Naltrexone: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

How naltrexone is dosed

From the FDA label for Vivitrol (application NDA021897). Other naltrexone products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

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 ). 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Information VIVITROL must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider. VIVITROL must ONLY be administered as a deep intramuscular gluteal injection. Parenteral products should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. A properly mixed suspension will be milky white, will not contain clumps, and will move freely down the wall of the vial [see Dosage and Administration ( 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…

Naltrexone side effects

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 reactions (including induration, pruritus, nodules and swelling), muscle cramps, dizziness or syncope, somnolence or sedation, anorexia, decreased appetite or other appetite disorders ( 6 ). The adverse events seen most frequently in association with VIVITROL therapy in opioid-dependent patients (i.e., those occurring in ≥2% of patients treated with VIVITROL and at least twice as frequently with VIVITROL than placebo) were hepatic enzyme abnormalities, injection site pain, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, and toothache ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alkermes, Inc. at 1-800-VIVITROL (1-800-848-4876)…

Every naltrexone product we track (2)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

What naltrexone pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Combination products containing naltrexone

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

• Troxyca ER
• Contrave
• Embeda