Naltrexone injection

What is this medication?

NALTREXONE (nal TREX one) is used to treat certain types of drug dependence.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vivitrol

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•bleeding problem like hemophilia

•if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•low platelet count

•take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

•take narcotic medicines for pain or addiction

•use illegal or street drugs

•an unusual or allergic reaction to naltrexone, other medicines, carboxymethylcellulose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

The medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•medicines for pain like pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, oxycodone, and morphine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

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 overcome your dependence on alcohol or narcotics (opioids). 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 ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

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 this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•dark urine

•depressed mood

•general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

•injection site problems: blisters, dark scab, hard area, lumps, intense pain, open wound, or large area of swelling

•light-colored stools

•right upper belly pain

•suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusually weak or tired

•yellowing of the 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

•headache

•irritation, sting, or redness where injected right after injection

•loss of appetite

•nausea

•tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.