What is Vivitrol? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Vivitrol

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Vivitrol

Vivitrol contraindications - Who shouldn't take Vivitrol?

• 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.

Vivitrol 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.

• 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

Vivitrol interactions & what to avoid when taking Vivitrol

• 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.

• 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.