Brand
name:
NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia)
Pronounced: reh-VEE-uh
Generic name: Naltrexone hydrochloride
Why is NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) prescribed?
NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) is prescribed to treat alcohol dependence and narcotic addiction.
NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) is not a cure. You must be ready to make a change and be willing
to undertake a comprehensive treatment program that includes professional
counseling, support groups, and close medical supervision.
Most important fact about NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia)
Before taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) for narcotic addiction, you must be drug-free
for at least 7 to 10 days. You must also be free of any drug withdrawal
symptoms. If you think you are still in withdrawal, be sure to tell
your doctor, since taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) while narcotics are still in your system
could cause serious physical problems. Your doctor will perform tests
to confirm your drug-free condition.
How should you take NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia)?
It is important to take NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) on schedule as directed by your doctor,
and to follow through with your counseling and support group therapy.
If you take small doses of heroin or other narcotic drugs while taking
NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia), they will have no effect. Large doses combined with NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) can
be fatal.
If you miss a dose...
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until
the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia)
No special measures are needed.
NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or
change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor
can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia).
* Side effects of treatment for alcoholism may include:
Dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, vomiting
* Side effects of treatment for narcotic addiction may include:
Abdominal pain/cramps, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headache, joint and muscle
pain, low energy, nausea and/or vomiting, nervousness
Why should NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia),
you should not take it. If you have acute hepatitis (liver disease)
or liver failure, do not start therapy with NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia). Remember, too, that
you must be narcotic-free before beginning NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) therapy.
Special warnings about NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia)
Since NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) may cause liver damage when taken at high doses, if you
develop symptoms that signal possible liver problems, you should stop
taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) immediately and see your doctor as soon as possible. These
symptoms include abdominal pain lasting more than a few days, white
bowel movements, dark urine, or yellowing of your eyes. Your doctor
may periodically test your liver function while you are on NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) therapy.
Caution is also advisable if you have kidney problems.
If you are narcotic-dependent and accidentally take NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia), you may
experience severe withdrawal symptoms lasting up to 48 hours, including
confusion, sleepiness, hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this
occurs, seek help immediately.
Do not attempt to use narcotics while taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia). Small doses will
have no effect, and large doses could lead to coma or even death.
Ask your doctor to give you a NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) medication card to alert medical
personnel that you are taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) in case of an emergency. Carry
this card with you at all times. If you do require medical treatment,
be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia). You should also
tell your dentist and pharmacist that you are taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia).
The safety of NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) in children under 18 years of age has not been
established.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia)
Since studies to evaluate the interaction of NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) with drugs other
than narcotics have not been performed, do not take any medications,
either over-the-counter or prescription, without first notifying your
doctor.
Do not use Antabuse while you are taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia); both drugs can damage
your liver.
Do not take Mellaril (a drug used to treat depression and anxiety)
while on NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) therapy, as the combination may make you feel very sleepy
and sluggish.
While taking NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) avoid medicines that contain narcotics, including
cough and cold preparations, such as Actifed-C, Ryna-C, and Dimetane-DC;
antidiarrheal medications such as Lomotil; and narcotic painkillers
such as Percodan, Tylox, and Tylenol No. 3.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor
immediately. NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) should be used during pregnancy only if clearly
needed. NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) may appear in breast milk. If this medication is essential
to your health, your doctor may tell you to discontinue breastfeeding
your baby until your treatment with NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia) is finished.
Recommended dosage for NALTIMA (Naltrexone, Revia)
