To be effective, VIVITROL must be used with other alcohol or drug recovery programs such as counseling. It is not known if VIVITROL is safe and effective in children. Since Vivitrol is only injected once monthly, switching from an oral drug may help manage your opioid or alcohol dependence better. This is because you don’t have to worry about remembering to take your dose every day or even multiple times per day. It is possible that you may be more sensitive to the effects of prescription or illicit opioids as Vivitrol wears off or after it is stopped.
This may not be a complete list Vivitrol Injection Guide of medicines that can interact with Vivitrol. It is not known if or how Vivitrol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Vivitrol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- Being aware of these scenarios can help you respond promptly to potential emergencies.
- Attend all therapy or support groups that may have been recommended to you.
- Make sure that you and your caregiver have the medicine naloxone, which is used to reverse the effects of opioids.
- It is not known if or how Vivitrol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby.
- Vivitrol is a brand name for injectable naltrexone, a medication used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence.
Your doctor or healthcare professional will inject the medication into the muscle of your buttock. People who are currently using prescription and/or illicit opioids, including buprenorphine, should not use Vivitrol. If you use Vivitrol while taking opioids, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may require you to go to the hospital. Opioid use can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine.
The reaction may be severe enough that you will need to go to the hospital. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. It’s important to note that your risk of opioid overdose may increase if you take opioids while you’re receiving Vivitrol treatment. You and your doctor should discuss this risk, and your doctor may recommend that you keep naloxone nasal spray (Narcan, Evzio) on hand. In most states, you can get naloxone at a pharmacy without a prescription, or your doctor can prescribe it for you. Vivitrol comes as a powder that’s mixed into a solution.
Overview of Vivitrol
Sometimes the amount of discomfort may be high, which could be a sign of a more serious reaction. By tailoring the approach to these specific patient groups, healthcare providers can optimize the safety and effectiveness of Vivitrol treatment. Your doctor will determine the dosage of Vivitrol that you need. If you’re given too much Vivitrol, your doctor may recommend treatment for any symptoms you experience. To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. Medication reminders can help you remember your appointment for your Vivitrol injection.
- Caregivers and family should also monitor people using Vivitrol for suicidal thoughts and depression.
- You and your doctor should discuss this risk, and your doctor may recommend that you keep naloxone nasal spray (Narcan, Evzio) on hand.
- This is so you don’t develop scar tissue in the injection area.
- Vivitrol contains an extended-release form of naltrexone.
- Vivitrol belongs to a drug class called opioid antagonists.
Interactions with Alcohol, Opioids, and Other Substances
VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider. Researchers have given a small number of people high doses of Vivitrol, and this didn’t lead to severe problems. If you have any questions about the dosage and administration of Vivitrol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.
Administration
Should you wish to stop Vivitrol, call your healthcare provider. Vivitrol (naltrexone) is commonly used for the following conditions. To view formulary information first create a list of plans. It’s crucial to maintain the dosing schedule to ensure continuous therapeutic levels of Naltrexone in the body. Missing a dose can significantly increase the risk of relapse. For more detailed information on the administration procedure, please refer to our Administration Procedure for Injectable Naltrexone (Vivitrol) page.
Patient’s Role in Monitoring
Understanding what happens during a Vivitrol injection can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smooth experience. All other marks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
Vivitrol contains an extended-release form of naltrexone. Extended release means the drug is released over a period of time after you take it, instead of all at once. Vivitrol should be part of a complete treatment program that also includes support groups, counseling, and education. There are no known interactions between Vivitrol and alcohol.
Before using Vivitrol, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any use of prescription and/or illicit opioids. For example, if you’re taking oral naltrexone and would like to switch to Vivitrol, both drugs have the same active ingredient. Vivitrol is a brand name for injectable naltrexone, a medication used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. As a patient considering or starting Vivitrol treatment, it’s crucial to understand what this medication is and how it works. You must stop taking opioids before you start receiving VIVITROL.
Understanding how Vivitrol interacts with various substances is crucial for your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment. Consistency is key to the success of Vivitrol treatment. Understanding why adherence is crucial can help motivate you to stay committed to your treatment plan. Having realistic expectations about Vivitrol treatment is crucial for long-term success and satisfaction with the treatment process.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Vivitrol, you should schedule an appointment as soon as you remember. It’s recommended that you receive your next dose of Vivitrol as soon as possible after a missed dose. If you’re interested in switching from your oral drug to Vivitrol, talk with your doctor about how your dosage may change. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.
