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In this Article

• What is naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?
• What are the possible side effects of naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?
• How is naltrexone injection used (Vivitrol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Vivitrol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Vivitrol)?
• What should I avoid while using naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?
• What other drugs will affect naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?

Do not receive this injection if you are allergic to naltrexone, or if you have:

• an addiction to narcotics;
• a history of alcohol or narcotic drug use within the past 7-10 days; or
• drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Before receiving naltrexone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive a naltrexone injection.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether naltrexone injection is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether naltrexone injection passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is naltrexone injection used (Vivitrol)?

Naltrexone injection (Vivitrol) is given as a shot into a muscle. This injection is usually given once a month (every 4 weeks) and can be given only by a doctor or nurse in a clinic.

It is important to receive your naltrexone injections regularly to get the most benefit.

You may notice pain, redness, bruising, swelling, or a hard lump where the medication was injected. Call your doctor if you have this type of reaction to the shot, especially if it does not clear up or gets worse within 2 weeks.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are being treated with naltrexone, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are receiving this medication.

Additional forms of counseling and/or monitoring may be recommended during treatment with naltrexone injection.