Naltrexone Hcl
 = Prescription Required
 = Generic Equvalent
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Revia
50mg Tablets
Naltrexone Hcl
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Naltrexone Hcl Prescription Drug Information
Naltrexone (Injection)
Naltrexone (nal-TREX-one)
Helps patients with alcohol problems by keeping the body from wanting alcohol. Naltrexone Hcl is part of a recovery program that includes medical supervision and counseling.
Brand Name(s):Vivitrol
There may be other brand names for Naltrexone Hcl. When Naltrexone Hcl Should Not Be Used:
You should not receive Naltrexone Hcl if you have had an allergic reaction to naltrexone, polylactide-co-glycolide (PLG), or carboxymethylcellulose. Do not receive Naltrexone Hcl if you are taking medicines that contain opioids or narcotics (such as certain medicines for pain, cough or colds, and diarrhea), heroin, or other illegal (street) drugs. Do not receive Naltrexone Hcl if you have suddenly stopped using opioids (narcotics) and are having withdrawal symptoms. You should not receive Naltrexone Hcl if you have hepatitis or any other liver disease. How to Use Naltrexone Hcl:
Injectable
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Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. Naltrexone Hcl is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
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A nurse or other trained health professional will give you Naltrexone Hcl.
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Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.
If a dose of Naltrexone Hcl is missed:
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If you miss your scheduled dose, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Naltrexone Hcl:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicines that contain opioids or narcotics (such as certain medicines for pain, cough or colds, and diarrhea), heroin, or other illegal (street) drugs.
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Do not drink alcohol while you are using Naltrexone Hcl.
Warnings While Using Naltrexone Hcl:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver problems, or bleeding problems such as hemophilia.
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Naltrexone Hcl may cause serious problems with your liver or lungs. Tell your doctor right away if you start having breathing problems, severe coughing, pain in the upper stomach, or yellowing of the skin while you are using Naltrexone Hcl.
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Naltrexone Hcl may cause pain, itching, burning, redness, swelling, bruising, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given. Call your doctor right away if you have a reaction to the shot that does not go away or that gets worse within 2 weeks after you get the shot.
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You will need to stop using opioids (narcotics) for at least 7 to 10 days before you can start receiving naltrexone. Your doctor may need to do a special test to make sure you are opioid-free.
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Naltrexone Hcl blocks the "high" feeling you get from narcotic (opioid) drugs, including heroin. Since naltrexone may make you more sensitive to lower doses of opioids than you have previously used, you should not use heroin or any other narcotic drugs to overcome what the medicine is doing. You could overdose and develop serious problems.
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Naltrexone Hcl may increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed. Also tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you, especially if they are new or get worse quickly. Make sure your caregiver knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder) or has tried to commit suicide.
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Whenever you need medical care, tell your doctor or other caregiver that you are receiving naltrexone. You may also need to carry a letter to let others know you are using Naltrexone Hcl in case you have a medical emergency.
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Naltrexone Hcl may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
Possible Side Effects While Using Naltrexone Hcl:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Anxiety, depression, or unusual thoughts and behaviors.
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Chest pain.
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Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
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Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
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Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting.
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Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
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Pain in your lower leg (calf).
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Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
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Red or black stools.
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Seizures.
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Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
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Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
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Trouble sleeping, getting upset easily, having big increase of energy, or starting to act reckless.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Naltrexone Hcl, talk with your doctor:
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Change in appetite.
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Dry mouth.
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Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.
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Mild headache.
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Muscle pain or cramps.
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Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach.
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Skin rash, redness, or itching.
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Tiredness or weakness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Naltrexone Hcl, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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