Revia is a drug used on people dependent on narcotics who have chosen to stop to stay drug-free. Apart from that, it also helps alcoholics stay away from alcohol.
Revia use is a part of an overall program, which may also include attending support group meetings, counseling, and any other treatments that your doctor may recommend. This drug is not a narcotic; it only works by blocking its effects, particularly the “high” feeling, which makes you want to use more of it.
Revia does not produce the effects that usually cause physical and mental dependence. Using this drug may cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are dependent on narcotics physically; hence, the treatment will start when you are no longer dependent on it. The span of treatment generally depends on the kind of narcotic you are dependent on, the amount you took, and how long you used it.
Inform your doctor if you are still having withdrawal symptoms prior to using this medicine. The medicine is available only with the prescription of your doctor.
To use Revia properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. It would be ideal to let someone else - your doctor, nurse, or a family member give you each dose to help you follow a schedule.
Before giving you this drug, your doctor may have you get a urine test for opioids or the naloxone challenge test to make sure your system is already free from an opioid.
Dosing
Follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to dosage. The following information is only for the average dosage of this drug. The number of doses, the number of hours between doses, and how long you will take this drug depend on your health condition, your progress, and how well you react to this medicine.
In treating alcoholism in adults, your doctor may recommend taking 50 mg a day. For cases of narcotic addiction, 25 mg for the first dose is advised. It is then followed by another 25 mg an hour later. After this initial dose, you will be advised to take naltrexone at 350 mg per week, divided accordingly.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses.
Storage
Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach. Throw away any outdated medicine or medicine that are not in use. Keep the medicine in its original package until needed.
Before using Revia, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits to your doctor are important during treatment. This is to make sure your doctor monitors your progress and to see if there are any unwanted side effects caused by this drug.
Using this drug may cause serious liver problems. If you notice having dark urine, upper stomach pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, inform your doctor right away. Using this drug may also increase your risk for eosinophilic pneumonia, a type of lung disease.
It may also cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by itching, rash, hoarseness, swallowing and breathing difficulties, or swelling of the face, mouth, or hands.
Before starting to use naltrexone, you need to stop narcotics use for at least 7 days. Your doctor may require you to undergo several tests, such as a urine test or naloxone challenge test to make sure you are opioid-free. Do not use any other narcotic drugs, including heroin, during treatment.
Naltrexone makes you more sensitive to opioids, even at lower doses and taking narcotics only ups your risk for an overdose or in developing serious problems. Using this drug may also bring in suicidal thoughts. Inform your doctor right away if you feel more depressed or are having suicidal thoughts during the course of treatment.
Moreover, inform your doctor if you have strong or sudden feelings, such as nervousness, anger, restlessness, violence, or frightfulness. Follow your doctor’s orders when taking this drug. As it is usually a part of treatment, you have to make sure you are regularly seeing your therapist or attending support gathering regularly.
Never try to reverse the effects of naltrexone by taking narcotics; this may lead to coma or death. This drug does not only blocks the “high” from narcotics, it also blocks their useful effects. Use alternative, non-narcotic drugs when treating cough, pain, or diarrhea.
Carrying an ID card that states you are under naltrexone treatment is advisable in case you have an emergency.
Skin reactions, such as swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, bruising, and redness may occur at the injection site. If these symptoms persist or become worse, contact your doctor immediately.
Furthermore, inform your attending doctor in case you are doing medical tests. Using this drug may affect the results of certain tests or procedures.