BCBS Vivitrol Injection: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment and Recovery

Author

Reads 1.1K

Dermatologist Injecting Botox on Client's Forehead
Credit: pexels.com, Dermatologist Injecting Botox on Client's Forehead

BCBS Vivitrol Injection is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, specifically designed to help individuals struggling with dependence on substances like heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl.

The medication is administered via injection, typically once a month, and contains the active ingredient naltrexone. This medication works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, reducing cravings and the risk of relapse.

BCBS Vivitrol Injection is often used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapy to support long-term recovery. By addressing the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, individuals can achieve sustained sobriety and improve their overall quality of life.

Discover more: Injection Mold Delrin

Coverage and Costs

The cost of BCBS Vivitrol injections varies depending on your insurance plan. Different types of insurance plans offer different perks and limitations.

The platinum package covers 90% of the total costs, while the gold package covers 80%. The silver package covers 70% of the total cost, and the bronze package covers 60%.

Worth a look: Bcbs Plan G plus Cost

Credit: youtube.com, Video: 9 Investigates: Call to expand use of Vivitrol to 'cure' opioid addiction

The amount of co-pay depends on your insurance plan. For example, BCBS of NJ has a Horizon NJ TotalCare plan that claims 0 co-pay costs.

To get a better understanding of the cost, consider the following factors: whether you're choosing in-network or out-of-network providers, the type of insurance plan you have, and co-pay and co-insurance costs.

Here's a breakdown of the different insurance plans and their coverage percentages:

Understanding Vivitrol

Vivitrol is an intramuscular injection administered in the buttock area, specifically in the gluteal area, and must be obtained from a licensed practitioner only.

It's a medication that helps people maintain abstinence while recovering from opioid or alcohol dependence, and it's administered as an intramuscular solution once per month.

Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release form of naltrexone, a medication commonly prescribed to help prevent relapses into alcoholism or drug abuse.

This medication works by stopping the euphoria and sedation that central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol and opioids, can cause, and it binds to opioid receptor sites, acting as an opioid antagonist.

People in treatment for an addiction to opioids must first completely detox from these substances and then maintain abstinence for 7-10 days prior to starting Vivitrol, otherwise, this prescription medication can elicit withdrawal symptoms.

What Is?

Credit: youtube.com, Courts, addicts turn to Vivitrol to combat opioid epidemic amid aggressive marketing

Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release form of naltrexone, a medication commonly prescribed to help prevent relapses into alcoholism or drug abuse.

It's administered once a month through an intramuscular injection in the buttock area, specifically in the gluteal area.

This medication is typically used to help people maintain abstinence while recovering from an opioid or alcohol dependence.

Vivitrol works by stopping the euphoria and sedation that central nervous system depressants, specifically alcohol and opioids, can cause.

It binds to opioid receptor sites, acting as an opioid antagonist, in lieu of the intoxicating substances and stays there for a long time.

By doing so, it blocks the feelings of euphoria and dissociation associated with heroin and prescription opioids.

Vivitrol also blocks the response to natural opioids synthesized by the body, an effect that helps reduce alcohol consumption in patients diagnosed with alcoholism.

It's a pure opioid antagonist, meaning it does not allow other drugs to bind to opioid receptor cells.

This makes it a much more effective treatment for opioid addiction, as it helps prevent relapse.

People who use Vivitrol in combination with counseling to treat their opioid addiction have 90 percent opioid-free weeks compared to 35 percent who took a placebo.

Low Side Effects

Credit: youtube.com, Side Effects of Vivitrol Also known as Naltrexone | Dr. B

The majority of patients who get the Vivitrol shot experience no side effects, which is a huge relief for those struggling with opioid addiction.

For those who do experience side effects, they are usually mild and temporary. In fact, the list of possible side effects is quite long, but most of them are minor and can be managed with ease.

Some of the common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, drowsiness, insomnia, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle or joint pain, weakness, and pain, bruising, swelling, itching, and infection at the injection site.

It's worth noting that Vivitrol can cause liver damage, so it's not recommended for people with a history of liver disease or hepatitis.

If you're considering Vivitrol treatment, it's essential to be opioid-free for at least 7-10 days before starting the treatment to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Here are some of the rare but possible side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue

If you do experience any of these side effects, it's crucial to contact your doctor immediately.

Recovery and Treatment

Credit: youtube.com, Former heroin addict shares story of injectable treatment recovery

Recovery from addiction is possible, and it's a journey worth taking.

ChoicePoint can help you end the cycle of addiction with their insurance-covered Naltrexone (Vivitrol) treatment, which is available on weekends.

Their online Naltrexone prescription and in-network rehab status with Blue Cross Blue Shield means few to no out-of-the-pocket costs.

ChoicePoint offers a comprehensive online and onsite opioid addiction treatment program, including dual diagnosis treatment for addiction and mental health conditions.

Their treatment program caters to all ASAM levels of care, including inpatient, outpatient detox, IOP Rehab in New Jersey, and partial care programs.

Attending counseling sessions, support group meetings, education programs, and other treatments recommended by your doctor is crucial for Vivitrol to be effective.

Studies show that Vivitrol is effective in preventing relapse following detox, and people who are treated with Vivitrol are more likely to stay in recovery.

Vivitrol has been effective in augmenting recovery from addiction to alcohol, with a 25% greater reduction in heavy drinking days after treatment.

Broaden your view: Bcbs Preventive Care List

Credit: youtube.com, A Monthly Vivitrol Shot To Stay Sober - Alcohol & Opioid Addiction Treatment

Naltrexone works by blocking the endorphins that make you feel good when you're drunk, thereby ending the pleasure of drinking.

Since Vivitrol is only administered in a medical setting and is non-narcotic, there is no potential for misuse.

Medication adherence rates are far higher with Vivitrol compared to other drugs used in MAT, since there is no way to remove Vivitrol from the body after the shot is administered.

Administration and Safety

The Vivitrol injection is administered once a month, making it a convenient option for those undergoing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The shot is given as an intramuscular injection in the buttocks.

The dosage of Vivitrol remains the same regardless of age, gender, health status, or weight. This means you don't have to worry about adjusting your dosage based on these factors.

The simplicity of Vivitrol makes it an attractive option for those in MAT. You'll only need to visit a medical setting once a month to receive your shot, which is administered by trained staff.

Here are some potential side effects of Vivitrol:

  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Headache
  • Restlessness or nervousness
  • Exhaustion or sleep problems
  • Muscle or joint pain

Since the Vivitrol shot is administered in a medical setting and is non-narcotic, there's no risk of misuse. This is a significant advantage over other medications used in MAT.

Easy to Administer

Credit: youtube.com, Medication Administration Basics⎮Dosing/Drawing⎮

The simplicity of Vivitrol makes it an attractive option for those undergoing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

The dosage of Vivitrol is the same regardless of age, gender, health status, and weight.

Individuals only need to get a shot once a month, which is a big plus for those who struggle with daily medication routines.

This shot is administered intramuscularly in the buttocks, requiring fairly little upkeep compared to daily pill or sublingual film regimens.

You'll meet with a doctor on the day of your shot, and trained staff will administer it with care.

Important Safety Information

You should be aware that Vivitrol can cause a range of side effects, including diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, restlessness or nervousness, exhaustion or sleep problems, and muscle or joint pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, they are usually mild and temporary, but it's essential to report them to your doctor.

Some people may experience more severe side effects, such as liver damage, which can be a concern if you have a history of liver disease or hepatitis.

Credit: youtube.com, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety Events, Incident Reporting: Fundamentals of Nursing |@LevelUpRN

You should also be aware that Vivitrol can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have opioid traces in your system. This can include hallucinations, blurred vision, anxiety, confusion, severe vomiting and diarrhea.

To minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms, it's crucial to be opioid-free for at least 7-10 days before starting Vivitrol treatment.

If you're considering Vivitrol, it's essential to discuss your medical history and any previous opioid use with your doctor.

Here are some potential side effects to watch out for:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Weakness
  • Pain, bruising, swelling, itching, and infection (at the site of injection)

In rare cases, Vivitrol can cause more severe side effects, including liver damage and eosinophilic pneumonia.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

No Risk of Abuse or Non-Compliance

One of the biggest advantages of Vivitrol is that there's no risk of abuse or non-compliance.

The shot is only administered in a medical setting, and it's non-narcotic, so there's no potential for misuse.

Medication adherence rates are far higher with Vivitrol compared to other drugs used in MAT, since there's no way to remove it from the body after the shot is administered.

Credit: youtube.com, What Is Compliance Risk Management? - SecurityFirstCorp.com

This means that individuals are more likely to stick to their treatment plan and get the help they need to overcome their addiction.

Since Vivitrol is not addictive, there's no risk of withdrawal symptoms when it's no longer administered, allowing individuals to stop taking it whenever they're ready without having to detox.

Virgil Wuckert

Senior Writer

Virgil Wuckert is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in insurance and construction, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, tackling complex topics with clarity and precision. His articles have covered a range of categories, including insurance adjuster and roof damage assessment, where he has demonstrated his ability to break down complex concepts into accessible language.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.