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  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. Psychiatric Research Institute
  3. Clinical Care at the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute
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  6. What Is Vivitrol?

What Is Vivitrol?

VIVITROL is only available in one dose, 380 mg, and must be administered by a healthcare professional. It is given as a 4 mL gluteal intramuscular injection, delivering medication continuously over the approved dosing interval.

VIVITROL must not be given intravenously, subcutaneously, or into adipose tissue. Inadvertent subcutaneous injection of VIVITROL may increase the likelihood of severe injection site reactions

Injection Site Reactions

  • VIVITROL injections may be followed by pain, tenderness, induration, swelling, erythema, bruising, or pruritus; however, in some cases injection site reactions may be very severe.
  • Injection site reactions not improving may require prompt medical attention, including, in some cases, surgical intervention.
  • Select proper needle size for patient body habitus, and use only the needles provided in the carton.
  • Patients should be informed that any concerning injection site reactions should be brought to the attention of their healthcare provider.

VIVITROL is an extended-release microsphere formulation of naltrexone that delivers medication continuously over a one-month period (or 4 weeks).1

The recommended dose of VIVITROL is 380 mg, delivered intramuscularly once a month (every 4 weeks).

Beginning approximately 14 days after dosing, concentrations slowly decline, with measurable levels for greater than 1 month.

Dosage and Administration

Prior to initiating VIVITROL, an opioid-free duration of a minimum of 7–10 days is recommended for patients, to avoid precipitation of withdrawal that may be severe enough to require hospitalization.

VIVITROL is available in one dose, 380 mg, delivered intramuscularly every 4 weeks or once a month by a healthcare provider.

VIVITROL must not be administered intravenously or subcutaneously.

If a patient misses a dose, he/she should be instructed to receive the next dose as soon as possible.

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Mailing Address: 4224 Shuffield Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 526-8100
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