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Vivitrol vs. Narcan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Vivitrol (naltrexone) and Narcan (naloxone) are both opioid antagonists, but they serve different purposes and are used in different ways. Vivitrol is an extended-release injection given once a month to help treat opioid and alcohol use disorders by blocking the feel-good effects of these substances, thus reducing cravings. It is only available by prescription and must be administered by a healthcare professional. On the other hand, Narcan is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be administered as a nasal spray or injection. Narcan works quickly, within 2 to 3 minutes, but its effects last only 30 to 90 minutes, so it's crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately after use. Unlike Vivitrol, Narcan is available over-the-counter and can be used by anyone in an emergency situation. While Vivitrol is used as part of a long-term treatment plan, Narcan is a life-saving emergency treatment.

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Naloxone Vs. Naltrexone: What’S The Difference Between These Opioid Blocking Medications?

Vivitrol

 

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Naloxone

 

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Summary for Vivitrol

Prescription only

Vivitrol is an extended-release naltrexone injection. It's an opioid antagonist that's used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder in adults. Vivitrol is prescribed as part of a holistic treatment plan that also includes therapy and support groups. This medication is given as a deep gluteal injection into the muscle on the buttock, typically once a month by a healthcare professional. Some common side effects of Vivitrol include pain or tenderness at the injection site, nausea, and headache. Vivitrol is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.

Indications for Vivitrol

Pros and Cons for Vivitrol

Pros

  • Lowers opioid and alcohol cravings
  • Given once per month
  • Better option for people who don't want to take naltrexone tablets everyday

Cons

  • Need to go to clinic or HCP's office to receive the injections
  • Must be given by injection into the buttock muscle
  • Can cause bothersome injection site reactions, such as pain and swelling

Common Side Effects for Vivitrol

Alcohol use disorder

  • Tenderness, pain, swelling at injection site (up to 45%)
  • Nausea (33%)
  • Headache (25%)
  • Fatigue, tiredness (23%)
  • Low appetite (14%)
  • Trouble falling asleep (14%)
  • Vomiting (14%)
  • Diarrhea (13%)
  • Dizziness (13%)
  • Anxiety (12%)
  • Joint pain or stiffness (12%)
  • Stomach pain (11%)
  • Sore throat (11%)

Opioid use disorder

  • Higher liver enzymes (13%)
  • Common cold, flu (up to 7%)
  • Difficulty sleeping (6%)
  • High blood pressure (5%)
  • Injection site pain (5%)

Warnings for Vivitrol

  • More sensitive to opioids (risk of opioid overdose)
  • Opioid withdrawal
  • Liver injury
  • Risk of depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Injection site reactions
  • Severe allergic reactions

Summary for Narcan

Prescription or over-the-counter

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that's used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This medication can help a person's breathing return to normal in as quickly as 2 to 3 minutes. The effects of naloxone only lasts 30 to 90 minutes, so it's important for a person who's experiencing an opioid overdose to get medical help right away. Naloxone comes in 2 different forms, a nasal spray (Kloxxado, Narcan, and generic) and auto-injector (Zimhi). You can get naloxone without a prescription.

Indications for Narcan

  • Emergency treatment of opioid overdose in children and adults
  • Raising blood pressure in the case of septic shock - naloxone IV injection only
  • Post-surgery slowed breathing caused by opioids - naloxone IV injection only

Pros and Cons for Narcan

Pros

  • Can help save the life of someone who has overdosed on opioids
  • Can be used in both adults and children
  • Works quickly to reverse the effects of opioids
  • Comes as an easy-to-use nasal spray and auto-injector
  • Available without a prescription from provider

Cons

  • Has to be given right away and doesn't take the place of emergency medical care
  • Might need to give multiple doses
  • Can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as body aches, anxiety, sweating, and vomiting
  • Effects start to wear off in 30 to 90 minutes

Common Side Effects for Narcan

Naloxone nasal spray (Narcan, Kloxxado, generic naloxone):

  • Temporary higher blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Dry nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Swollen or inflamed nose
  • Nose pain

Naloxone auto-injector (Zimhi)

  • Nausea
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Warnings for Narcan

  • Opioid withdrawal
  • Worsening symptoms of opioid overdose
  • Limited effectiveness
  • Heart problems

Prices with our coupons for Vivitrol vs. Narcan

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Vivitrol1 carton / 1 vial of 380mg/vial
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Naloxone1 box / two 4mg nasal sprays
$44.14$68.79
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