Prescription Required
Description
What is Revia (Naltrexone) prescribed for?
This medication is used to prevent people with a drug addiction to opiates, from taking them again. Revia is used as a part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse. Example; compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes. To use this medication, you must not be currently taking opiates, including methadone. Doing so can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists. It beings to work in the brain to prevent opiate effects, and it also decreases the desire to take opiates.
This medication is also used to treat alcohol abuse. It can help people drink less alcohol or stop drinking altogether. It also decreases the desire to drink alcohol when used with a treatment program that includes counseling, support, and lifestyle changes.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist on the matter. Take this medication directly has prescribed, and make sure to read the instructions on the prescription label. And if you have any concerns, speak with your medical professional.
Directions
This medication is to be taken by mouth, usually 50 milligrams once a day, with or without food. This medication may be taken with food or antacids if an upset stomach occurs.
A unit test should be done to check if there has been any recent opiate drug use. Your doctor may give you another medication to check for drug use. Do not use any opiates for at least 7 days before starting naltrexone.
Remember the dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment, as well as any other medications you may take. Take this medication on a regular basis to gain the most benefit. Do not increase your dose or take it longer than what has been prescribed to you.
Cautions
Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic Naltrexone; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before taking this medication, it is for the best to inform your doctor of your Medical history, especially if you have ever had the following; current or recent use (in the last 7 to 14 days) of any type of opioid drug (such as morphine, methadone, buprenorphine), kidney disease, liver disease.
You should carry or wear medical identification stating that you are taking this drug so that appropriate treatment can be given in a medical emergency.
After stopping naltrexone treatment, you may be more sensitive to lower doses of opioids, increasing your risk of possibly life-threatening side effects from the narcotic (e.g., decreased breathing, loss of consciousness).
This medication blocks the effects of opiate drugs (including heroin) and similar drugs (opioids). However, large doses of heroin or narcotics can overcome this block. Trying to overcome this block is very dangerous and may cause serious injury, loss of consciousness, and death. Make sure you completely understand and accept the risks and benefits of using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions closely.
Side Effects
While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, tiredness, and trouble sleeping may occur. In a small number of people, mild opiate withdrawal symptoms may occur, including abdominal cramps, restlessness, bone/joint pain, muscle aches, and runny nose. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.
Sudden opiate withdrawal symptoms can occur within minutes after taking naltrexone. Tell your doctor right away if any of these withdrawal symptoms occur: abdominal cramps, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, joint/bone/muscle aches, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, confusion, extreme sleepiness, visual hallucinations), runny nose.
Naltrexone has rarely caused serious liver disease. The risk is increased when larger doses are used. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including: persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
FAQs
What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist sold as the brand-name prescription medication Revia. Revia comes in the form of an oral tablet and contains 50mg of Naltrexone. Once administered, this medication is metabolized by the liver, creating an active metabolite (called 6β-Naltrexol), and is then excreted through urination with a half life of 4 hours. We carry both the brand and the generic alternative at My Drug Center, available to those with a valid prescription.
What is Naltrexone used for?
This medication is used to prevent and help people who have been addicted to a certain drug (belonging to the opiate drug class) in the past, and prevents them from taking it again. It is usually used alongside a complete treatment program for drug abuse. Many of the activities within the program include compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, and some lifestyle changes. At times this medication is also used to stop alcohol abuse, and it can help people drink less or perhaps stop drinking all together.
How does Naltrexone work?
Naltrexone is effective because it is able to block the effect of opioid receptors which helps to decrease the urge to take the opioid. It also helps to reduce cravings for alcohol that many alcoholics experience when they quit drinking, though it is not fully understood how the drug works to achieve this. Naltrexone does not cure addiction but can significantly help reduce the urge or cravings; it works best when used with additional treatments (such as counseling or therapy).
How long does Naltrexone stay in your system?
Naltrexone will stay in the system for about 20 hours (just short of one full day), however; the active metabolite that is created during metabolism may remain in the system for up to 65 hours (just short of 3 days).
Where to buy Naltrexone?
While you can purchase this medication at your local pharmacy, this drug may still be a bit expensive since it is part of Medicare’s Tier 2 of their formulary, which means it is a “non-preferred generic”. You may find a more affordable option at an online Canadian Pharmacy such as My Drug Center. We have a starting price of $45.00 for 10 pills.
How long does it take for Naltrexone to work?
The exact amount of time it takes to begin feeling the effects may vary between each individual using Revia (Naltrexone). Generally, you should begin to feel the effects of this medication shortly after your first dose.
What are the side effects of Naltrexone?
Some of the more common side effects to this medication are as follows; nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, tiredness, insomnia. Keep in mind that these are not all of the side effects listed for this medication. If you are experiencing any of these side effects and they persist or worsen, you may want to consult your doctor
How to take Naltrexone?
This medication is taken orally with or without food, usually once per day, as directed by your doctor. Tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing or crushing, and in some circumstances, a health care professional may required to watch you take this medication. If you are unsure how to use this medication, speak with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who makes Revia?
Revia is manufactured by a company known as Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Although it was originally made by Barr Pharmaceuticals until they were bought out by Teva. Teva Pharmaceuticals is an American Israeli pharmaceutical company with dual headquarters in Petah Tikva, Israel and Parsippany.
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