nalmefene

	What is the most important information I should know about nalmefene?
	What is nalmefene?
	What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving nalmefene?
	How is nalmefene given?
	What happens if I miss a dose?
	What happens if I overdose?
	What should I avoid after being treated with nalmefene?
	What are the possible side effects of nalmefene?
	What other drugs will affect nalmefene?
	Where can I get more information?
	Audio articles:
	English
	Español

If possible, before you receive nalmefene, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease for which you take medication, or a history of narcotic (opioid) addition.

In an overdose situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with nalmefene to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received nalmefene, and if you were treated for a narcotic overdose.

After treatment with nalmefene, you will be watched to make sure the medication has been effective and you no longer have any effects of the opioid overdose.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these symptoms after receiving nalmefene: extreme drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing, chest pain or fluttering, or feeling like you might pass out. Some of these may be signs that you need to receive additional doses of nalmefene.

Less serious side effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle or joint pain, chills, anxiety, or depression.

Nalmefene reverses the effects of opioid (OH-pee-oid) medications, also called narcotics. Opioid effects include drowsiness, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing.

Nalmefene is used to treat a narcotic overdose or other situation in which opioid side effects may be harmful.

Nalmefene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

If possible, before you receive nalmefene, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a history of addiction to narcotics;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• heart disease (especially if you take heart medications).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However opioid medications are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Nalmefene may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. If possible, tell your caregivers if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an overdose situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with nalmefene to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received nalmefene, and if you were treated for a narcotic overdose.

Nalmefene is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting.

After treatment with nalmefene, you will be watched to make sure the medication has been effective and you no longer have any effects of the opioid.

This medication is given in an emergency situation by a healthcare professional, so you are not likely to miss a dose.

Since nalmefene is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will receive an overdose of this medication.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you receive nalmefene.

If you are addicted to narcotics or have been using an opioid medicine for a long time, you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you receive nalmefene to reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have any of these symptoms, some of which may be signs that you need to receive additional doses of nalmefene:

• extreme drowsiness;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• chest pain or fluttering in your chest; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• muscle or joint pain;
• chills; or
• feeling anxious or depressed.

This list is not complete, and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects.

There may be other drugs that can interact with nalmefene. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about nalmefene.