Naltrexone (nal-TREX-one)

Helps prevent alcohol or drug abuse relapse.

Brand Name(s):

Revia

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• An overdose to an opioid medicine can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time. Your doctor may also give naloxone to treat an overdose. Naloxone is a medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose. If you have been prescribed naloxone, make sure household members know how to use this on you in the event of an overdose or suspected overdose. Emergency medical attention is still needed after naloxone is used because the reversal effects are only temporary.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used opioid pain medicine (including buprenorphine, codeine, methadone, or other habit-forming painkillers) within the past 7 to 10 days.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how naltrexone works. Tell your doctor if you are using disulfiram, thioridazine, or medicine for pain, diarrhea, cough, or colds.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), or a history of depression or mental illness.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Unusual change in mood or behavior
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Tell your doctor and all other caregivers that you are taking naltrexone. You may need to carry a card to let others know you are taking this medicine if you have a medical emergency. Ask your doctor about this.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow or uneven heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, seizures
• Trouble sleeping, getting upset easily, a big increase in energy, or reckless behavior
• Unusual mood or behavior, thoughts of killing yourself or others

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Headache
• Joint or muscle pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088