Vivitrol

Vivitrol is a non-addictive, once-monthly in-office prescribed injection treatment proven to prevent relapse in opioid or alcohol-dependent patients when used with counseling following detoxification. Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors in the brain while patients work with the psychological aspects of counseling.

 

All patients must detox before starting Vivitrol.

 

Vivitrol can help prevent relapse to opioid dependence after detox when used as part of a treatment plan that includes counseling.

 

Opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that affects people psychologically and physically. Effective treatment programs often focus on both aspects of addiction through counseling and medication.

 

VIVITROL

This is an in-office procedure.

 

Side Effects/Risks

VIVITROL can cause serious side effects, including:

Risk of opioid overdose when client continue to use opioids

VIVITROL blocks the effects of opioids, such as heroin or opioid pain medicines. Do not try to overcome this blocking effect by taking large amounts of opioids—this can lead to serious injury, coma, or death.

Severe reactions at the site of injection. Some people on VIVITROL have had severe injection site reactions, including tissue death. Some of these reactions have required surgery.

Sudden opioid withdrawal. To avoid sudden opioid withdrawal, you must stop taking any type of opioid, including street drugs; prescription pain medicines; a cough, cold, or diarrhea medicines that contain opioids; or opioid-dependence treatments, including buprenorphine or methadone, for at least 7 to 14 days before starting VIVITROL. If your healthcare provider decides that you don't need to complete detox first, he or she may give you VIVITROL in a medical facility that can treat sudden opioid withdrawal. Sudden opioid withdrawal can be severe and may require hospitalization.