com/savings-and-support
[3] https://www.movantik.com/
[4] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/movantik
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6798372/