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(Extended-Release Naltrexone Injection)

Vivitrol Program

Vivitrol is an injectable dose of extended-release, long-acting naltrexone that blocks incoming opioids. Vivitrol is administered once every four weeks to patients enrolled in this program.

Patients must be off all opioids for at least ten days prior to initiating Vivitrol. Patients must also be off methadone or buprenorphine for at least fourteen days prior to initiating Vivitrol. This medication does not remove withdrawal symptoms.

Vivitrol Program

Because Vivitrol is not an opioid agonist medication, it is different from methadone and buprenorphine. It does not stabilize active opioid withdrawal. Instead, it is used after the required opioid-free period to help block opioid effects and support relapse prevention.

The Vivitrol Program may be appropriate for patients who have completed withdrawal, are medically eligible, and want a monthly injection option that supports adherence without daily medication dosing.

Treatment includes medical evaluation, lab testing when needed, counseling support, drug testing, naloxone access, referrals, and discharge planning to support long-term recovery.

In summary, Vivitrol accomplishes the following main goals for the patient:

  1. 1.Blocks incoming opioids
  2. 2.May reduce drug cravings
  3. 3.Reduces alcohol cravings
  4. 4.Monthly injection-based adherence
Vivitrol Program

Support recovery with monthly relapse-prevention care.

Vivitrol may help reduce cravings, block opioid effects, and support medication adherence for eligible patients who meet the opioid-free requirements.

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Other Benefits
Include:

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  • Reduced rate of relapse
  • Reduced involvement in illegal activities
  • Reduced hospitalizations/emergency room visits for opioid related problems, such as abscess treatment, cellulitis, overdose, etc.
  • Reduced risk of contracting HIV and/or Hepatitis C and other communicable diseases
  • Development of a strong support system for long-term recovery
  • Increased ability to gain and maintain employment and/or engagement in school activities
  • Improved family relationships

The Vivitrol Program includes, but is not limited to, the following services:

  1. 1.A detailed history and physical exam
  2. 2.Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
  3. 3.HIV and Hepatitis C testing
  4. 4.Syphilis testing
  5. 5.TB testing and screening
  6. 6.Individual and group counseling services provided on-site by a certified or registered AOD counselor
  7. 7.Liver Function Tests as needed
  8. 8.Narcan/naloxone
  9. 9.Limited medical services (abscess treatment, etc.)
  10. 10.Referrals for transportation, mental health, medical, and other appropriate referral services
  11. 11.Discharge planning

Methadone Maintenance Program

  • A detailed history and physical exam
  • Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
  • HIV and Hepatitis C testing
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Buprenorphine Program

  • A detailed history and physical exam
  • Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
  • HIV and Hepatitis C testing
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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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