The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved extended-release injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol) in October 2010 to treat people with opioid dependence. This medication provides patients with opioid dependence the opportunity to take effective medication monthly, as opposed to the daily dosing required by other opioid dependence medications (i.e., methadone, buprenorphine, oral naltrexone). Extended-release injectable naltrexone was approved by FDA in 2006 to treat people with alcohol dependence.

This US Advisory provides behavioral health professionals—including substance abuse treatment specialists—and primary care medical providers (who treat people with opioid dependence) with an introduction to extended-release injectable naltrexone. It includes succinct information about extended-release injectable naltrexone, how it compares with other medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, and clinical strategies that may be used to select, initiate, and administer treatment.