This medicine is a narcotic antagonist used to treat alcohol addiction in certain patients. It is also used to prevent opioid (narcotic) pain medicine use in opioid-dependent patients following detoxification treatment. This medicine is used along with a complete management program. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine should be given every 4 weeks (once a month). STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the prescription label. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your dose.
WARNING: THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE LIVER PROBLEMS WHEN GIVEN IN LARGE DOSES. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HEPATITIS OR LIVER FAILURE. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY IF YOU DEVELOP SYMPTOMS OF LIVER PROBLEMS. SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE SEVERE OR PERSISTENT STOMACH PAIN, PALE BOWEL MOVEMENTS, YELLOWING OF THE EYES OR SKIN, OR DARK URINE. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking narcotic pain medicines (such as codeine), narcotic cough/cold medicines (such as hydrocodone), certain medicines used for diarrhea (such as diphenoxylate), or if you have taken any narcotic within the past 7 to 10 days. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor if you have recently had an alcoholic drink or of any other medical conditions including a history of kidney or liver problems, blood or bleeding problems (such as low blood platelets, hemophilia), mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have hepatitis or liver failure, a positive urine test for narcotics, or if you are dependent on narcotics, or if you are having withdrawal symptoms from narcotics. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; joint pain or stiffness; loss of appetite; mild nausea; muscle cramps; mild pain, bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness, itching, or hard skin at the injection site; sore throat; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience anxiety; chest, jaw, or left arm pain; confusion; dark urine; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression); numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; pain, redness, or swelling in the legs; pale bowel movements; seizures; severe or persistent coughing; severe or persistent constipation or stomach pain; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden severe headache or vomiting; suicidal thoughts or actions; symptoms of a severe injection site reaction (eg, severe pain, severe swelling or hardness of the skin, lumps, blisters, skin color changes, dark scabbing, or an open wound at the injection site); vision changes; wheezing; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or stomach pain.
Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.