For patients suffering from opioid-induced constipation, medication doesn't work quickly enough — 5 survey insights

A survey, conducted by Salix Pharmaceuticals and the U.S. Pain Foundation, found 51 percent of chronic pain patients have suffered from opioid-induced constipation for more than three years.

Here's what you should know:

1. Seventy-three percent of patients said OIC medications don't work fast enough to relieve the pain associated with OIC.

2. Approximately 53 percent of patients said they wanted OIC relief in under four hours.

3. Seventy-seven percent of respondents experienced OIC at least once a year.

4. On average OIC patients waited 18 hours to have a bowel movement after taking medication.

5. Approximately 32 percent of respondents said their physician did not explain potential adverse drug-to-drug interactions of either their prescription or over-the-counter medications. However, 80 percent of respondents took five or more such medications.

Salix Pharmaceuticals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mark McKenna said in a release, "Salix is not only committed to the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, but is also closely focused on understanding the experiences of chronic pain patients to help doctors consider the best treatment for OIC sufferers. We are dedicated to helping educate physicians about OIC and available treatment options."

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