Tell your healthcare provider the last time you took any prescription or illicit opioid. Your healthcare provider needs to know this information to determine if it is safe to give you Vivitrol. Vivitrol may cause some discomfort near where it is injected, mild discomfort is a normal side effect.
Your healthcare provider may need to stop treating you with VIVITROL if you get signs or symptoms of a serious liver problem. Remember, building a strong support network is crucial for long-term recovery. Don’t hesitate to explore these resources and find what works best for you.
Social Support
Vivitrol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. For a more detailed guide on the administration procedure, please visit our Administration Procedure for Injectable Naltrexone (Vivitrol) page. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
Overview of Vivitrol
- Physical dependence is not necessarily a sign that you have developed a substance use disorder.
- VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider.
- VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have or medications you take.
Before you start Vivitrol treatment, your doctor will discuss the best dosage for you. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have or medications you take. Tell all of your healthcare providers that you are using Vivitrol, so that they can provide you with appropriate care. In case of an emergency, people using Vivitrol should carry an identification card stating that they are on Vivitrol. Vivitrol may impact the results of urine tests to screen for opioids. Be sure to tell all of your healthcare providers that you are using Vivitrol.
Signs of Liver Problems
If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Caregivers and family should also monitor people using Vivitrol for suicidal thoughts and depression. Contact a healthcare provider right away for any of the following symptoms. Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of injectable Naltrexone is crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike. This knowledge helps in optimizing treatment outcomes and managing potential side effects. It is very important that you stop taking opioids before being given Vivitrol.
an in-person visit.
Your healthcare provider can also offer guidance on additional support services that may be beneficial in your specific situation. Remember, these lifestyle changes should be implemented gradually. Work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that supports your recovery journey. VIVITROL must ONLY be administered as a deep intramuscular gluteal injection. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see “Risk of opioid overdose” in the “Precautions” section of this article.
You are encouraged to report all side effects to the FDA. While Vivitrol is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects. Being aware of potential side effects and knowing how to manage them is crucial for a successful treatment experience. Pre-treatment with oral naltrexone is not required before using VIVITROL. VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider.
Vivitrol (naltrexone extended release) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for alcohol dependence and opioid dependence in adults. Vivitrol comes as an intramuscular injection that’s given by a healthcare professional every 4 weeks. The recommended dosage of Vivitrol for alcohol dependence is 380 mg given as an intramuscular injection once every 4 weeks. Your doctor or healthcare professional will inject the dose of Vivitrol into the muscle of your buttock. The dosage of Vivitrol for opioid dependence is 380 mg given as an intramuscular injection once every 4 weeks.
For a more comprehensive guide on managing side effects, please visit our Managing Side Effects of Injectable Naltrexone (Vivitrol) page. Sometimes this leads to suicide, or suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behavior. Tell your family members and people closest to you that you are taking VIVITROL. Remember, each injection is a step towards your recovery goals.
If you have flu-like symptoms or anxiety when you stop opioids, you may have physical dependence. Physical dependence is not necessarily a sign that you have developed a substance use disorder. Your healthcare provider may do a urine screen or other tests to help them determine if it is safe for you to use Vivitrol.
Resuming the doses of opioids you were using before starting Vivitrol can be very dangerous and can potentially lead to death. You can also have a bad reaction where you stop breathing if you take opioids to try to overcome the effects of this medicine. Should you feel the need to use opioids while on or after stopping Vivitrol, contact your healthcare provider. Pneumonia is a condition that can make it hard to breathe. While this is often caused by an infection, in people taking Vivitrol it can be caused by an allergic reaction.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage. Sometimes, buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone are taken more than once per day. If you switch to Vivitrol, you’ll only need an injection once per month. Naltrexone tablets are not extended-release, which means that you need to take the drug every day for it to be effective. Vivitrol injections are extended-release, meaning the drug is released over a period of time instead of all at once. If you and your doctor determine that Vivitrol is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
- If you’re interested in switching from your oral drug to Vivitrol, talk with your doctor about how your dosage may change.
- It is very important that you stop taking opioids before being given Vivitrol.
- This will help them determine if Vivitrol is right for you.
- Vivitrol (naltrexone extended release) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for alcohol dependence and opioid dependence in adults.
What are the serious side effects of Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is an extended-release formulation of naltrexone, administered as a monthly intramuscular injection. It belongs to a class of drugs called Vivitrol Injection Guide opioid antagonists, which work by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. If you’re interested in taking naltrexone tablets instead of Vivitrol injections, talk with your doctor. Sometimes, they may adjust your dose based on your specific treatment plan.
The best way to switch may depend on the medication you were taking before starting Vivitrol. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Vivitrol. Keep all appointments you have to get your blood checked.
Celebrate these milestones and the commitment you’re making to your health. Vivitrol belongs to a drug class called opioid antagonists. If you miss an appointment to get your Vivitrol dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. There are no known interactions between Vivitrol and foods or drinks. Tell your healthcare provider about any of the following. Vivitrol can be used for as long as you feel it is helping.