Naltrexone (nal-TREX-one)

Helps patients with alcohol problems by keeping the body from wanting alcohol. This medicine is part of a recovery program that includes medical supervision and counseling.

Brand Name(s):

Vivitrol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss your scheduled dose, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicines that contain opioids (such as certain medicines for pain, cough or colds, and diarrhea), heroin, or other illegal (street) drugs.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver problems, or bleeding problems such as hemophilia.
• This medicine may cause serious problems with your liver or lungs. Tell your doctor right away if you start having breathing problems, severe coughing, pain in the upper stomach, or yellowing of the skin while you are using this medicine.
• You will need to stop using opioids for at least 7 to 10 days before you can start receiving naltrexone. Your doctor may need to do a special test to make sure you are opioid-free.
• This medicine blocks the "high" feeling you get from narcotic (opioid) drugs, including heroin. Since naltrexone may make you more sensitive to lower doses of opioids than you have previously used, you should not use heroin or any other narcotic drugs to overcome what the medicine is supposed to do. You could overdose and develop serious problems.
• This medicine may increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed. Also tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you, especially if they are new or get worse quickly. Make sure your caregiver knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
• Whenever you need medical care, tell your doctor or other caregiver that you are receiving naltrexone. You may also need to carry a document to let others know you are using this medicine in case you have a medical emergency.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain.
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Red or black stools.
• Seizures.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety or depression.
• Change in appetite.
• Dry mouth.
• Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.
• Mild headache.
• Muscle pain or cramps.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
• Skin rash, redness, or itching.
• Tiredness or weakness.
• Trouble sleeping.