Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Medication Information
Vivitrol is a prescription medication containing naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. It is an extended-release injectable medication used for the treatment of alcohol dependence and for preventing relapse to opioid dependence following opioid detoxification. Vivitrol is intended to be part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes appropriate psychosocial support. citeturn0search25turn0search27
Because Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors and can affect opioid tolerance, treatment should be started and administered under appropriate medical supervision.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release injectable formulation of naltrexone.
Unlike opioid medications such as buprenorphine or methadone, naltrexone does not produce opioid agonist effects. It works primarily by blocking the effects of opioids at opioid receptors.
Vivitrol is administered by a healthcare professional and is not a medication that patients should inject themselves.
What Is Vivitrol Used For?
Vivitrol is indicated for:
- Treatment of alcohol dependence in appropriate patients who are able to abstain from alcohol before treatment begins.
- Prevention of relapse to opioid dependence following opioid detoxification.
The medication should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes appropriate psychosocial support. citeturn0search25
Treatment decisions should be individualized based on a patient’s medical history, substance-use history, current medications, and treatment goals.
How Does Vivitrol Work?
Vivitrol contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist.
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors. As a result, opioid-containing medications may not produce their usual effects while naltrexone is active.
This mechanism makes naltrexone different from opioid agonist medications used in opioid use disorder treatment.
Vivitrol Injection Information
Vivitrol is an extended-release medication administered as a deep intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional.
The current prescribing information states that Vivitrol must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider. citeturn0search25turn0search27
Patients should not attempt to administer Vivitrol themselves.
Your healthcare professional will determine the appropriate treatment schedule and monitor your response to treatment.
Important: Opioid-Free Before Vivitrol
One of the most important safety considerations with Vivitrol is that patients must not have current physiologic opioid dependence or be experiencing acute opioid withdrawal when treatment begins.
The prescribing information recommends an opioid-free period before starting Vivitrol to reduce the risk of precipitated opioid withdrawal. citeturn0search25
The appropriate opioid-free period can vary depending on the patient’s circumstances and previous opioid use.
Do not attempt to determine your own treatment start date without medical guidance.
Vivitrol Side Effects
Possible side effects can include:
- Injection-site pain
- Injection-site tenderness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Joint or muscle discomfort
- Sleep-related symptoms
Side effects vary between individuals.
Tell your healthcare professional about persistent, severe, or unusual symptoms.
Serious Vivitrol Warnings
Vivitrol has important safety warnings that should be discussed with a healthcare professional before treatment.
Risk of Opioid Overdose
Vivitrol blocks opioid effects, but opioid tolerance can decrease during treatment.
After a dose is missed or treatment is discontinued, a person may have lower opioid tolerance than before treatment. This can increase the risk of a potentially fatal opioid overdose if opioids are subsequently used.
The prescribing information also warns that attempts to overcome the opioid blockade can result in overdose and death. citeturn0search25turn0search27
Precipitated Opioid Withdrawal
Starting Vivitrol while opioids are still present in the body can cause severe opioid withdrawal.
For this reason, appropriate screening and medical assessment are important before treatment begins.
Injection-Site Reactions
Vivitrol is given by intramuscular injection and can cause injection-site reactions.
Some reactions can be serious and may require medical attention.
Contact your healthcare professional if you develop significant swelling, severe pain, hardened tissue, skin changes, or another concerning reaction at the injection site.
Liver Problems
Naltrexone can affect the liver.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease, abnormal liver tests, or a history of hepatitis.
Seek medical attention for symptoms that could indicate liver problems, such as unusual abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or significant unexplained fatigue.
Vivitrol and Opioid Medications
Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioid-containing medications.
This includes certain prescription pain medications and other products containing opioids. The current prescribing information specifically warns that naltrexone can antagonize opioid-containing medicines. citeturn0search27
If you are receiving Vivitrol, tell every healthcare professional involved in your care.
This is particularly important before surgery or dental procedures where opioid pain medication might otherwise be considered.
Vivitrol Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare professional about every medication and supplement you use.
Important considerations include:
- Opioid pain medications
- Opioid-containing cough or cold medicines
- Certain antidiarrheal medications containing opioids
- Other prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Herbal products and supplements
Because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, it can interfere with the effects of opioid-containing medicines. citeturn0search27
For more information, see our Medication Interaction Guide.
Vivitrol and Alcohol
Vivitrol is approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence in appropriate patients who are able to abstain from alcohol before treatment begins.
Medication alone is not a substitute for a complete treatment plan. Counseling, behavioral support, and other appropriate services may be included as part of treatment. citeturn0search25
Follow your healthcare professional’s recommendations regarding alcohol use during treatment.
Vivitrol and Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Treatment decisions should be individualized based on the potential benefits and risks.
Do not start, stop, or change treatment without discussing it with your healthcare professional.
Who Should Tell Their Doctor Before Taking Vivitrol?
Before treatment, tell your healthcare professional if you:
- Currently use opioids
- Have recently stopped using opioids
- Have experienced opioid withdrawal
- Have liver problems
- Have kidney problems
- Have a history of injection-site problems
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take prescription or over-the-counter medications
- Have had an allergic reaction to naltrexone or components of Vivitrol
Your healthcare professional can determine whether Vivitrol is appropriate for you.
Vivitrol and Surgery
Tell your healthcare professional and surgeon that you are receiving Vivitrol before planned surgery.
Because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, opioid pain medicines may have reduced or absent effects during treatment.
A healthcare team should plan pain management in advance when possible.
Do not attempt to overcome naltrexone’s effects by taking larger amounts of opioid medication.
Vivitrol and Opioid Tolerance
Vivitrol treatment can change opioid tolerance.
After treatment is stopped or a dose is missed, the risk of opioid overdose may increase because tolerance may be lower than it was before treatment.
The current prescribing information specifically warns about overdose vulnerability after treatment ends, after missing a dose, and near the end of a dosing interval. citeturn0search25
This is an important reason to discuss relapse-prevention and overdose-response planning with a healthcare professional.
Vivitrol Storage and Handling
Vivitrol is a healthcare-administered medication.
The product must be prepared and administered according to its prescribing information. Patients should not attempt to prepare or inject the medication themselves. citeturn0search25
Pharmacies and healthcare providers should follow the manufacturer’s storage and handling requirements.
Vivitrol Prescription and Pharmacy Information
Vivitrol is a prescription medication and should be obtained through appropriate medical and pharmacy channels.
If your healthcare professional has recommended Vivitrol, speak with your pharmacist or treatment provider about prescription processing, availability, administration, treatment scheduling, and insurance considerations.
Vivitrol Product Information
For customers who have been prescribed this medication and are looking for product information, visit the Maxson Pharmacy Vivitrol product page:
Vivitrol Product Page:
https://maxsonpharmacy.com/product/buy-vivitrol-naltrexone-online/
Product availability, prescription requirements, and dispensing policies may vary. Always follow applicable laws and the instructions of your healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vivitrol
What is Vivitrol used for?
Vivitrol is used for the treatment of alcohol dependence and for preventing relapse to opioid dependence following opioid detoxification. It should be part of a comprehensive treatment program. citeturn0search25
What is the active ingredient in Vivitrol?
The active ingredient is naltrexone.
Is Vivitrol an opioid?
No. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It blocks opioid receptors rather than producing opioid agonist effects.
Is Vivitrol a prescription medication?
Yes. Vivitrol is a prescription medication administered by a healthcare professional.
Can Vivitrol cause opioid withdrawal?
Yes. If a person is physically dependent on opioids, starting Vivitrol can precipitate severe withdrawal. Appropriate medical assessment and an opioid-free period are important before treatment. citeturn0search25
Can I take opioid pain medication while using Vivitrol?
Vivitrol blocks opioid effects and can interfere with opioid pain medicines. Tell your healthcare professional that you are receiving Vivitrol before taking or being prescribed an opioid medication. citeturn0search27
Can Vivitrol cause an overdose?
Vivitrol itself is not an opioid, but treatment can reduce opioid tolerance. After a missed dose or discontinuation, using opioids can create a serious overdose risk. Attempts to overcome the blockade can also result in fatal overdose. citeturn0search25
Does Vivitrol treat opioid dependence?
Vivitrol is indicated for prevention of relapse to opioid dependence following opioid detoxification. It is different from opioid agonist or partial-agonist treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine. citeturn0search25turn0search4
How is Vivitrol administered?
Vivitrol is administered by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection. Patients should not self-inject the medication. citeturn0search25
Important Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information about Vivitrol (naltrexone) and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Medication selection, treatment timing, injection administration, monitoring, and discontinuation should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
If you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, severe injection-site reaction, opioid overdose, severe withdrawal, or another medical emergency, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Related Medication Information
- Medication Information Center
- Prescription Medication Guide
- Medication Interaction Guide
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- Methadone Medication Information
- Oxycodone Medication Information
- Morphine Medication Information
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Authoritative reference: Current Vivitrol prescribing information available through DailyMed. DailyMed identifies itself as the National Library of Medicine’s database of current labeling submitted to the FDA. citeturn0search25turn0search5
