Naltrexone
Generic Name: naltrexone
Brand Names:
Vivitrol
11 DESCRIPTION VIVITROL ® (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) is supplied as a microsphere formulation of naltrexone for suspension, to be administered by deep intramuscular injection by a healthcare practitioner. VIVITROL contains naltrexone base anhydrous as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist with little, if any, opioid agonist activity.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION VIVITROL ® (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) is supplied as a microsphere formulation of naltrexone for suspension, to be administered by deep intramuscular injection by a healthcare practitioner. VIVITROL contains naltrexone base anhydrous as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist with little, if any, opioid agonist activity.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Treatment with VIVITROL should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. VIVITROL contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and is indicated for the treatment of alcohol dependence in patients who are able to abstain from alcohol in an outpatient setting prior to initiation of treatment with VIVITROL. Patients should not be actively drinking at the time of initial VIVITROL administration ( 1.1 ). VIVITROL is indicated for the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence, following opioid detoxification ( 1.2 ). VIVITROL should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support ( 1 ).
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider ( 2.1 , 2.6 ). Prior to initiating VIVITROL, an opioid-free duration of a minimum of 7–10 days is recommended for patients, to avoid precipitation of opioid withdrawal that may be severe enough to require hospitalization ( 2.1 ). The recommended dose of VIVITROL is 380 mg delivered intramuscularly (deep) as a gluteal injection, every 4 weeks or once a month, alternating buttocks for each subsequent injection, using the carton components provided ( 2.1 ). VIVITROL must ONLY be administered as a deep intramuscular gluteal injection ( 2.1 ). See Full Prescribing Information for complete Directions for Use ( 2.6 ).
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Accidental Opioid Overdose [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Injection Site Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Precipitated Opioid Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Depression and Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Eosinophilic Pneumonia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] The adverse events seen most frequently in association with VIVITROL therapy for alcohol dependence (i.e, those occurring in ≥5% and at least twice as frequently with VIVITROL than placebo) include nausea, vomiting, injection site reac...
Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Patients taking VIVITROL may not benefit from opioid-containing medicines. Naltrexone antagonizes the effects of opioid-containing medicines, such as cough and cold remedies, antidiarrheal preparations and opioid analgesics. Naltrexone antagonizes the effects of opioid-containing medicines, such as cough and cold remedies, antidiarrheal preparations, and opioid analgesics ( 7 ).
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Vulnerability to Opioid Overdose : Following VIVITROL treatment, opioid tolerance is reduced from pretreatment baseline and patients are vulnerable to potentially fatal overdose at the end of a dosing interval, after missing a dose, or after discontinuing VIVITROL treatment. Attempts to overcome blockade may also lead to fatal overdose. Strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose ( 5.1 ). Injection Site Reactions : VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider. In some cases, injection site reactions may be very severe. Some cases of injection site reactions required surgical intervention ( 5.2 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VIVITROL is contraindicated in: Patients receiving opioid analgesics [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Patients with current physiologic opioid dependence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Patients in acute opioid withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The available data from published case series with VIVITROL use in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are clinical considerations (see Clinical Considerations ). Reproduction and developmental animal studies have not been conducted for VIVITROL. Daily oral administration of naltrexone to female rats and rabbits increased the incidence of early fetal loss at exposures ≥ 11 times and ≥ 2 times the human exposure, respectively.
Storage
16.1 Storage and Handling The entire dose pack should be stored in the refrigerator (2 °C to 8 °C, 36 °F to 46 °F). Unrefrigerated, VIVITROL can be stored at temperatures not exceeding 25 °C (77 °F) for no more than 7 days prior to administration. Do not expose the product to temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F). VIVITROL should not be frozen. Keep out of Reach of Children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naltrexone used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Treatment with VIVITROL should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. VIVITROL contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and is indicated for the treatment of alcohol dependence in patients who are able to abstain from alcohol in an outpatient setting prior to initiation of treatment with VIVITROL. Patients should not be actively drinking at the time of initial VIVITROL administration ( 1.1 ). VIVITROL is indicated for the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence, following opioid detoxification ( 1.2 ). VIVITROL should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support ( 1 ).
What are the side effects of Naltrexone?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Accidental Opioid Overdose [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Injection Site Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Precipitated Opioid Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Depression and Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Eosinophilic Pneumonia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] The adverse events seen most frequently in association with VIVITROL therapy for alcohol dependence (i.e, those occurring in ≥5% and at least twice as frequently with VIVITROL than placebo) include nausea, vomiting, injection site reac...
Can I take Naltrexone during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The available data from published case series with VIVITROL use in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are clinical considerations (see Clinical Considerations ). Reproduction and developmental animal studies have not been conducted for VIVITROL. Daily oral administration of naltrexone to female rats and rabbits increased the incidence of early fetal loss at exposures ≥ 11 times and ≥ 2 times the human exposure, respectively.
What are the important warnings for Naltrexone?▼
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Vulnerability to Opioid Overdose : Following VIVITROL treatment, opioid tolerance is reduced from pretreatment baseline and patients are vulnerable to potentially fatal overdose at the end of a dosing interval, after missing a dose, or after discontinuing VIVITROL treatment. Attempts to overcome blockade may also lead to fatal overdose. Strongly consider recommending or prescribing an opioid reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose ( 5.1 ). Injection Site Reactions : VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider. In some cases, injection site reactions may be very severe. Some cases of injection site reactions required surgical intervention ( 5.2 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS VIVITROL is contraindicated in: Patients receiving opioid analgesics [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Patients with current physiologic opioid dependence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Patients in acute opioid withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
Related Medications
Polyethylene Glycol 3350, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Ascorbate, And Ascorbic Acid
polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate, and ascorbic acid
11 DESCRIPTION Polyethylene Glycol-3350, Electrolytes, and Ascorbate for Oral Solution is an osmotic laxative consisting of 4 pouches (2 of Pouch A and 2 of Pouch B) containing white to yellow powder for reconstitution.
Corylus Americana
corylus americana
Dosage form: SOLUTION. Route: INTRADERMAL, PERCUTANEOUS, SUBCUTANEOUS. Active ingredients: CORYLUS AMERICANA POLLEN (.001 g/mL). Category: BLA.
Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin, Acetaminophen And Triprolidine Hcl
dextromethorphan hbr, guaifenesin, acetaminophen and triprolidine hcl
Active ingredients (in each 20 mL) Maximum Strength Mucus Relief DM Max Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg Cough suppressant Guaifenesin 400 mg Expectorant Active ingredients (in each 20 mL) Purposes Nighttime Cold & Flu Acetaminophen 650 mg Pain reliever/fever reducer Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg Cough suppressant Triprolidine HCl 2.5 mg Antihistamine
Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.