Brand Names: Revex

Generic Name: nalmefene (Pronunciation: NAL me feen)

• What is nalmefene (Revex)?
• What are the possible side effects of nalmefene (Revex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nalmefene (Revex)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving nalmefene (Revex)?
• How is nalmefene given (Revex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Revex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Revex)?
• What should I avoid after being treated with nalmefene (Revex)?
• What other drugs will affect nalmefene (Revex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nalmefene (Revex)?

Nalmefene reverses the effects of opioid (OH-pee-oid) medications, also called narcotics. Opioid effects include drowsiness, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing.

Nalmefene is used to treat a narcotic overdose or other situation in which opioid side effects may be harmful.

Nalmefene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nalmefene (Revex)?

If you are addicted to narcotics or have been using an opioid medicine for a long time, you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you receive nalmefene to reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these symptoms, some of which may be signs that you need to receive additional doses of nalmefene:

• extreme drowsiness;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• chest pain or fluttering in your chest; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• muscle or joint pain;
• chills; or
• feeling anxious or depressed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Read the Revex (nalmefene hydrochloride) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about nalmefene (Revex)?

If possible, before you receive nalmefene, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease for which you take medication, or a history of narcotic (opioid) addition.

In an overdose situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with nalmefene to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received nalmefene, and if you were treated for a narcotic overdose.

After treatment with nalmefene, you will be watched to make sure the medication has been effective and you no longer have any effects of the opioid overdose.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these symptoms after receiving nalmefene: extreme drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing, chest pain or fluttering, or feeling like you might pass out. Some of these may be signs that you need to receive additional doses of nalmefene.

Less serious side effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle or joint pain, chills, anxiety, or depression.