Naltrexone (By injection)

nal-TREX-one

Helps prevent alcohol or drug abuse relapse.

Drug classes

Ethanol Dependency (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Naltrexone injection is used to help narcotic dependents who have stopped taking narcotics to stay drug-free. It is also used to help alcoholics stay alcohol-free. The medicine is not a cure for addiction. It is used as part of an overall program that may include counseling, attending support group meetings, and other treatment recommended by your doctor.

Naltrexone is not a narcotic. It works by blocking the effects of narcotics, especially the “high” feeling that makes you want to use them. It also may block the “high” feeling that may make you want to use alcohol. It will not produce any narcotic-like effects or cause mental or physical dependence. It will not prevent you from becoming impaired while drinking alcohol.

Naltrexone will cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are physically dependent on narcotics. Therefore, naltrexone treatment is started after you are no longer dependent on narcotics. The length of time this takes may depend on which narcotic you took, the amount you took, and how long you took it. Before you start using this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor if you think you are still having withdrawal symptoms.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine as a shot into your buttocks muscle. It is usually given every 4 weeks.

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

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Any prescription narcotic medicine, such as cough syrup, will not work well while you are being treated with this medicine.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to naltrexone, polylactide-co-glycolide (PLG), or carboxymethylcellulose.

Warnings

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver problems, lung or breathing problems, low platelets in the blood, or bleeding problems such as hemophilia.

You have a higher risk of accidental overdose, serious injury, or death if you use heroin or any other narcotic medicine while you are being treated with naltrexone. Also, naltrexone prevents you from feeling the effects of heroin if you use it.

Call your doctor if you have a reaction to the shot that does not go away or gets worse within 2 weeks after you get the shot.

This medicine can cause serious liver problems or eosinophilic pneumonia.

This medicine may increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel depressed or have thoughts about hurting yourself.

Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results. You may want to carry a card or a paper with you that says you are receiving this medicine.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

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

Anxiety, depression, or unusual thoughts and behaviors

Chest pain or trouble breathing

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, yellow skin or eyes

Dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting

Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches

Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

Trouble sleeping, getting upset easily, a big increase in energy, or reckless behavior

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

Back, muscle, or joint pain

Change in appetite

Constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Vivitrol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.