From the Guidelines
Vivitrol reactions can be serious and require immediate medical attention, especially if you experience severe pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, difficulty breathing, or signs of liver problems like yellowing skin or eyes. Vivitrol (naltrexone) is an opioid antagonist that can block the effects of opioid agonists, and its reactions can include injection site reactions, nausea, headache, fatigue, and in rare cases, more serious allergic responses 1. If you're experiencing a reaction to Vivitrol, contact your healthcare provider immediately. While mild reactions often resolve on their own, serious reactions require prompt medical attention. Some key points to consider when taking Vivitrol include:
- Vivitrol works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, preventing the euphoric effects of opioids and reducing alcohol cravings, which explains why some side effects occur 1
- Never attempt to overcome these blocks by taking high doses of opioids as this can lead to serious injury, overdose, or death
- Vivitrol is part of a comprehensive treatment program for alcohol or opioid dependence and should be combined with counseling and support
- Liver function tests at baseline and every three to six months are recommended due to the risk of hepatic injury at supratherapeutic doses 1 It's essential to stay well-hydrated and follow all medical advice while on this medication. Additionally, naltrexone has been shown to be helpful in maintaining abstinence from opioids in motivated populations, but it has had limited success in other groups 1.
From the Research
Vivitrol Reaction
- Vivitrol, also known as extended-release intramuscular naltrexone (XR-NTX), is a μ-opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the euphoric effects of heroin and prescription opioids 2.
- The most common treatment-emergent adverse events associated with XR-NTX include hepatic enzyme abnormalities, nasopharyngitis, insomnia, hypertension, influenza, and injection-site pain 2.
- Naltrexone can cause acute and severe withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent patients, including agitation, altered level of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bone and muscle pain, tachycardia, and dilated pupils 3.
- The combination of very low-dose naltrexone and clonidine may be effective in managing opioid withdrawal, with reduced symptoms and signs of withdrawal compared to clonidine alone 4.
- In cases of opioid withdrawal, the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) approach can be used for initial assessment and treatment 5.
- Clinical management of opioid withdrawal is crucial for relieving suffering, providing diagnosis and screening, engaging patients in treatment, and using harm reduction strategies, with the goal of preventing relapse and overdose 6.