Naltrexone Injection

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What is Naltrexone Injection?

NALTREXONE (Vivitrol) helps you to not drink alcohol.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bleeding problem like hemophilia
• if you are still using opiate drugs (narcotics) or alcohol
• kidney disease
• liver disease including hepatitis
• low platelet count
• an unusual reaction to naltrexone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

The medicine will be injected into a muscle by a health care professional once every 4 weeks.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss an appointment to get a dose, immediately call your doctor. Try not to miss any appointments.

What drug(s) may interact with Naltrexone?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
• medicines for pain like pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, oxycodone, and morphine
• medicines that keep your blood from clotting (anticoagulants or blood thinners, like warfarin)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Naltrexone?

Visit your doctor or health care professional regularly. It is important to attend any counseling or support groups that your doctor or health care professional recommends. Attending these sessions while you are taking this medicine will help you not drink alcohol. Never try to overcome the effects of the medicine by taking large amounts of narcotics (opioids) because this can cause severe problems including death. Also, you may be more sensitive to lower doses of opioids after you stop taking this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, pain, or diarrhea. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some of the ingredients may interact with this medicine and cause side effects.

Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you that you take this medicine, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Naltrexone?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
• depression or thoughts of suicide
• severe stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellow color of your eyes or skin
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• irritation, pain, or redness at the injection site
• loss of appetite
• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will not be given medicine to store at home.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.