Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Apo Naltrexone.
Accidental ingestion: If you are dependent on narcotics and you accidentally ingest Apo Naltrexone, you could experience severe symptoms of withdrawal including confusion, nausea, shakiness, sweating, anxiety, visual hallucinations, vomiting, or diarrhea. Do not give Apo Naltrexone to anyone else, especially people who are dependent on opiate drugs.
Alcohol: You should not drink alcohol while taking Apo Naltrexone as this could damage your liver.
Interference with opiate-containing mediations: Because Apo Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opiates, it may interfere with other medications that contain opiates such as certain cough and cold medications, antidiarrheal medications, and some analgesics (pain medications). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about non-opiate containing alternatives.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function your doctor may lower your dose of Apo Naltrexone. Your doctor may also request that you have regular kidney function tests while you are taking Apo Naltrexone.
Liver function: Naltrexone can cause liver injury. If you have reduced liver function your doctor may lower your dose of Apo Naltrexone. Your doctor may also request that you have regular liver function tests while you are taking Apo Naltrexone. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Overdose: If you accidentally overdose on Apo Naltrexone, seek medical attention immediately.
Suicide: People with substance abuse problems are at a higher risk of suicide. The use of naltrexone does not lower this risk.
Taking opioid drugs: If you attempt to overcome the blocking effects of naltrexone by taking opiates, this may result in breathing difficulties and death. Do not take opiates while you are on Apo Naltrexone. Furthermore, you may be more sensitive to lower doses of opiates after treatment with naltrexone. A smaller dose than previously used may be required to achieve the same effect.
Treatment of alcohol dependence: The use of naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol dependence has only been studied for a dosage regimen of 50 mg once daily for up to 12 weeks. The efficacy of naltrexone beyond 12 weeks in this population is not known.
Pregnancy: Apo Naltrexone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Naltrexone, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if naltrexone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Apo Naltrexone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Naltrexone have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
