Uses
What is Vivitrol used for?
Vivitrol (naltrexone) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To help people with an alcohol use disorder who have already stopped drinking maintain their ability to no longer drink alcohol.
- To help people with an opioid use disorder who have already stopped using opioids maintain their ability to no longer use opioids.
Vivitrol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Naltrexone is also available in an oral form. See Naltrexone for more information.
How does Vivitrol work (mechanism of action)?
Vivitrol works by blocking the effects of opioids.
How is Vivitrol supplied (dosage forms)?
Vivitrol is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Vivitrol?
The most common side effects of Vivitrol are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Injection site reaction (see below)
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Toothache
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
There may be other side effects of Vivitrol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Vivitrol?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Vivitrol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Vivitrol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Vivitrol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Injection Site Reaction. Vivitrol may cause some discomfort near where it is injected, mild discomfort is a normal side effect. You may have redness, bruising, itching, or swelling. Sometimes the amount of discomfort may be high, which could be a sign of a more serious reaction. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any reaction that gets worse over time, does not improve after two weeks, or concerns you, especially if you have any of the following near the site of injection.
- Abscess
- Cellulitis
- An open wound
- Extensive swelling
- Blisters
- Intense pain
- The area is hard or lumpy
- A dark scab
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Vivitrol. Keep all appointments you have to get your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Suicidal Thoughts and Depression. Vivitrol may cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Depression is an important cause of suicidal thoughts, especially in people with a history of alcohol use disorder. 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.
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
Pneumonia. 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. 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.
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Cough that does not go away or gets worse
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Vivitrol?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Vivitrol.
- Vivitrol
- Naltrexone
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vivitrol.
Drug Interactions. Vivitrol should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using Vivitrol, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Current Opioid Use or Dependence. 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. 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. Before using Vivitrol, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any use of prescription and/or illicit opioids.
Opioid Withdrawal. You may have symptoms if you have been using prescription and/or illicit opioids and suddenly stop using them. People who are in opioid withdrawal should not use Vivitrol. Tell your healthcare provider before you get Vivitrol if you have any of the following symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
- Anxiety
- Sleeplessness
- Yawning
- Fever
- Sweating
- Teary eyes
- Runny nose
- Goosebumps
- Shakiness
- Hot or cold flushes
- Muscle aches or twitches
- Restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
What should I know about Vivitrol before using it?
Vivitrol is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.
Vivitrol is best used as part of a treatment program that uses counseling and support. Attend all therapy or support groups that may have been recommended to you.
You should not be drinking alcohol or taking prescription or illicit opioids like heroin at the time Vivitrol is given.
You may have nausea, especially after your first dose of Vivitrol. Nausea usually gets better in a few days. If you have nausea that does not go away or gets worse, tell your healthcare provider right away.
It is very important that you stop taking opioids before being given Vivitrol. 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.
Make sure that you and your caregiver have the medicine naloxone, which is used to reverse the effects of opioids. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to get and administer naloxone. If naloxone is needed, also call 911 to get emergency help.
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. 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.
Vivitrol does not reduce or eliminate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
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.
Vivitrol can be used for as long as you feel it is helping. Should you wish to stop Vivitrol, call your healthcare provider.
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 is an injection given once a month. Once it is injected, it is not possible to remove it.
Vivitrol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Vivitrol affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Vivitrol?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Vivitrol is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider about any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Depression
- History of suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Severely low platelet levels, also called thrombocytopenia
- History of a bleeding disorder
- Use of prescription and/or illicit opioids
Pregnancy. 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.
Breastfeeding. Vivitrol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Vivitrol.
How can I get more information about Vivitrol?
For more information about Vivitrol, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://www.vivitrol.com/ or call them at 800-848-4876.
Interactions
Does Vivitrol interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Vivitrol and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between Vivitrol and alcohol.
Does Vivitrol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Vivitrol.
- A mixed agonist/antagonist or partial agonist opioid analgesic, such as buprenorphine (Butrans, Sublocade), butorphanol, and others, which is used to treat certain types of pain or opioid use disorder
- An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl, diphenoxylate, or loperamide, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain, diarrhea or cough.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vivitrol. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vivitrol?
If you or someone else has used too much Vivitrol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Vivitrol?
If you miss an appointment to get your Vivitrol dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Are you currently using Vivitrol (naltrexone)?
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