OIC is a distinct form of functional (common) constipation. When you take opioid medication to manage pain, it can cause constipation as this medication can also affect your digestive system.1
The symptoms are similar (reduced bowel movements – how often and how easily you go to the toilet, difficulty with pooing, straining, discomfort and incomplete evacuation of poo) but the treatments for functional constipation do not treat the underlying cause of OIC.1
When speaking to your healthcare professional, you should explain all of the symptoms you experience including your bowel movements and general habits so that they can help you to get the relief you need.
In the video below you can see the effects opioids and OIC have on the body and how they differ from functional constipation.
In this video you can see the effects opioids have on the body and how they differ from functional constipation.
