Because Vivitrol is only administered once a month, it can be given in a 380 mg dose. That dose of naltrexone slowly releases over four weeks after it has been injected.
The slow release is similar to a tapering of a medication, which is why a person has to maintain monthly appointments with their healthcare provider to receive their next dose.
When a person begins a naltrexone regimen, they cannot be dependent on opioids or alcohol.
They must have abstained from either substance for seven to 10 days before the first Vivitrol dose.
Learn more about the benefits of taking Vivitrol
Factors That May Affect Vivitrol Dosing
Vivitrol is only available in 380 mg injectable doses, given in 4 mL of fluid, injected into the glute muscle of the buttocks.
Vivitrol cannot be injected subcutaneously, intravenously, or into fat tissue. It must be injected intramuscularly, otherwise, it can affect the release of Vivitrol in the system.
Vivitrol has specific dosing instructions for healthcare providers, and should be followed to ensure proper dosage.
Packaging includes needles that are the only needles that should be used to administer Vivitrol.
Not following the administration instructions can lead to adverse reactions to Vivitrol, such as:
- injection site reactions
- hypersensitivity — including anaphylaxis
- eosinophilic pneumonia
Finding Addiction Treatment Recovery Programs
Vivitrol can be included as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. Locating a program that provides MAT services can feel overwhelming.
Reach out to our trained specialists today, and allow us to help you find a facility that meets the needs of you or your loved one.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
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- U.S. Food & Drug Administration — VIVITROL (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) Label
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021897s015lbl.pdf - Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice — Extended-Release Injectable Naltrexone
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64031/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Naltrexone
http://samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone
