VIVITROL shots are generally given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, such as a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. The shot is usually injected intramuscularly into the upper arm, or into the buttocks or thigh.
The injection site should be rotated for subsequent injections. Before the injection is given, the area should be cleansed with an alcohol pad or swab.
It is important that the injection be administered by an appropriately trained healthcare professional, as certain precautions should be taken to ensure safe and accurate administration. These include wearing protective gloves, using a sharps container to dispose of the syringe, and checking the medication before giving the injection.
It is also important that the patient is closely monitored after receiving a VIVITROL injection, as the following side effects can occur; dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
Can VIVITROL be injected in the arm?
Yes, VIVITROL can be injected in the arm. This medication is an extended-release intramuscular injection used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction and is typically administered by a healthcare provider in the upper outer quadrant of the buttock or deltoid muscle in the arm, depending on the patient’s preference and the healthcare provider’s recommendation.
After the injection, the medication is slowly absorbed over a period of approximately 28 days. It is important that patients follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for administration of VIVITROL and follow-up care.
Is VIVITROL shot painful?
The VIVITROL shot is not typically painful for most people. The shot is administered intramuscularly, which means it is injected deeply into a muscle. It may cause a mild stinging sensation for a few seconds at the injection site, but this will quickly pass.
According to the manufacturer, most people report symptoms such as redness, itching, tenderness, or soreness at the injection site, but these symptoms typically resolve in a few days. As with any injection, a person may experience some discomfort, but reviews indicate it is generally mild and tolerable.
If a person experiences more significant pain or discomfort during or after the procedure, they should speak to their doctor.
Is VIVITROL intramuscular?
Yes, VIVITROL (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) is an intramuscular injection. Specifically, it is administered as a monthly, intramuscular injection of 380 mg for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
For opioid dependence, the recommended dose is a 380 mg intramuscular injection every 4 weeks. VIVITROL should be given by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection into the buttocks and must not be given intravenously.
Does VIVITROL work instantly?
No, VIVITROL is not an instant medication. It is a once-monthly injectable medication, meaning that it should not be expected to take effect right away. In order to start the process, a healthcare provider will administer a test dose to make sure that the patient is able to tolerate the medication before the first injection is given.
After the initial test dose and injection, the patient will then receive an injection once every month. It is important to keep up with scheduled injections, as dosing may be slightly delayed, which could result in decreased effectiveness of the medication.
At least 4 weeks after the first injection, the patient may begin to feel and see the effects of VIVITROL. The full effects may take several weeks to be fully realized, and it is important for patients to stay committed to their treatment plan for best results.
What size needle do you use for VIVITROL?
The size of needle used for VIVITROL injections depends on the patient’s body surface area and the setting the injection will be given in. Generally, a 1-inch, 25-gauge needle is recommended for use with VIVITROL.
If the patient’s body surface area is smaller, such as a child or elderly patient, a 5/8-inch and 21-gauge needle can be used. In addition, a 1-inch, 21-gauge needle is also acceptable for use with VIVITROL in outpatient settings.
The size of needle chosen should be appropriate for the patient’s body surface area, injection site, and comfort level. The injection should be given using a sterile technique and aseptic/antiseptic conditions.
The injection should also be administered by qualified personnel, such as a healthcare provider, certified nurse, or other qualified allied skilled person. The exact size needle to be used should be discussed with the healthcare provider and patient prior to the injection.
What drug reverses VIVITROL?
VIVITROL (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) is an injectable medication used to treat alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. There are medications that can be used to reverse its effects if the individual experiences an opioid overdose following the VIVITROL injection.
This can include naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist that can help to restore normal breathing in an overdose situation. Additionally, a physician may be able to use a medication called flumazenil to reverse the sedative effects from an overdose with opioids and VIVITROL.
It is important to remember, however, that these medications may be limited in their effectiveness since VIVITROL works by blocking the effects of opioids in the body. If an individual has overdosed with opioids and VIVITROL, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
What is the success rate of the VIVITROL shot?
The success rate of the VIVITROL shot varies greatly depending on the individual, their current alcohol dependence and its severity, and other factors. It’s important to note that VIVITROL has been FDA-approved for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) since 2006, so it is considered a relatively safe and effective treatment for those struggling with alcohol dependence.
Several studies conducted on VIVITROL have found that it is a beneficial for reducing heavy drinking and craving of alcohol. In one clinical trial, VIVITROL was found to result in less heavy drinking days and fewer days of drinking than the placebo group.
In another study of Veterans, VIVITROL blocked the effects of alcohol in individuals with AUD and reduced their urges to drink in comparison to the placebo.
Overall, the success rate of VIVITROL is generally better in those individuals who have committed to adhering to their treatment plan, including taking the shot on a regular basis, undergoing proper counseling and support, and abstaining from alcohol.
VIVITROL does not guarantee sobriety, but rather reduces the individual’s urge to drink and form of protection from relapse if they were to come into contact with alcohol. With that being said, VIVITROL provides a safe and effective treatment for individuals struggling with AUD and can be an important part of a comprehensive recovery program.
How long does VIVITROL have to sit out before administering?
VIVITROL should be allowed to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before administering. It should not be refrigerated for more than 24 hours before use. When transporting the medication, it should not be exposed to extreme temperatures and should not sit in temperatures below 68°F or above 77°F for more than 72 hours.
When injecting the medication, it should be removed from the refrigerator and given enough time to reach room temperature for 30-60 minutes before injecting.
Can you self inject VIVITROL?
No, you cannot self inject VIVITROL. VIVITROL (an extended-release injectable suspension) is an injectable medication, approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence.
It is designed to help individuals reduce their cravings and prevent them from relapsing. The medication must be administered by a healthcare professional in a clinic or medical office setting. VIVITROL requires specific training to administer, including instructions on selecting appropriate injection sites, adhering to sterile injection techniques, and handling medication errors.
VIVITROL is not recommended to be self-administered, due to its potential risks and complications.
Can naltrexone be given IM?
Yes, naltrexone hydrochloride can be given intramuscularly (IM). This is the most commonly used route of administration. When given IM, it is usually administered as a partial single dose of 30–50 mg and repeated every 3–4 hours until the desired clinical response is achieved.
Naltrexone has a short half-life and, depending on patient factors, could have an initial peak effect and then a decrease in effects. As with other opioid antagonists, naltrexone should not be administered IM in combination with other medications due to possible tissue damage and other undesirable clinical consequences.
Naltrexone should not be given IM to patients with allergies to the medication, those with impaired hepatic or renal function, and those with a history of alcohol or opioid dependence.
Is naloxone an IM or IV?
Naloxone is typically administered through an intramuscular (IM) injection, which is when a medication is injected directly into the muscle. In some cases, it may be administered intravenously (IV), which is when it is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
Administration of naloxone through an IV usually produces a more rapid onset of action than when given through an IM injection. The dosage for IV naloxone is typically 0. 4 to 2 mg, and is repeated every 2 to 3 minutes until the desired effect is achieved.
The IM dosage typically falls between 0. 4 and 0. 8 mg, and can be repeated at 2 to 3 minute intervals, depending on the response of the patient.
How long do you have to wait to start VIVITROL?
VIVITROL is an injection used to treat certain types of opioid and alcohol addiction. Depending on the individual’s health condition and other medications they are taking, they may need to wait a certain amount of time before they can start VIVITROL.
Generally speaking, individuals should wait at least 7-10 days after the last use of opioids before starting VIVITROL. Healthcare providers may also advise individuals to wait longer if they have used long-acting opioids, taken high doses of opioids, or have recently been in a hospital for opioid overdose.
It’s important for people to understand that this is just a general guideline, as individual circumstances and medical history can vary greatly. The healthcare provider prescribing VIVITROL is best able to determine how long an individual should wait before starting VIVITROL, based on their specific needs.
How do I start VIVITROL?
Starting VIVITROL treatment begins with consultation with a healthcare provider to determine whether it is the right treatment option for you. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential risks, side effects, and benefits of the medication with you.
You will also discuss any conditions you have, medications you’re taking, and the possibility of developing hepatitis B or C or any other infectious virus during the treatment.
Before beginning the first injection, you should be sure to not be taking any opioid medications or using any other drugs. If you have been taking opioids or using any drugs, your healthcare provider will discuss the detoxification process before starting VIVITROL treatment.
On the day of the first injection, you will meet with your healthcare provider at a clinic or doctor’s office to review the medication and any potential side effects. You will provide a urine sample for a drug test before receiving the injection.
The injection is typically given in the upper arm.
When the injection is complete, you will be closely monitored during your appointment to ensure there are no adverse reactions. You may experience some mild pain, itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site, but these symptoms should resolve quickly.
If your healthcare provider finds that the injection doesn’t help manage your symptoms, they may recommend alternative treatments.
After the injection, you should remain in the clinic or office for a minimum of two hours so your healthcare provider can monitor your condition. During the follow-up visit, you will discuss the effectiveness of the injection and any questions you have.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend seeing a mental health specialist to evaluate your mental health and develop an ongoing treatment plan.
What is the half life of VIVITROL?
The half life of VIVITROL is approximately 4 to 7 days. VIVITROL is an extended-release version of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that is used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorder.
It works by blocking the body’s opioid receptors and reducing the effects of any opioids taken during treatment. As a result, VIVITROL reduces cravings, inhibits the rewarding effects of drinking alcohol and using opioids, and increases the addict’s resistance to relapse.
Hence, VIVITROL is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes behavioral therapies and counseling. The half-life of VIVITROL is approximately 4 to 7 days, which corresponds to the body’s elimination of the medication from the body.
This means that it is slowly broken down and processed over the course of a few days and not immediately removed from the body.