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Constipation is a major side effect of opioid administration and should be assessed and managed by the healthcare team. In cancer patients receiving chronic opioid therapy, the prevalence of constipation can be as high as 60 to 90 %. Constipation is the most common manifestation of opioid induced bowel dysfunction (OBD) and typically occurs through activation of both peripheral and central opioid receptors. Opioid induced constipation (OIC) has the potential to affect patients’ quality of life or lead to complications such as bowel obstruction or anorexia.