Vivitrol (Intramuscular)
Naltrexone injection is used to prevent relapse in adults who became dependent on opioids and then stopped using them. Naltrexone can help keep you from feeling a "need" to use the opioid.
Naltrexone injection is also used in adults to treat alcoholism by reducing the urge to drink alcohol. This may help people drink less or stop drinking altogether. You should not be drinking at the time you receive your first naltrexone injection.
Naltrexone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Vivitrol (Intramuscular) used for?
- Alcohol Dependence
- Opiate Dependence
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Vivitrol (Intramuscular)?
You should not be treated with naltrexone if you are allergic to it, or if:
- you are currently addicted to opioids;
- you are having withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction;
- you are using any opioid pain medicine (including fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin, and many others);
- you have failed the naloxone challenge test or have a positive urine screen for opioids; or
- you have used any opioid medicine such as, methadone, buprenorphine, tramadol, and other opioids within 7 to 14 days.
Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- bleeding problems such as hemophilia; or
- liver or kidney disease.
It is not known if naltrexone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Vivitrol (Intramuscular)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Using opioid medicine while you are receiving naltrexone could stimulate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms are craving for opioids, sweating, yawning, fever, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, tingling, goose bumps, body aches, shaking, muscle twitching, trouble sleeping, and feeling anxious, depressed, fearful, restless or uneasy.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing;
- cough that does not go away;
- new or worsening cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;
- severe pain, swelling, blistering, skin changes, a dark scab, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected;
- liver problems--stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, tiredness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- symptoms of depression--unusual mood or behavior changes, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, crying, new sleep problems, thoughts about hurting yourself.
You may feel nauseated the first time you receive a naltrexone injection. You may also have a headache, tiredness, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
- joint pain, muscle cramps;
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- tooth pain; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Vivitrol (Intramuscular) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if naltrexone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Vivitrol (Intramuscular)?
Do not use opioid medication, heroin, or other street drugs while you are receiving naltrexone. Once naltrexone is injected, it cannot be removed from your body. Never try to overcome the effects of naltrexone by taking larger amounts of opioids. Doing so could result in dangerous effects, including coma or death.
Ask your doctor before using any medicine to treat a cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain. These medicines may contain opioids and may not work as well while you are using naltrexone.
This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Vivitrol (Intramuscular)?
Use Vivitrol (Intramuscular) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Naltrexone is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection about once a month (every 4 weeks). Get your naltrexone injection regularly to get the most benefit. Inform your doctor when you received the last dose of naltrexone injection.
You may notice pain, redness, itching, bruising, swelling, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected. Call your doctor if you have this type of reaction, especially if it gets worse or does not clear up within 2 weeks.
Naltrexone is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include additional forms of counseling and/or monitoring. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card to let others know you use naltrexone.
After using naltrexone, your body will be more sensitive to opioids. If you use an opioid medicine in the future, you will need to use less than before the naltrexone treatment. Using the same amount you used before could lead to overdose or death.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your naltrexone injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Vivitrol (Intramuscular)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness, or a reaction where an injection was given (such as severe pain or skin changes).