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Uses

What is Symproic used for?

Symproic (naldemedine) is commonly used to treat constipation in people who regularly take pain medicines called opioids.

Symproic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Symproic work (mechanism of action)?

Symproic works by blocking certain receptors in your intestines so that opioid pain medicines can not attach to those spots in your gut. Normally, opioids attach to certain receptors in your digestive system which causes your intestines to slow down and make it hard to have a bowel movement. By blocking opioid receptors in your intestines, you can have more normal bowel movements without affecting pain relief in other parts of your body. 

How is Symproic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Symproic

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.2 mg oral tablets 

How should I store Symproic?

Symproic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Symproic?

The most common side effects of Symproic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach flu

There may be other side effects of Symproic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Symproic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Symproic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Symproic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Symproic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Opioid Withdrawal. Symproic may cause you to go into withdrawal from your opioid medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Sweating or chills
  • Hot flashes or flushing
  • Tearing of the eyes or sneezing
  • Fever or feeling cold
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

Stomach or Intestinal Tears (Perforation). Symproic can increase your risk for developing a hole in the wall of your stomach or intestines. The risk is higher if you have conditions that impact the walls of your digestive tract, such as peptic ulcer disease, diverticulitis, cancer of intestines, Crohn’s disease, and certain other conditions. Stop taking Symproic and get emergency help right away if you have unusual severe, persistent or worsening stomach pain. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Symproic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Symproic.

  • Symproic
  • Naldemedine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Symproic.

Gut Blockage. Symproic should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction), a suspected blockage, or a history of one. Symproic can increase the risk of developing a tear (perforation) that can lead to death in people with a bowel blockage.

What should I know about Symproic before using it?

Do not take Symproic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Symproic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Symproic out of the reach of children.

Tell your healthcare provider if you stop taking your opioid pain medicine. You will need to also stop Symproic.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Symproic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Symproic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach or intestinal problems 
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Inflammation in parts of the large intestine (diverticulitis)
  • Stomach or intestinal cancer
  • Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Symproic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Symproic, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Symproic may cause harm to your unborn baby. If you take Symproic during pregnancy, your baby may have opioid withdrawal symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Symproic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Symproic.

How can I get more information about Symproic?

For more information about Symproic, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.symproic.com or call them at 800-469-0261.

Interactions

Does Symproic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Symproic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Symproic.

Does Symproic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking or have recently taken.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Symproic.

  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • A medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
  • An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, which is a medicine used to reverse the effects of an opioid pain medicine 
  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) or fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • A macrolide antibiotic, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections  
  • A protease inhibitor, such as ritonavir (Norvir) or atazanavir (Reyataz), which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIV
  • Aprepitant, which is a medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure and other conditions
  • Amiodarone (Pacerone and others), which is a medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as captopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • Verapamil (Verelan, Verelan PM), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure or chest pain

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Symproic. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Symproic. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Symproic?

If you or someone else has used too much Symproic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Symproic?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.