What special precautions should I take for using Revia Naltrexone?

 

Revia Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of drugs known as opioids (a class that includes morphine, heroin or codeine). It competes with these drugs for opioid receptors in the brain. It was originally used to treat dependence on opioid drugs but has recently been approved by the FDA as treatment for alcoholism.

Before taking naltrexone:

  • Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney problems.
  • Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, have planned to be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking naltrexone, call your doctor.
  • For breast-feeding mothers, this medicine can’t be right to use.
  • Let your doctor know if you are allergic to naltrexone naloxone, other opioid medications, or any other medications.
  • If you have to get medical treatment or surgery, including dental surgery, acquaint with the doctor or dentist that you are taking naltrexone.
  • Your doctor should be informed if you are taking any opioid (narcotic) medications or street drugs such as levomethadyl acetate (LAAM, ORLAAM) (not available in the US), or methadone (Dolophine, Methadose); and certain medications for diarrhea, cough, or pain. Also tell your doctor if you have taken any of these medications in the last 7 to 10 days. By consulting your doctor, you can know if a medication you have taken is an opioid. Your doctor may order certain tests to know it.

You should also follow the points given below:

Avoid use of any narcotic medications or opioid street drugs while undergoing treatment with naltrexone. Revia Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioid medications and opioid street drugs. If you take higher doses of opioid medications or drugs while continuing your treatment with naltrexone, it may lead to serious injury, coma (long-lasting unconscious state), or death.

Notify your doctor about other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Make sure to mention disulfiram (Antabuse) and thioridazine if you are taking. Your doctor may advise some dose adjustment of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

If you take opioid medications 7 days before your treatment with Revia Naltrexone, you may be more sensitive to the effects of these medications after you finish your treatment. After you finish your treatment, tell any doctor who may prescribe medications for you that you were previously treated with Naltrexone.

After discontinuing Naltrexone treatment, you may be more sensitive to lower doses of opioids, increasing your risk of possibly life-threatening side effects from the narcotic (e.g., decreased breathing, loss of consciousness).

Revia Naltrexone rarely creates serious liver disease. The risk is high when you use larger doses of this drug. This risk can be balanced by improved possibility of taking this drug as directed and ease of use when this drug is taken less often (e.g., every other day). Talk about the risks and benefits with your doctor. Check with your doctor if any common or serious side effects develop.