A delayed injection-site reaction in a patient receiving extended-release naltrexone

Subst Abus. 2016 Apr-Jun;37(2):278-80. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2016.1138919.

Abstract

Background: Pharmacotherapy, such as oral naltrexone, has proven effective in treating alcohol use disorder, although medication adherence has presented challenges. Although a formulation of extended-release naltrexone for intramuscular injection has been developed to counter daily adherence issues, injection-site reactions can occur within days of depot injection.

Case: The authors report a case of an individual with alcohol use disorder who had a previously undescribed delayed injection-site reaction that occurred 11 days after injection. Subsequent challenge with the medication resulted in recurrence of the reaction.

Discussion: Although extended-release naltrexone is generally well tolerated, injection-site reactions can complicate treatment and can appear more than 10 days after medication administration.

Keywords: Alcohol use disorder; extended-release naltrexone; injection-site reaction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Injection Site Reaction*
  • Injections, Intramuscular / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Naltrexone / administration & dosage*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Naltrexone