Vivitrol (other name Revia)

Common use

Revia (naltrexone) is a special drug that blocks the effects of other narcotic medicines and alcohol used to treat narcotic drug or alcohol addiction and is taken orally in tablet form. Also block the effects of opioids.

Dosage and direction

Use the medicine exactly as directed. Your doctor may recommend you have a family member or other caregiver make sure you take Revia on schedule, to make sure you are using the medicine correctly as part of your treatment. To treat alcoholism, a dose of 50 mg Revia once daily is recommended for most patients. To treat opiod dependence, the initial dose of Revia is 25 mg.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had: liver or kidney disease; if you use thioridazine or disulfiram.
It is not known if Revia will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Revia.

Contraindications

You should not use Revia if you are allergic to it, or if: you are currently addicted to opioids; you are having withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction; you are using any opioid pain medicine (including fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin, and many others); you have failed the naloxone challenge test or have a positive urine screen for opioids; or you have used any opioid medicine such as, methadone, buprenorphine, tramadol, and others opioids within 7 to 14 days.

Possible side effect

Common side effects of Revia may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; headache, dizziness, drowsiness; feeling anxious or nervous; sleep problems (insomnia); or muscle or joint pain.
Revia may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; confusion, mood changes, crying, hallucinations; or depression, thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Drug interaction

Ask your doctor before using any medicine to treat a cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain. These medicines may contain opioids and may not work as well while you are taking Revia. Do not use opioid medication while you are taking Revia. Never try to overcome the effects of naltrexone by taking larger amounts of opioids.

Missed dose

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Protect from light. Keep away from children.