Naldemedine Proven Cost-Effective for Opioid-Induced Constipation in Cancer Palliative Care

A new economic evaluation confirms that naldemedine, a peripherally acting opioid receptor antagonist, is a cost-effective treatment for opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in advanced cancer patients. While opioids are essential for pain management in palliative care, they frequently cause OIC, significantly reducing quality of life and sometimes compromising optimal pain relief. Naldemedine addresses this complication by preserving normal bowel function without interfering with the pain-relieving effects of opioids. This finding supports prophylactic use of naldemedine as a preventive strategy, offering cancer patients better symptom management and improved quality of life during end-of-life care.