Revia (Naltrexone)

Do’s

• Take Revia exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily. It can be taken with or without food.
• Take it at the same time each day for consistent results.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you experience stomach upset. They may recommend taking Revia with food or antacids.
• Be aware that your healthcare provider might supervise you taking the medication initially. In some cases, they might recommend taking it every 2-3 days for easier scheduling.

• Don't take Revia if you've used opiates within the last 7 days. Revia can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if taken too soon after opiate use.
• Don't combine Revia with other opiates or street drugs. Revia blocks the effects of these substances.
• Don't increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Stop taking Revia without consulting your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping Revia could lead to relapse.
• Don't hide a relapse from your healthcare provider. Revia is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program, which includes honesty and open communication.

Common side effects:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Increased blood pressure
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth
• Breathing problems
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat
• Blurred vision
• Flushed, dry skin
• Fruit-like breath odor
• Chills
• Cough
• Dry mouth
• Immune system effects, such as fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, and weight loss
• Changes in mood, including thoughts of harming oneself or suicide
• Increased bleeding for individuals with hemophilia
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Craving for opioids
• Sweating
• Fever
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Goosebumps
• Body aches
• Shaking
• Muscle twitching
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling anxious, depressed, fearful, restless, or uneasy

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Serious allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing
• Liver problems: nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Serious eye symptoms: sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell)
• High doses of naltrexone oral may harm the liver. Stop taking Revia and call your healthcare provider at once if you have right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes
• Using opioid medicine while taking Revia could stimulate opioid withdrawal symptoms

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Revia,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially to naltrexone or any ingredients in the medication.

Naltrexone is ineffective if you are currently using or have recently used opioids (within the last 7-14 days). Tell your healthcare provider about any past or present opioid use.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have kidney disease or liver disease.

Consider carrying or wearing medical identification stating you take naltrexone to ensure proper treatment in emergencies.

Naltrexone may cause dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your healthcare provider as they can worsen these effects.

Be aware that after stopping naltrexone, you may be more sensitive to even lower doses of opioids, which can be dangerous or even fatal.

Naltrexone can be blocked by very high doses of opioids. Do not attempt to overcome this blockage, as it can lead to serious injury, coma, or death. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits of naltrexone treatment.

Before any surgery, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you use, including naltrexone.

Naltrexone should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Naltrexone passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.