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Brand Names: Vivitrol

Generic Name: naltrexone (injection) (Pronunciation: nal TREX own)

• 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 is naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?

Naltrexone blocks the effects of narcotic medicines and alcohol.

Naltrexone injection is used to treat addiction to alcohol or narcotic drugs. It is also used to prevent narcotic addiction relapse.

Naltrexone injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• blurred vision or eye problems;
• fast heartbeat;
• wheezing, difficulty breathing;
• mood changes, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things), confusion, thoughts of hurting yourself;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• ear pain, ringing in your ears;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• skin rash or itching; or
• pain, redness, bruising, itching, swelling, oozing, skin changes, or a hard lump where the medication was injected.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling anxious, nervous, restless, or irritable;
• increased thirst;
• muscle or joint aches;
• weakness or tiredness;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about naltrexone injection (Vivitrol)?

Do not use narcotic drugs or alcohol while you are being treated with naltrexone injection. Never try to overcome the effects of the medication by using large doses of narcotic drugs or alcohol. Doing so could result in dangerous effects, including coma and death. Ask your doctor before using any prescription or over-the-counter medicine to treat a cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain during your treatment with naltrexone injection. These medicines may contain narcotics or alcohol.

Naltrexone injection may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

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.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you use naltrexone injection. Any 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.

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