Vivitrol has been classified as a category C prescription medication by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Pregnancy category C medications show adverse effects in animal fetuses in reproductive studies.
In addition, there have been no controlled or adequate studies on the effects these medications have on human fetuses or pregnant women.
However, Vivitrol, and other pregnancy category C medications, have significant benefits.
Healthcare providers may decide that the benefits are worth the possible risks and continue medication during pregnancy.
Learn more about the benefits of taking Vivitrol for addiction treatment
Effect Of Vivitrol On Unborn Babies
Very limited research exists that explores the results that Vivitrol has on babies in utero. Babies born opioid-dependent stayed in the hospital fewer days when treated with naltrexone (the active ingredient in Vivitrol).
Rats exposed to naltrexone in the womb had behavioral and developmental issues as they aged, but birth weights were higher. In these studies, the amount of naltrexone was significantly higher than the recommended dose.
There has been limited evidence that revealed that Vivitrol, and other naltrexone products, travel across the placenta in humans.
Opioid Drug Treatment And Alcohol Treatment During Pregnancy
A healthcare provider may decide to continue to use Vivitrol if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Vivitrol helps maintain sobriety, and the risk associated with opioid or alcohol use during pregnancy is well-known.
Continuing to administer Vivitrol as part of a substance abuse treatment recovery program can help a pregnant individual stay sober.
Finding A Substance Abuse Treatment Program
Trying to locate an addiction treatment program can be complicated, without navigating medications and pregnancy.
Luckily, our specialists are available to help you find a recovery facility for you or your loved one.
Call our helpline today, and let us assist you in the process.
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.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — About Opioid Use During Pregnancy
https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/opioids/basics.html - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html - National Institute on Drug Abuse — Could Naltrexone Be Used To Treat Pregnant Women With Opioid Addiction
https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2018/02/could-naltrexone-be-used-to-treat-pregnant-women-opioid-addiction - U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed — Use of naltrexone in treating opioid use disorder in pregnancy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31376396/
