FDA Warns of Vivitrol Skin Reactions

• KaylaNovember 25, 2023 at 3:17 am

  I got the shot and I assumed everything was fine. I’ve grown used to the fire 🔥pain that always comes with it..(enough to grind ur teeth) But little while after my back was really hurting giving me this non stop pain but I made up excuse after excuse for why it was hurting & ignored it. Until i could no longer stand on my foot. All I could do is cry and scream out in pain! It was 10/10 pain nothin[Show More]I got the shot and I assumed everything was fine. I’ve grown used to the fire 🔥pain that always comes with it..(enough to grind ur teeth) But little while after my back was really hurting giving me this non stop pain but I made up excuse after excuse for why it was hurting & ignored it. Until i could no longer stand on my foot. All I could do is cry and scream out in pain! It was 10/10 pain nothing I’ve ever experienced. It almost felt like the thought of moving a muscle hurt! I had to call life squad twice for them to tell me there is nothing they could do. They sent me back home in the situation I arrived in. Im still currently bed reidden and suffering from immobility and excruciating pain on the left side where i recently had the shot. It doesn’t seem to stop either just constant radiation of electrical pain enough to make u just scram and cry beggin for it to stop. More recently my toes on my foot are feeling a lot numbness feeling. It’s a ruined my quality of lite so far hopefully only temporary but I’ve also lost wages let’s pray not my job too as a result of the nurse improperly placing my vivitrol and most importantly, let’s pray that I don’t develop dropfoot from their mistake . I will never go get that shot again!! The side effects or the medical mistake possibilities were never outlined as a possibility. I feel like that’s important we kno all risks. I’m over here fighting back tears now as I fight to type this with this severe pain in my leg. Dooont DOoo IY!!!!

• HillarySeptember 29, 2023 at 8:07 pm

  Hi, I got the vivitrol shot twice, two years ago. The bump on my butt goes away and comes back. Or I should say, hard lump bump. Still itches. What. Do. I. Do.

• KellySeptember 6, 2023 at 8:52 pm

  I got the vivitril shot for months last year I got back on it month before last this time around I noticed and still have a hard lump where I got my second shot in my left part of my butt should I be concerned? I have no medical insurance will my doctor that gives me my shots get rid of it I’m going to sue them if they don’t do something

• MelissaJuly 24, 2023 at 7:57 pm

  I have had nothing but pain from a vitriol shot on April 21, 2023. I have been in the hospital with IV antibiotics along with three rounds of oral antibiotics and surgery for the wound site. I now have a wound vac. This shot is not worth the risk.

• KelseyMay 3, 2023 at 11:37 pm

  I was recently hospitalized and the doctors told me they wouldn't let me out unless I take the medicine. I asked them can I Kno the side affects or read it and they refused to show me. I was in there for a week and wanted to get out so I took the shot. Now my arm has been swollen and lumpy for over a week, I constantly have headaches, and barely get sleep but I feel weak and tired all the time. Th[Show More]I was recently hospitalized and the doctors told me they wouldn't let me out unless I take the medicine. I asked them can I Kno the side affects or read it and they refused to show me. I was in there for a week and wanted to get out so I took the shot. Now my arm has been swollen and lumpy for over a week, I constantly have headaches, and barely get sleep but I feel weak and tired all the time. This shot should not be given to anyone with all the side affects that come with it. For a hospital or doctor to not inform a patient of all of this is insane.

• LApril 30, 2023 at 1:44 am

  I’m sitting down scratching my back an I feel this huge bump on my back at first I think it’s a bad spider bite that’s getting infected because it’s swollen Huge! An there’s a lil puss or fluid in it. Also it’s hot an itchy

• MeliaDecember 29, 2022 at 5:17 am

  I’m dealing with this huge itchy painful lump too!! The nurse that administered it said I need to go to the ER.. WHOS GONNA PAY FOR THAT?!!! I can’t afford surgical removal because of your negligence!! So do we just LIVE with this???? Seems toooooooo many people are having issues. The pills work JUST fine.. I’m gonna see how to get a recall on this crap!!

• YvonneDecember 23, 2022 at 1:39 pm

  Hi- I'm an RN and have given Vivitrol shots without issue for years. Now managing a clinic where the injections are given using the shorter of the two needles, which ends up being too short and the medication ends up in the subcutaneous (fat) tissue, too close to the surface. It needs to go deep, into the muscle tissue, for it to work right and not give patients a bad reaction. It sounds like ma[Show More]Hi- I'm an RN and have given Vivitrol shots without issue for years. Now managing a clinic where the injections are given using the shorter of the two needles, which ends up being too short and the medication ends up in the subcutaneous (fat) tissue, too close to the surface. It needs to go deep, into the muscle tissue, for it to work right and not give patients a bad reaction. It sounds like many people posting have had the same problem. Please, if you are getting this shot, ask for someone to give it who is comfortable with it and will give it deep, in the muscle tissue. I use the longer needle about half the time, and can absolutely feel when the needle hits muscle. The muscle should be felt before administration, so injector can tell where they are going to place it, so beware people that are reluctant to touch your backside, these are the same people who will inject it too shallow because they think the longer needle will be more painful, when in fact the opposite is true- if they don't place the med in the deep muscle tissue, there will be lots more pain and likely a site reaction, as many have described here. Thank you!

• AmyNovember 13, 2022 at 8:15 pm

  I got the vivitrol shot in 2018 from a mental health facility and I still have a huge lump in my back side. Went to a surgeon in 2018 and they looked at it and said it would go away it never did. Charged me 500 just to look at it. I went to the emergency room as well they did a full body scan which cost additional money. Wondering if I'm needing to get it looked at again or if it's just something[Show More]I got the vivitrol shot in 2018 from a mental health facility and I still have a huge lump in my back side. Went to a surgeon in 2018 and they looked at it and said it would go away it never did. Charged me 500 just to look at it. I went to the emergency room as well they did a full body scan which cost additional money. Wondering if I'm needing to get it looked at again or if it's just something I'll have to live with now?

• LaraNovember 11, 2022 at 10:38 pm

  I got a shot in 2013 it occasionally still gets itchy and a big lump that looks like a mosquito bite. Drives me nuts.

• LatoyaSeptember 29, 2022 at 11:07 pm

  I’m concerned about this shot. I received my 1st shot in the hospital before I was released and didn’t have any problems. When it came to the time I needed my second shot I was at the Behavioral Heath Unit here where I live. That’s when everything change for the worst. A hot hard large lump formed at the injection site and it was very painful. It seemed as if the injection site was leaking and it [Show More]I’m concerned about this shot. I received my 1st shot in the hospital before I was released and didn’t have any problems. When it came to the time I needed my second shot I was at the Behavioral Heath Unit here where I live. That’s when everything change for the worst. A hot hard large lump formed at the injection site and it was very painful. It seemed as if the injection site was leaking and it keep a scab. Another thing at times if I bumped against something it with send sharp pains for the injection site I reported this but nothing was really done about this. I only continued to get the shot because it was helping with my addiction to alcohol. So when it came time to get the 3rd shot my 2nd shot had gone down tremendously but it could still be felt under the skin. On the 2nd day lump started to appear hard like before and also very painful and itchy. As the day went on my lump grew larger and painful. It’s now messing with my mental health because I’m not having anxiety attacks because I’m thinking what will happened to me if i can’t get the shot.

• IsmaelSeptember 27, 2022 at 5:28 am

  Took the vivitrol shot 3 weeks ago and the hard lump hasn't gone down last week it hot around the area I need to see a doctor and my back has been hurting since I took it

• TarynAugust 19, 2022 at 1:26 pm

  I just got the vivitrol shot 08-17-22 and it turned out itchy, warm, and also it had a bandaid over it. I finally took the bandaid off and it appears some of the medicine leaked from the needle hole. Has anyone else had that happen to them? Warm, itchy, and a leak with a pink bump? It's not leaking medicine, but it did once because I feel like they put the medicine way to close to the skin layer t[Show More]I just got the vivitrol shot 08-17-22 and it turned out itchy, warm, and also it had a bandaid over it. I finally took the bandaid off and it appears some of the medicine leaked from the needle hole. Has anyone else had that happen to them? Warm, itchy, and a leak with a pink bump? It's not leaking medicine, but it did once because I feel like they put the medicine way to close to the skin layer to where it's not supposed too.

• NadiaAugust 12, 2022 at 10:08 am

  I have a hard lump at the injection site. My monthly cycle has been thrown off and I am constantly nauseous.

• AndreaJune 28, 2022 at 11:54 am

  I have a lump that is painful and causing muscle issues to the leg. The nurse keeps telling me that it’s normal but you can see it through my clothes.

• JenniferJune 18, 2022 at 10:07 pm

  I got the vivitrol shot on the 8th of June. By the second day the area of the injection developed a hard lump as big as my hand and the tissue surrounding the lump was red and hot. I’ve had three physicians look at it and they all have a different opinion. I go back in two weeks for a check up. I’m in pain and frustrated not to mention you can see the lump through clothing.

• DustinJune 18, 2022 at 6:54 pm

  Need help over the effects of this drug.

• MarkApril 7, 2022 at 9:00 am

  I got my 2nd shot yesterday April 5th and was not able to sleep at all last night I have lil red rash type Dots all over my body have had a headache all night just so uncomfortable right now I'm kinda scared to be honest

• AlisonMarch 14, 2022 at 7:37 pm

  I've been getting the vivitrol shot for 7 months now and noticed a small lump the forth shot or so this last shot the mass is huge like a hockey puck and painful to the touch. I just saw my primary care doctor who was surprised my psychiatrist wasn't alternating sides each month. He is sending me for an ultrasound in two weeks and stated I'm going to need surgery. It makes me so upset because I [Show More]I've been getting the vivitrol shot for 7 months now and noticed a small lump the forth shot or so this last shot the mass is huge like a hockey puck and painful to the touch. I just saw my primary care doctor who was surprised my psychiatrist wasn't alternating sides each month. He is sending me for an ultrasound in two weeks and stated I'm going to need surgery. It makes me so upset because I felt that the shot was helping my alcohol cravings and now I'm afraid that I'll have to stop. The pills made me nauseous so I'll have to just pray.

• JesikaDecember 5, 2021 at 2:47 am

  I received my shot almost 3 weeks ago in my left butt cheek. All was fine a little sore afterwards. Fast forward the past week a lump has started to grow and I cannot sit it also feels like I'm sitting on a lump that hurts like hell! Can't sit properly, sleeping is the pits and I did research on the side effects and I swear i did not read up on any of these side effects or I would have said no.[Show More]I received my shot almost 3 weeks ago in my left butt cheek. All was fine a little sore afterwards. Fast forward the past week a lump has started to grow and I cannot sit it also feels like I'm sitting on a lump that hurts like hell! Can't sit properly, sleeping is the pits and I did research on the side effects and I swear i did not read up on any of these side effects or I would have said no. I will NOT be getting anymore shots!! My jaw dropped when i read these stories, prayers to all and i will be contacting my primary care physician asap Monday morning!!

• RobertSeptember 24, 2021 at 9:22 am

  So I did my first shot in April 2021, and I got a lump and some side effects like a headache, but didn't think too much about it did I was coming off heroin I didn't know what to feel. I have taken 8 shots altogether but since the first one I've had server back pain and it feels like I've lost tissue at the injection site, then the last 2 shots I got the first 1 gave me hive,rashes,lumps, extreme [Show More]So I did my first shot in April 2021, and I got a lump and some side effects like a headache, but didn't think too much about it did I was coming off heroin I didn't know what to feel. I have taken 8 shots altogether but since the first one I've had server back pain and it feels like I've lost tissue at the injection site, then the last 2 shots I got the first 1 gave me hive,rashes,lumps, extreme itching, cheat pain,shortness of breath,panic attacks. I shrugged it off ( I don't have health insurance and noone helps addicts wear I'm at) so I got my last shot about 40days ago and after that shot about 5days later I was in the hospital feeling like I was being waterboarded! I couldn't get a full breathe of air in and the doctors either thought I was a hypochondriac or having a panic attack ( I know what I panic attack is I deal with 20 a day) but again no insurance and I'm just a junkie in there eyes so they discharge me I go home and sleep when I get up I can't breathe again so back to the hospital They ran test on my lungs all clear no clots he didn't even know I was a smoker they took blood oxygen levels they were fine. So gave me some Ativan and sent me home with a referral to a lung doctor. Now I didn't know about the FDA thing either but I now have back pain,breathing issues, uncomfortable ichting, probably going to need surgery when I finally see a doctor about it which for me could take a year it'll probably be worse. And it did it's job I prt would have relapsed without it but now I have all the other problems that keep me from work. And I had an underlying mental problem that this made worse. Also I don't know whether anyone else has noticed memory loss or loss of concentration or just forgot what they were talking about

• GigiAugust 7, 2021 at 12:18 pm

  I got my first Vivitrol shot Nov 2020 and I developed a golf ball size lump in my right butt cheek. It's been 9 months and the lump is smaller but still there. I got my second shot 4 days ago and this time the lump is bigger the size of my palm it itches, hot to touch, sore and agitated. I'm concerned again and also feel self conscious about body image I don't need a botox looking body as well a[Show More]I got my first Vivitrol shot Nov 2020 and I developed a golf ball size lump in my right butt cheek. It's been 9 months and the lump is smaller but still there. I got my second shot 4 days ago and this time the lump is bigger the size of my palm it itches, hot to touch, sore and agitated. I'm concerned again and also feel self conscious about body image I don't need a botox looking body as well as health issues. The shot helps with craving alcohol but the affects and risks are disturbing. When your trying to recover from this terrible addiction last thing we need is to worry about these horrible risks.

• StephAugust 7, 2021 at 6:55 am

  Body habitus should be assessed prior to each injection for each patient to assure that the proper needle is selected and that the needle length is adequate for intramuscular administration. *****this they didn't do, nor did they do this most likely in most patients when there supposed to follow the proper instructions of giving the vivitoral shot.

• StephAugust 7, 2021 at 6:35 am

  Do not get this shot. Try the pills. I got the shot 2 weeks ago and my whole right side butt cheak is swallon and seems to be infected. I'm getting antibiotics tomorrow from a doctor. The pain from it hurts so bad can't sit down stand up or lay down correctly. There were no FDA warnings about this vivitrol shot there at the office where I received the vivitrol shot. It's getting worse and worse b[Show More]Do not get this shot. Try the pills. I got the shot 2 weeks ago and my whole right side butt cheak is swallon and seems to be infected. I'm getting antibiotics tomorrow from a doctor. The pain from it hurts so bad can't sit down stand up or lay down correctly. There were no FDA warnings about this vivitrol shot there at the office where I received the vivitrol shot. It's getting worse and worse by the day. Stay away from this vivitrol shot. I will no longer be taking it. I took it once. Never again. Someone needs to pay for the damages we the citizens of America are enduring from the vivitoral shot.

• KarianneJuly 7, 2021 at 5:40 am

  I to had a horrible time with the Vivitrol shot. I got it in April and by May I was at a wound care center. Long story short I just had surgery and now have a huge hole on my upper butt. I’m currently using a wound vac and have to go 3 times a week to wound care. It has been a nightmare and the Dr admitted to me that the nurse used the wrong needle. Anyone have any success with a lawyer? This has [Show More]I to had a horrible time with the Vivitrol shot. I got it in April and by May I was at a wound care center. Long story short I just had surgery and now have a huge hole on my upper butt. I’m currently using a wound vac and have to go 3 times a week to wound care. It has been a nightmare and the Dr admitted to me that the nurse used the wrong needle. Anyone have any success with a lawyer? This has affected my life in so many ways…Financially, mentally! I’m at a loss.

• MarissaJune 30, 2021 at 6:54 pm

  My husband got his third shot on June 23 and immediately broke out in a rash and went paralyzed in his right leg. He got rushed to an emergency room where they were only concerned about his rash (4 doctors said they’ve never seen anything like it) and didn’t check anything else or care he was paralyzed. After about 5 hours we got discharged and he was able to walk just a little bit and have a tiny[Show More]My husband got his third shot on June 23 and immediately broke out in a rash and went paralyzed in his right leg. He got rushed to an emergency room where they were only concerned about his rash (4 doctors said they’ve never seen anything like it) and didn’t check anything else or care he was paralyzed. After about 5 hours we got discharged and he was able to walk just a little bit and have a tiny bit of feeling back in his leg. We went to an ortho and spine doctor who did an emergency MRI said he had sciatic nerve inflammation and tissue damage in his buttcheek still two more doctors said they’ve never seen anything like his rash before. We then took him to a dermatologist who again said they’ve never seen anything like it but think he has broken blood vessels in his hip. We took him into urgent care five days later (as he is still unable to walk completely and the rash hasn’t gone down) they said the sciatic nerve and blood vessels were damaged and we are waiting on the results of some of his labs. The next day we took him to a neurologist who again said they’ve never seen anything like it and was completely unsure what happened. He did say there is sever sciatic nerve damage. We are exactly 7 days into this and not one person can tell us what’s wrong. If we knew the shot could potentially cause paralysis we NEVER would have gotten it for him. We’re still wishing for answers and hoping he can walk again one day soon

• LaquitaJune 23, 2021 at 12:05 am

  I got my first shot 3 weeks ago I developed a lump a couple of hours after receiving the shot. As of a couple of days ago it had just started itching non-stop and it's dark red like deep bruising. I was told if it persists to contact my doctor. The thing is it's on my butt. I'm sore sitting. I'm uncomfortable sleeping. Pain pills don't really work I feel like I'm sitting on a ball. I will not get [Show More]I got my first shot 3 weeks ago I developed a lump a couple of hours after receiving the shot. As of a couple of days ago it had just started itching non-stop and it's dark red like deep bruising. I was told if it persists to contact my doctor. The thing is it's on my butt. I'm sore sitting. I'm uncomfortable sleeping. Pain pills don't really work I feel like I'm sitting on a ball. I will not get the 2nd shot as well and I need to find out what's going on

• AmberMay 15, 2021 at 3:23 am

  I got the shot 3 weeks ago. Lump is getting bigger and hurts. The meds work though for craving. Calling doc tomorrow.

• ChantelMay 14, 2021 at 6:52 pm

  I went to get my first shot in early April, (two weeks not immediately) later I get a huge bump on my hip I repetitively called my dr telling the phone nurse that my bump is getting bigger and worse and I kept getting told to just put ice on it after a few days I finally just went in my dr promptly sent me to the er which held a whole new story I never for a second expected, I was rushed into emer[Show More]I went to get my first shot in early April, (two weeks not immediately) later I get a huge bump on my hip I repetitively called my dr telling the phone nurse that my bump is getting bigger and worse and I kept getting told to just put ice on it after a few days I finally just went in my dr promptly sent me to the er which held a whole new story I never for a second expected, I was rushed into emergency surgery and had so much skin cut out from necrosis that I have a wound vac for the next to months that they have to change 3x a week and the pain is excruciating if they know giving these shots to overweight people run a higher risk then why do they continue to do it when pill form is available? I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy! I was trying to do better in life and it feels like a slap in the face I am still sober a month later and on the pill I just don’t understand why they couldn’t have just started me on the pill and tell me if I lose weight I could get the shot I’m miserable my summer is ruined all because they continue to give this shot is subcutaneous tissue

• MichaelApril 4, 2021 at 4:11 am

  I had my first shot 3 weeks ago no lump yet that I can tell but it is hurting more and more everyday there are times i can't barely stand or walk because of the pain

• AbbeyMarch 8, 2021 at 5:36 pm

  Don't do it! Don't think it won't happen to you! My husband stopped the shot after his fourth injection bc he couldn't tolerate the side effects, a lump the size of a grape fruit or softball happened everytime. Horrible pain, unable to sit or lay down, very red, and hot, oozing (a couple times) complete misery. He's not the type to complain about pain, he has a very high tolerance for pain. I have[Show More]Don't do it! Don't think it won't happen to you! My husband stopped the shot after his fourth injection bc he couldn't tolerate the side effects, a lump the size of a grape fruit or softball happened everytime. Horrible pain, unable to sit or lay down, very red, and hot, oozing (a couple times) complete misery. He's not the type to complain about pain, he has a very high tolerance for pain. I have only seen him cry a handful of times and four of those times were bc of this shot and all the issues it causes. It should not be allowed to be given to anyone through injection!! He's on the pill form now and doing great!! It was nice to only do it one a month instead or a daily pill but the lump and pain from the previous shot would still be causing issues when the next injection was due. The only way he could sleep was on his belly with a pillow to raise his butt up. It's horrible! A law suit should be coming. A couple relapse happened after stopping the shot, bc he was afraid to tAke it in pill form. But like I said we got that straightened out and he's doing well. Please please please there are other options don't feel like this is something worth risking. It's not! I'm going to tell him to go see a surgeon, bc he still has painful lumps from the injections that have not gone away after 6months of stopping.

• KerriNovember 21, 2020 at 10:23 pm

  I just received my 4th vivitrol shot on 11/18 and for the first time it did not hurt when getting it, which made me feel like it was done wrong. My usual mat dr was out that day so they had to go on a hunt to find a nurse that knew how to do it. Now 3 days later and i have developed a hard lump under my skin i would like to say the size of a golf ball but the more i feel it it feels wider than a b[Show More]I just received my 4th vivitrol shot on 11/18 and for the first time it did not hurt when getting it, which made me feel like it was done wrong. My usual mat dr was out that day so they had to go on a hunt to find a nurse that knew how to do it. Now 3 days later and i have developed a hard lump under my skin i would like to say the size of a golf ball but the more i feel it it feels wider than a ball. And after reading these comments and googling it, im a bit nervous and am calling my primary dr tomorrow.

• TiffanyOctober 24, 2020 at 2:32 am

  I just had my second shot and also have a hard lump and lots of itching and slight pain. This was four days ago. After reading these comments, I’m paranoid as hell!

• kristinaOctober 7, 2020 at 2:48 pm

  I received my first shot at the end of my rehab stint for alcohol dependency. The doctors said that the shot would help reduce cravings and it did as well as going to AA and therapy. I received my second shot and the doctor used a smaller needle than the one it came with. I developed a hard lump under my skin a day later that was the size of a golf ball. It was hot and itchy and made it uncom[Show More]I received my first shot at the end of my rehab stint for alcohol dependency. The doctors said that the shot would help reduce cravings and it did as well as going to AA and therapy. I received my second shot and the doctor used a smaller needle than the one it came with. I developed a hard lump under my skin a day later that was the size of a golf ball. It was hot and itchy and made it uncomfortable when driving my car. I read that many people have had to have surgery to remove it. Has anyone had it go away on its own and was it caused by the doctor using a smaller needle?

• CarlySeptember 4, 2020 at 11:23 pm

  I just talked to the nurse who did my first ever injection a couple of days ago about the painful, hard lump that only seems to be getting bigger each day. He had nothing useful to say...he just kept saying "I don't know" to my questions about how to make it better and how long will it take to go away. So here I am after a quick google search and oh my god I NEVER would have agreed to try this if [Show More]I just talked to the nurse who did my first ever injection a couple of days ago about the painful, hard lump that only seems to be getting bigger each day. He had nothing useful to say...he just kept saying "I don't know" to my questions about how to make it better and how long will it take to go away. So here I am after a quick google search and oh my god I NEVER would have agreed to try this if I had been informed of the risk!!! Seriously. Never. I can't believe they don't inform people that there is a risk. It's not right. Does anything help the lump???

• DanaSeptember 4, 2020 at 1:30 pm

  I just had surgery a week ago to remove the mass that I was left with because of Vivitrol and I have no health insurance because of COVID. So now i have 21,000 dollars in medical debt because of it. Is anyone in Ohio and do you have a lawyer.

• ErinAugust 19, 2020 at 8:11 pm

  I’ve had the abscess and issue in my hip also! I had the vivitrol shot June 16th and now i have a big hole in my hip after surgery a month ago and still trying to figure out how to treat. Is anyone going to do a class action law suit or want to???

• KrisJune 12, 2020 at 10:48 pm

  I have all of this happen to me as well! My thought is what are people doing about this????? NOT happy! NOT going to sit quietly! I now have a deformation of my hip!!!!

• BethMay 31, 2020 at 3:28 pm

  My son has been to the E.R. 2 times in one month for severe abscess. We assumed it was a spider bite. We went through his room and cleaned to bottom and found no spiders. Looked up affects of vivitrol and guess what?? I just can't believe this drug is being used if it causes these types of side affects. This doesn't help the individual getting the shot, if he has to go to the doctor and get a absc[Show More]My son has been to the E.R. 2 times in one month for severe abscess. We assumed it was a spider bite. We went through his room and cleaned to bottom and found no spiders. Looked up affects of vivitrol and guess what?? I just can't believe this drug is being used if it causes these types of side affects. This doesn't help the individual getting the shot, if he has to go to the doctor and get a abscess drained and deal with pain, we don't want him to relapse! This drug needs to be pulled and replaced with something safer, if there is anything!

• WilmaMay 25, 2020 at 11:51 pm

  First injection ok. Second injection a sore lump form the second day. Will monitor site.

• KatelynnApril 19, 2020 at 11:47 pm

  Received my second vivitrol shot on Wednesday 4/15. My first shot I had no issues except slight tenderness , severe headache for 2 weeks and sleep issues I have a giant painful lump at the site now (4/19) . I decided today to outline the lump with a pen to see if it increases or decreases in size. I will update in a few days.

• SeanApril 10, 2020 at 9:16 pm

  I received my third ever shot of this poison on February 13th earlier this year. First two times having it zero issues. This time i immediately broke out in an allergic reaction, and was rushed to the ER. After 8 hours of screaming in pain to no avail none of the plethora of doctors seeing me could figure out what was happening. One doc finally ran a blood test to check my CPK levels and they turn[Show More]I received my third ever shot of this poison on February 13th earlier this year. First two times having it zero issues. This time i immediately broke out in an allergic reaction, and was rushed to the ER. After 8 hours of screaming in pain to no avail none of the plethora of doctors seeing me could figure out what was happening. One doc finally ran a blood test to check my CPK levels and they turned out to be 25,000 (normal range about 0 to 100). I then lost all feeling in my left foot and was unable to move it whatsoever. After rechecking the levels they were indeed that high again and I had to undergo emergency surgery to remove necrotic tissue that was forming in my leg from something called Rhabdomyolysis. Afterwards I spent the following week in the ICU carefully monitoring my kidneys (if rhabdomyolysis infects your kidneys you die) and then broke out in a rash of cellulitis all over my genitalia. After my CPK levels finally went low enough they discharged me the following week after 7 days and I went home nursing “foot drop” and the genital cellulitis. I thought the worst was over. I was wrong. A few days after being home I noticed my left foot begin to hurt slightly and then gradually more and more everyday. It has now been two months since the incident and i experience everyday what i can only describe as my foot feeling like it has a lighting storm happening in it 24/7. Imagine the worst tooth ache you have ever had, multiply it by infinity, and put it in your foot. Doctors still have no idea how this happened to me and I cannot get any tests done right now due to the Coronavirus outbreak shutting down all non essential examinations at any facility. I sleep once every 4 days or so for about an hour or two after my body can no longer take being awake. Then the cycle repeats itself. I would not wish this experience on my worst enemy. I plan on suing both Alkermes as well as the clinic that administered the injection as the only side effect explained to me beforehand every time i got the injection was “possible liver damage”. my liver is fine. my leg and foot now have permanent nerve damage. thanks vivitrol. p.s. the clinic in question also failed to have me go over and sign the informed consent paperwork regarding the injection itself that weighs the risks involved. and also used the wrong sized needle (2 inch instead of 1.5 because he dropped that one on the floor and if you saw my 140 pound frame you would understand why that is also an issue)

• TaraApril 7, 2020 at 7:03 am

  Hey guys, I experienced basically the same side effects. Some side effects included fever, sore throat, chills, kidney stones, kidney pain, and large golf ball sized lump.

• TimothyJanuary 13, 2020 at 12:50 am

  I had the vivitrol shot almost a year ago and that's the only area that niggs actor that has trauma that I just had to get surgery on and it's pretty bad. It's caused me to be put out of work.

• PatienceJune 11, 2019 at 5:29 am

  My bf was given the vivitrol shot and its been hell on him all he does is itch so bad until he bleeds we have tried everything to get it to stop the fda put out a warning in 2016 but they didn't put out a warning that rhey took 250 people from around the world all got a vivitrol shot and all 250 at end study tested postitive for hiv and hep c. So then they did another study same way all 220 tested[Show More]My bf was given the vivitrol shot and its been hell on him all he does is itch so bad until he bleeds we have tried everything to get it to stop the fda put out a warning in 2016 but they didn't put out a warning that rhey took 250 people from around the world all got a vivitrol shot and all 250 at end study tested postitive for hiv and hep c. So then they did another study same way all 220 tested positive again so there is something in vivitrol to lower ur immune system very low what concerns me most is the fda warns it can turn your fatty tissue black and basically kills it but drug companies care about how much the drug makes not who there hurting..he scratches so bad he barley sleeps i sleep next to him so sleep is hard for me cause he itches until he says ouch n i wish i could help him..someone needs to file a class action suit on this company. Aloe helps the itching a little but not much so i hope someone here this drug off the market and they find something new. And there is a chanxe this drug can stixk to not the right nerceptors in brain..science to this day still cant tell us how our brains fully work so they cant fully understand a drug n one brain and expect the next be the same with same reactions were all different diffrent dna

• LizSeptember 15, 2018 at 10:25 pm

  Before, I got my Vivitrol shot I asked the nurse that I had read that one of the sides effects was a lump and maybe surgery that if it was common I did not want it done- she said that she has been putting many vivitrol shot and that never has happened. I had my first Vivitrol shot on 8/27/18- three days later I notice that the hard ball on the injection. On 9/7/18 I had two lumps on injection site[Show More]Before, I got my Vivitrol shot I asked the nurse that I had read that one of the sides effects was a lump and maybe surgery that if it was common I did not want it done- she said that she has been putting many vivitrol shot and that never has happened. I had my first Vivitrol shot on 8/27/18- three days later I notice that the hard ball on the injection. On 9/7/18 I had two lumps on injection site one as big as a golf ball and very hard and one in a lower site no hard and all around of the hard lump was shallow and began to itch and was warm at touch. I went to the place were I had it done and the nurse told me that it was a normal reaction that sometimes happen and it will go away- I as her in how long and she did not know..she told me not to worry unless I began to discharge a liquid from it. I went home and three days later I called the place were I have it done because it was bigger, and I start to feel pain to be sitting at work because of the lump, my leg felt a couple of times like numb too- then I called the place were they put the Vivitrol shot and the nurse told me to go to my primary physician.I called the Vivitrol company and I asked them what was good for it, and If that was normal and if she recommend something for me to tell the doctor to give me since they probably have many people like me calling about similar reactions, but the girl that was on the phone was not helpful all that she kept saying was that I should go to the doctor- I went to urgent care and the doctor put me on antibiotics for 10 days- I am on my 4 day the shallow have diminish but the golf size, hard like a rock,lump still the same size-the small lump still the same and I still felt uncomfortable sitting for a while- I do not have itching any more I have another doctor appointment- Do any one have an advice? how long it took for the hard lump to go away? do I am going to need surgery? what else could I do?

• KelseySeptember 6, 2018 at 10:39 am

  Not only do i have multiple indents on both butt cheeks from injections, i had the weirdest tooth ache 3 weeks of the month. Nothing i took fixed it because it was a side effect! Not real. The worst thing that happened, i had a miscarriage as soon as i got off of Vivitrol. Exactly one month from when i was supposed to get my normal scheduled shot, my water broke. I was 6 months pregnant and had t[Show More]Not only do i have multiple indents on both butt cheeks from injections, i had the weirdest tooth ache 3 weeks of the month. Nothing i took fixed it because it was a side effect! Not real. The worst thing that happened, i had a miscarriage as soon as i got off of Vivitrol. Exactly one month from when i was supposed to get my normal scheduled shot, my water broke. I was 6 months pregnant and had to give birth to a dead baby! Too horrible to mention.

• KimApril 5, 2018 at 7:59 pm

  I have a fat necrosis in my left buttock as a direct result of a vivitrol injection. My option is to have it surgically removed which will leave a divet. Has anyone come heard of this or know of any legal compentancy from this.

• CharlesJanuary 20, 2018 at 4:41 pm

  My 46 year old son has had 3 injections of this horrific drug. After the first 2 he developed a low white blood cell count and atypical pneumonia which would not respond to treatment. Along with the pneumonia he had severe panic attacks in the hospital. once properly diagnosed they were able to treat the lung disease. His third shot resulted in what i would describe as one of the worst detox episo[Show More]My 46 year old son has had 3 injections of this horrific drug. After the first 2 he developed a low white blood cell count and atypical pneumonia which would not respond to treatment. Along with the pneumonia he had severe panic attacks in the hospital. once properly diagnosed they were able to treat the lung disease. His third shot resulted in what i would describe as one of the worst detox episode I have ever experienced. Beating his head against the wall I had to restrain him from concussing himself. A hot shower every half hour seemed to provide some relief. Crazy talk and hallucinations were quite frightening. This lasted over 24 hours. He's going back to the suboxone treatment as an alternate drug which helped him to function for over 3 years as a normal human being. There will be class action suits coming for this drug. Save your hospital records.

• AshleySeptember 25, 2017 at 1:37 am

  I was on Vivitrol for 9 months and had a very sore mass on only the left side. We decided to try only doing injections. On the right which was worked fine. Ive now been off the injections for over a year and the pain has come back on that left side. Its not constant. Mostly when Ive been very active for a few days. Its sometimes painful just trying to sleep or just walk. Cant seem to find much ab[Show More]I was on Vivitrol for 9 months and had a very sore mass on only the left side. We decided to try only doing injections. On the right which was worked fine. Ive now been off the injections for over a year and the pain has come back on that left side. Its not constant. Mostly when Ive been very active for a few days. Its sometimes painful just trying to sleep or just walk. Cant seem to find much about ling term damage. Getting on that shot was probably one of the best decisions Ive ever made but wasnt expecting the pain to come back.

• BethAugust 31, 2017 at 7:26 pm

  I received the Vivitrol shot in January of this year. I got a lump the size of a golf ball, or slightly bigger, and it was hot to the touch. I attempted to go to my doctor multiple times to have ultrasound treatments to try to break up lumps. This did not work. My advice is if you're not having any other symptoms such as fever, rash, or sores in your mouth, only time will heal them. As of today my[Show More]I received the Vivitrol shot in January of this year. I got a lump the size of a golf ball, or slightly bigger, and it was hot to the touch. I attempted to go to my doctor multiple times to have ultrasound treatments to try to break up lumps. This did not work. My advice is if you're not having any other symptoms such as fever, rash, or sores in your mouth, only time will heal them. As of today my lump has diminished to the size of a pebble and is barely noticeable.

• TrystanJuly 12, 2017 at 7:09 pm

  I received my first injection April 2017, which went well. My second shot has been a nightmare. It's two months later and my lump grew so large I couldn't put jeans on. The place I received the shot stated it was normal to have a lump, and dismissed me. I ended up at ER two weeks ago and they said it was a hematoma and sent me home. Two weeks later I started getting really sick, temp was high, I w[Show More]I received my first injection April 2017, which went well. My second shot has been a nightmare. It's two months later and my lump grew so large I couldn't put jeans on. The place I received the shot stated it was normal to have a lump, and dismissed me. I ended up at ER two weeks ago and they said it was a hematoma and sent me home. Two weeks later I started getting really sick, temp was high, I was vomiting so went back to the ER at a different hospital where they discovered I was almost septic, they did an emergency I &D and admitted me and put me on IV ABX. I now have a 1 and 1/2 inch incision that is 8 inches deep. It couldn't be stitched because it's such a big abscess, has to be packed daily until healed. Surgeon will see me in two weeks. So for anybody receiving this shot, if you end up with a lump the size of a tennis ball and it's hot and painful, go to the ER, cause it will only get worse, and can kill you once infection sets in.

• PatrickApril 13, 2017 at 11:33 pm

  I had the shot administererd after treatment at Betty Ford Hazelden. They were very mindful about how it was administered as well as having me sit and wait as well as messaging the are with a tennis ball for several days after the shot. Yes it felt like a donkey kicked me in the butt however it worked well for cravings. The second shot I received was administerd wrong at Kaiser Permenete. I was in[Show More]I had the shot administererd after treatment at Betty Ford Hazelden. They were very mindful about how it was administered as well as having me sit and wait as well as messaging the are with a tennis ball for several days after the shot. Yes it felt like a donkey kicked me in the butt however it worked well for cravings. The second shot I received was administerd wrong at Kaiser Permenete. I was in instant pain the injection site was swollen to the size of a base ball and after a week of visits to urgent care I was rushed into an emergency surgery where they removed a handful of dead tissue. Recovery was long as the surgical site has to heal from the inside out. Further more they prescribed opiates (the reason I was taking the shot was to stay off opiates) Not being able to continue in my program of recovery for along period of time I relapsed and went down the rabbit hole once again this time getting a DUII landing in jail. I'm recovered now and off opiates the road was made that much harder do to the adverse side effects of the injection of V.

• LeeMarch 29, 2017 at 4:57 pm

  Please any updates on the lumps or pain at injection site? Please people who orginally posted let me know how long it took for pain/lump to go away. Did anyone else get an infection or need to have it removed? I need help. Thank u

• PatFebruary 17, 2017 at 10:53 pm

  I received a vivat roll shot 2 weeks ago. I have been taking for 16 months sometime sore, thou this time the area is swollen, sore and getting larger the size of a tennis ball now. What happened? Why now?

• KarenJanuary 13, 2017 at 8:40 am

  I got the V shot on 12/07/16. Decided not to go the second round. It works well to block wanting to use. My problem was within hours of getting the shot I was SO WIRED I never did sleep much for 2 or

• tishaSeptember 30, 2016 at 6:58 am

  Wilbur, I too have been fighting a rash and intense itching since receiving my last shot on 9/1/2016. I was due another yesterday, 9/29/2016 and didn't go. I was blown off by my doctor and finally went to UTC and was given steroids and told to apply hydrocortisone cream. The swelling had gone down but the itching has remained the same and now that the steroids are gone, there are spots swelling ba[Show More]Wilbur, I too have been fighting a rash and intense itching since receiving my last shot on 9/1/2016. I was due another yesterday, 9/29/2016 and didn't go. I was blown off by my doctor and finally went to UTC and was given steroids and told to apply hydrocortisone cream. The swelling had gone down but the itching has remained the same and now that the steroids are gone, there are spots swelling back up. I have ruled out any other cause because nothing changed other than the shot. I can't get into a dermatologist and no other doctor will do anything. UTC said they can't do anything else. I'm hoping as this works it's way out of my system the symptoms will disappear. I am tired of itching and bleeding from scratching, which is something you truly can't help in the case of this rash.

• AdaSeptember 19, 2016 at 4:41 pm

  The 1st time I got the vivitrol shot I had a headache for almost 2 weeks. I also had several sores on my tongue and inside my mouth in various places. It got so bad that in time I had sores all around the edge of my tongue and even more appeared in my mouth..I could not eat much due to the pain. I even got a rash on both elbows. I have now had 5 injections ( 5 months) and the 2 nd time I got the s[Show More]The 1st time I got the vivitrol shot I had a headache for almost 2 weeks. I also had several sores on my tongue and inside my mouth in various places. It got so bad that in time I had sores all around the edge of my tongue and even more appeared in my mouth..I could not eat much due to the pain. I even got a rash on both elbows. I have now had 5 injections ( 5 months) and the 2 nd time I got the same sores in mouth and rash on elbows. Headaches everytime with 30 minutes of shot. I received my fifth shot a week ago and about 2 days afterwards my elbows are severely rashed up. I have a few of the same rash bumps on various other sites of my body. Like 2 on hand a few on my knee. I'm not sure if this is a allergic reaction but whatever it is..I know its from this shot. I even get pains around my liver area...is this really worth all this? I was court ordered this shot without them asking me if I was still using drugs. I was sober for months...before shot. I didn't need it. But I was only doing what I was court ordered...but I'm sick of all these reactions

• wilburSeptember 18, 2016 at 2:42 pm

  I received my first vivitrol shot almost three weeks ago at a VA hospital. over the past five days i have been experiencing rashes and itching so bad i literally scratched until i was bleeding. wherever i scratch the area raises up into a lumpy rash. It is my opinion with 98% certainty that I have developed Dermatographia and that it is due to Vivitrol. i am not gonna take my next vivitrol shot du[Show More]I received my first vivitrol shot almost three weeks ago at a VA hospital. over the past five days i have been experiencing rashes and itching so bad i literally scratched until i was bleeding. wherever i scratch the area raises up into a lumpy rash. It is my opinion with 98% certainty that I have developed Dermatographia and that it is due to Vivitrol. i am not gonna take my next vivitrol shot due on september 28, 2016. The only warning I received was that the injection site may temporarily be sore and to rub it. Well I never experienced any persistent soreness. however this is a systemic outbreak and now when I attempt to shave my face start to swell up wherever the razor makes contact with my face in a lumpy rash. its like something you would see in a horror movie. and i am horrified. will this ever go away? this is really stressing me out which will in turn cause my body to release adrenaline or cortisol which are believed to exacerbate the symptoms.WTF

• TaraJuly 12, 2016 at 9:40 pm

  Tonya go back to your Dr. it sounds like an abscess, you may need antibiotics. Hopefully it won't require surgery as some of us have gone thru. Just another update for me. I still have my open wound related to my MARCH injection. I switched surgeons and my new surgeon took me to the OR under GENERAL anesthesia this time for a deep excisional debridement of necrotic tissue. It's surreal to thi[Show More]Tonya go back to your Dr. it sounds like an abscess, you may need antibiotics. Hopefully it won't require surgery as some of us have gone thru. Just another update for me. I still have my open wound related to my MARCH injection. I switched surgeons and my new surgeon took me to the OR under GENERAL anesthesia this time for a deep excisional debridement of necrotic tissue. It's surreal to think this was all from an injection that I never in a million years would imagine could cause this much damage. I had a wound vac on for weeks post surgery. I just got it off now back to every other day packing for me. I have nerve damage as well. To all who may be reading just make sure you make an informed decision before starting this drug. It works but make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. They did not in my case but I was ill informed. Best Wishes to All!

• TonyaJuly 8, 2016 at 10:32 pm

  Am experiencing a LARGE swollen mass around the injection site.. What should i do???

• BrianJune 28, 2016 at 8:28 pm

  I had a Vivitrol shot on June 10th. About a week ago I felt an intense itching feeling around the injection site. I couldn't help but to scratch it. I developed what was very similar to a spider bite. I started to bleed at the site. I then developed a black sore with redness around the site that spread out about 3 inches around the diameter of the site. I also started having pain, especially[Show More]I had a Vivitrol shot on June 10th. About a week ago I felt an intense itching feeling around the injection site. I couldn't help but to scratch it. I developed what was very similar to a spider bite. I started to bleed at the site. I then developed a black sore with redness around the site that spread out about 3 inches around the diameter of the site. I also started having pain, especially when I stood up after sitting. I now have pain when sitting which intensifies when standing. It is now June 28th and the pain is getting worse. I did not realize that others were having complications such as this from the shot. I seriously thought this could have been a spider bite but I am questioning that now.

• StephaniaMay 28, 2016 at 3:41 am

  I received my second shot one week ago, Friday and have since developed what the nurse called a sterile abscess. My shots were given at VA hospitals. I too wasn't warned. While at my first injection nurse said I might get a bump, it wasn't explained to me as I'm reading it here. I was simply told to massage the injection site. Which I've done. A "little bump" and a bump that can lead to necrosi[Show More]I received my second shot one week ago, Friday and have since developed what the nurse called a sterile abscess. My shots were given at VA hospitals. I too wasn't warned. While at my first injection nurse said I might get a bump, it wasn't explained to me as I'm reading it here. I was simply told to massage the injection site. Which I've done. A "little bump" and a bump that can lead to necrosis and horrible pain for months are two different things. Even today when I saw the nurse she told me nothing about other people needing to have surgery to correct. I just feel stupid, specially when I don't even have to be taking this shot. Unlike most of you, I'm not using this for alcohol addiction which it had been proven for. I have a gambling addiction and was advised by my psych that it has shown some potential in curtailing gambling habits. Hence me saying OK whatever can help me. But after reading the comments here, I'm scared. And empathize with you all. Dinner of you have had it pretty bad. The risk is totally not worth it for me anymore. I wish I was advised better and given the opportunity to make an informed decision. Good luck all!

• TaraMay 22, 2016 at 5:43 am

  Hello to Vivitrol user and potential user community. It's been almost two months since my previous post and I am still going thru hell. I've had a total of three surgical procedures for the abscesses and still have a non healing wound caused by Vivitrol which requires daily packing by the VNA. I too have spoken with several attorneys who are leery of taking on Alkermes. I encourage anyone who d[Show More]Hello to Vivitrol user and potential user community. It's been almost two months since my previous post and I am still going thru hell. I've had a total of three surgical procedures for the abscesses and still have a non healing wound caused by Vivitrol which requires daily packing by the VNA. I too have spoken with several attorneys who are leery of taking on Alkermes. I encourage anyone who develops and injection site reaction to report it! And, believe me with projected sales of $180-200 million for 2016 per Alkermes financial report, there will unfortunately be more preventable cases! Let's continue to our part by spreading the word and letting people make INFORMED decisions. The drug does work, but people should be given ALL the facts so that they themselves can weigh their options before the damage has been done. The FDA issued the warning regarding injection site reactions (ISR) in 2008 and ISR are listed on package insert but I believe the problem is that the severity is not being adequately disclosed to the practitioners who are prescribing and even administering the drug! I think the reactions are downplayed and stated to be rare when in truth they occur fairly frequently. I also believe number wise that they are not being accurately tracked. Yes we call and notify Alkermes, but again I repeat that this blog was started in 2008.......They can do better and we as consumers deserve to know the truth. When I was in the depths of my addiction I wasn't out surfing the internet. I relied on my trusted Mental Health Counselors, and Medical practitioners to give me sound advice. I truly believe that they thought the advice they gave was correct but they themselves were misinformed or mislead in terms of side effects of this particular drug. I encourage all to continue to post your stories, and concerns. I think this has only really just begun. :(

• amyMay 18, 2016 at 2:38 pm

  My daughter got the Vivitrol shot in April and May of 2015. She has a lot of skin problems and keloid scarring already, so she was concerned and asked specific questions about scarring and ppl who have received the shot having issue with the injection site. She was reassured many times that no one in their office has ever had a reaction besides a sore spot which goes away. She got a lump after [Show More]My daughter got the Vivitrol shot in April and May of 2015. She has a lot of skin problems and keloid scarring already, so she was concerned and asked specific questions about scarring and ppl who have received the shot having issue with the injection site. She was reassured many times that no one in their office has ever had a reaction besides a sore spot which goes away. She got a lump after the first shot and it was VERY sore and kept being sore, which didnt go away by the time she received the second shot-and they told her it would go away. She refused to get a shot after the 2nd one, started taking the pills instead, but then lied and wasnt really taking them and relapsed shortly after. But during the shot she had actually shot up heroin to see if she would get high, she couldnt. She still has a small lump and a scar a year later which seems to be getting bigger. We are just angry b/c the Dr office gave us no warning that this would happen and reassured her it would NOT happen. Now here we are seeing all of these other people with similar issues. I would NOT recommend this shot to anyone, for this fact PLUS for the fact that many people we know have gotten the shot and it did not make them stop using.

• amandaApril 18, 2016 at 1:07 pm

  I just received my second shot last week an I have three knots that came up in the injection site an they hurt really bad..I was told about this FDA stuff either

• TaraMarch 24, 2016 at 12:49 am

  I received Vivitrol on 3/1/16 and the last few weeks have been painful to say the least. Developed injection site reaction right away. Returned to PCP who gave me the shot. He put me on antibx and told me swelling, pain, etc would go away eventually. It did not. Lump grew to softball size. Deep. Went to ER today and was told I had two abscesses which had to be drained. I now have two incis[Show More]I received Vivitrol on 3/1/16 and the last few weeks have been painful to say the least. Developed injection site reaction right away. Returned to PCP who gave me the shot. He put me on antibx and told me swelling, pain, etc would go away eventually. It did not. Lump grew to softball size. Deep. Went to ER today and was told I had two abscesses which had to be drained. I now have two incisions w/drains in place and I'm back on antibx, etc. What a nightmare this has been. I would've just taken the pills had I known beforehand about this particular side effect like so many others have previously stated! So it's been 8 years since some of the initial threads were written but looks like results are still the same. That's bothersome to me!

• KimberlyFebruary 12, 2016 at 11:42 pm

  It's been 5 days since my 3rd shot-the 2nd on the right side. The area is much larger then the 1st 2 shots, it itches like crazy and more painful. The lump is visible through clothing, looks like I have oddly shaped behind. I am concerned about continuing this treatment for the suggested 3 months to 1 year. Any suggestions on reducing or eliminating the lump and skin irritation? Not happy!

• sarahJanuary 11, 2016 at 12:07 am

  I also have a hard lump shaped like a small plum tomoato – I am furious if this is necrotic tissue and needs to be surgically removed – it’s about 3 weeks since i had the shot – the dr. did tell me there’s a possibility of swolleness at the site and to just rub a cold bottle of water on it – whatever – it didn’t appear until a day or 2 later – it’s not painful but it’s ugly and if it’s dead tissue[Show More]I also have a hard lump shaped like a small plum tomoato – I am furious if this is necrotic tissue and needs to be surgically removed – it’s about 3 weeks since i had the shot – the dr. did tell me there’s a possibility of swolleness at the site and to just rub a cold bottle of water on it – whatever – it didn’t appear until a day or 2 later – it’s not painful but it’s ugly and if it’s dead tissue – well that’s a problem — if anyone does a class action suit let me know -

• RossJanuary 9, 2016 at 6:09 pm

  Second shot two days ago. First one on December 8 and no issues. Second one on January 7 and major painful swelling. Figure I'll give it till Monday and call doctor. Wife couldn't even look at it it is so bad. Didn't know about this site till this happened. Wish I did.

• sarahJanuary 7, 2016 at 2:50 am

  I also have a hard lump shaped like a small plum tomoato - I am furious if this is necrotic tissue and needs to be surgically removed - it's about 3 weeks since i had the shot - the dr. did tell me there's a possibility of swolleness at the site and to just rub a cold bottle of water on it - whatever - it didn't appear until a day or 2 later - it's not painful but it's ugly and if it's dead tissue[Show More]I also have a hard lump shaped like a small plum tomoato - I am furious if this is necrotic tissue and needs to be surgically removed - it's about 3 weeks since i had the shot - the dr. did tell me there's a possibility of swolleness at the site and to just rub a cold bottle of water on it - whatever - it didn't appear until a day or 2 later - it's not painful but it's ugly and if it's dead tissue - well that's a problem -- if anyone does a class action suit let me know

• RyanAugust 30, 2015 at 9:46 pm

  Been only 4 days since I got it, but when the nurse gave me the shot the needle clogged with the thick vivitrol solution she had to pull it out put on another needle and stick me again! Now I also have a painful lump that is extremely sore and hard It's the size of a golf ball and I just have a bad feeling its going to get infected. My doctor wanted me to come back at the 2 week mark hopefully i[Show More]Been only 4 days since I got it, but when the nurse gave me the shot the needle clogged with the thick vivitrol solution she had to pull it out put on another needle and stick me again! Now I also have a painful lump that is extremely sore and hard It's the size of a golf ball and I just have a bad feeling its going to get infected. My doctor wanted me to come back at the 2 week mark hopefully it will be gone by then.

• ShaunaMarch 25, 2015 at 5:26 pm

  First 2 weeks, normal small hard bump. now 3 weeks in a tennis ball or mango sized bump. After reading all this i dont know what to do next.

• chrisFebruary 9, 2015 at 5:56 am

  I received the vivitrol shot, 1/19/15 was in excruciating pain for 4 days with a large hard lump. (size of a soft ball) also had itching, redness, and swelling on my lower leg, back, side and butt. Went into the E.R. and they never even heard of the shot. Was put on antibiotics for 1 week. Redness is gone. Still itchy. Swelling has gone down. Redness is gone. The lump is still the size of a soft b[Show More]I received the vivitrol shot, 1/19/15 was in excruciating pain for 4 days with a large hard lump. (size of a soft ball) also had itching, redness, and swelling on my lower leg, back, side and butt. Went into the E.R. and they never even heard of the shot. Was put on antibiotics for 1 week. Redness is gone. Still itchy. Swelling has gone down. Redness is gone. The lump is still the size of a soft ball and still hurts like hell. Its been 21 days of hell because of this vivitrol shot. Now I may need surgery. Weigh your options. I will never get the vivitrol shot again!! I am now looking into lawsuits against the company that makes vivitrol and or also the place that iministered the shot. Please if you have received the vivitrol shot and had to have surgery, or need to have surgery, and or have had a negative or painful result. Please speak up and be known!!!!

• MarcJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:32 am

  Hip problems from vivitrol shots

• LyndseyJanuary 12, 2015 at 3:18 am

  On Friday 01/09/15 I received my 5th injection. Every other time it was the same man who administered the injection. This time it was a woman, and this was the first visitors injection she'd done. Her supervisor shadowed her during the whole process. Immediately I noticed something was off. The timeline after that is as follows. Right After Injection (Friday at noon) - didn't feel right at injec[Show More]On Friday 01/09/15 I received my 5th injection. Every other time it was the same man who administered the injection. This time it was a woman, and this was the first visitors injection she'd done. Her supervisor shadowed her during the whole process. Immediately I noticed something was off. The timeline after that is as follows. Right After Injection (Friday at noon) - didn't feel right at injection sight Evening of Day One (Friday 6:00pm) - noticed itching and redness, skin felt strange Day Two (Saturday) - noticed swelling, more redness and itching Day Three (Sunday) - noticed harness of swollen area, numbness, redness, itching, bump spreading. I wholeheartedly believe that all of the cases of adverse symptoms are due to improper administration. From what I've read, all these symptoms result from injection being administered subqutaneously or into fat tissue. I will be pursuing legal action against Safeway Pharmacies because my condition is due to malpractice on their part.

• carolynAugust 30, 2014 at 10:10 pm

  I have had to surgeries and Acell skin graphs since 1st and only injection. I was not made aware of FDA warning either, or advised how serious the adverse reactions were

• MeJune 24, 2014 at 11:32 pm

  Hi guys! I got a lump at the injection site during my 1st time getting the Vivatrol shot. I continued to get it in my other side and developed no reaction. I went to the doctor who prescribed me antibiotics to make it go away. It's been 4 months and the lump is gone. I'm not sure what happened but he told me that side of my butt might have been more sensitive. I also jumped during the injection [Show More]Hi guys! I got a lump at the injection site during my 1st time getting the Vivatrol shot. I continued to get it in my other side and developed no reaction. I went to the doctor who prescribed me antibiotics to make it go away. It's been 4 months and the lump is gone. I'm not sure what happened but he told me that side of my butt might have been more sensitive. I also jumped during the injection and he said that might have caused it. Also make sure you are rubbing your injection site HARD to help the medicine disperse. I didn't do that my first time. Make sure your provider is giving you the shot correctly since thats what the doctor thought was the cause of my now gone lump

• SusanJuly 25, 2013 at 6:08 pm

  I have been injected with Vivatrol for 1 year and have just started getting a reaction at injection site. On my butt cheek. Both sides have bump size of golf balls. I don\'t weigh much at all very uncomfortable. Doctor doesn\'t know what is going on. After reading your comments I am not having them removed. One started going down that\'s why I got injected this month will go back to the nalt[Show More]I have been injected with Vivatrol for 1 year and have just started getting a reaction at injection site. On my butt cheek. Both sides have bump size of golf balls. I don\'t weigh much at all very uncomfortable. Doctor doesn\'t know what is going on. After reading your comments I am not having them removed. One started going down that\'s why I got injected this month will go back to the naltrexone pills.

• MindyMay 31, 2013 at 8:55 pm

  I got the shot on 10/15/2012. I was not told about the FDA warnings but that I should get this shot before I left rehab. Shortly after I developed a hard lump which grew to be the size of a tennis ball. It developed a black scab which got infected. The doctors told me it was dead tissue and removed the tissue on 1/6/13. It left a hole that has never healed. Doctor after doctor told me there was no[Show More]I got the shot on 10/15/2012. I was not told about the FDA warnings but that I should get this shot before I left rehab. Shortly after I developed a hard lump which grew to be the size of a tennis ball. It developed a black scab which got infected. The doctors told me it was dead tissue and removed the tissue on 1/6/13. It left a hole that has never healed. Doctor after doctor told me there was nothing that could be done and it would heal up on it's own. I was having to go to wound care twice a week to get the dressings changed. I started packing the hole myself and the hole still wouldn't close up. I was referred back to wound care a couple weeks ago and was told I have to have surgery on 6/5/13. The hole is getting deeper and is starting to tunnel through my body. I am probably going to get fired from my job because I can't take anytime off work. I have no other choice now because it is infected and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

• KarenApril 9, 2013 at 12:56 am

  My husband had his first Vivitrol injection in February 2012, and was in the hospital in April 2012 for site reaction to the Vivitrol. They told him it was from sitting in bath water instead of showering. He took his last Vivitrol shot in early March 2013, and now has a red lump with numbnesssimilar to the one that landed him in the hospital last year. We are seeing a surgeon tomorrow. On t[Show More]My husband had his first Vivitrol injection in February 2012, and was in the hospital in April 2012 for site reaction to the Vivitrol. They told him it was from sitting in bath water instead of showering. He took his last Vivitrol shot in early March 2013, and now has a red lump with numbnesssimilar to the one that landed him in the hospital last year. We are seeing a surgeon tomorrow. On the bright side, the drug did what it was supposed to do regarding his alcohol dependence. Best of luck to everyone!

• NicoleMarch 13, 2013 at 8:41 pm

  It is very disturbing to hear that so many more people are having this reaction and yet there havent been any lawsuits against this drug. I have tried but I was told by several attorneys that more people need to come forward and pursue it.

• TeashaDecember 16, 2012 at 2:18 pm

  Hello, I received my first Vivitrol shot 12/3/12. 9 days later I woke up in the middle of the night with, what felt like, a Charlie horse in my butt. When I finally got up I notice my butt, where the injection was, had a hand size protrusion. It's swollen and hard and hurts when I put weight on the one side. Doctors have said there's not much they can do if there's no redness, its not warn to the [Show More]Hello, I received my first Vivitrol shot 12/3/12. 9 days later I woke up in the middle of the night with, what felt like, a Charlie horse in my butt. When I finally got up I notice my butt, where the injection was, had a hand size protrusion. It's swollen and hard and hurts when I put weight on the one side. Doctors have said there's not much they can do if there's no redness, its not warn to the touch, doesn't itch etc... I feel like its getting bigger and almost feels tingly and numb. Advice?!

• VirginiaOctober 15, 2012 at 7:32 am

  I had to have a baseball sized blood clot removed from my hip in 2009 as a result of the Vivitrol shot. It was very painful, and very scary, and I had to wear a drainage bag for three weeks. I am still upset about the whole incident.

• SJMay 14, 2012 at 2:54 am

  I received the shot last year and had a terrible reaction that I am still recovering from. I would like to know how people are doing now. What has helped you recover from the shot? Have any of you fully recovered? Please email me at anonlump@ hotmail.com.

• DavidFebruary 28, 2012 at 3:48 am

  It is concerning reading this. I'm 18 days into my first shot and it keeps hurting and getting more swollen. What should I do?

• MarissaDecember 29, 2011 at 7:33 pm

  I got my first shot November 10th 2011. I am still having problems with my injection site I have been to several doctors and been through it all . Its not a good thing my last doctor said that I have to have it surgically removed. I am not happy about this. If I would have known about this before the injection I would have never gotten it.

• JenniferDecember 18, 2011 at 4:42 am

  I received my first shot just a little over a week ago and I have a lump about the size of a tennis ball where the medication was injected. It's very painful! I haven't seeked medical treatment because I thought I would do some research first before I went to the Dr.'s. I found this blog site and now this medication worries me. It's in my best interest to recevie it, but if I'm going to keep getti[Show More]I received my first shot just a little over a week ago and I have a lump about the size of a tennis ball where the medication was injected. It's very painful! I haven't seeked medical treatment because I thought I would do some research first before I went to the Dr.'s. I found this blog site and now this medication worries me. It's in my best interest to recevie it, but if I'm going to keep getting a reaction like this every month, is it worth it?

• MarissaDecember 13, 2011 at 5:22 pm

  I got my first shot on November 10th 2011. It is now December 13 and my lump is the size of a tennis ball its painful and itchy. I went to the doctor first she put me on antibiotics then the next visit a week later she took me off them and she pulled some fluid out to test it for infection....no infection she told me it was dead skin tissue. i am still having pain and its uncomfortable to sleep at[Show More]I got my first shot on November 10th 2011. It is now December 13 and my lump is the size of a tennis ball its painful and itchy. I went to the doctor first she put me on antibiotics then the next visit a week later she took me off them and she pulled some fluid out to test it for infection....no infection she told me it was dead skin tissue. i am still having pain and its uncomfortable to sleep at night. :(

• DFSOctober 17, 2011 at 3:00 am

  I had one injection and 2 and 1/2 weeks later I discovered a hard lump about the size of a golf ball. Went to 4 doctors and no one knew what to do. Within 2 weeks it had grown to 5 1/2 inches by 5 inches and had to be surgically removed. This was 5 weeks ago and i have an 8 inch scar and no feeling in my hip.

• JenniferAugust 16, 2011 at 1:57 pm

  I just had my first vivatrol shot a few days ago, and luckily no bump. A girl in my group session complained about the lump she received on her first shot, but she said it finally went away on its own after 3 months, but it indeed did go away eventually.

• chrisAugust 15, 2011 at 3:00 am

  I also had pain and a lump. One thing I have not heard from anyone else is that the pain was also accompanied with bloody stool. Had colon cancer scare, thank God that turned up negative. Anyone else seen any blood? A year later, I still have pain, not as sever. Also, my pain and lump were about an inch away from injection site. Anyone else? Location?

• olinthiaJune 23, 2011 at 11:17 pm

  I got my first shot about 3 weeks ago and have now a hard bluish lump at injection sight that keeps growing. Now about the size of the palm of a small womans hand. I have called my doctors office twice they just keep saying its normal,it will go away.

• KatherineJune 8, 2011 at 5:19 pm

  HELP!! I have a HUGE lump that won't go away. I can't even wear the same clothes nor sleep on my back anymore; it hurts too much. Does anyone know what I can do or where I can go for help?

• TracieJanuary 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm

  I had the shot on dec. 16, 2010. Large hard mass developed. I had to have surgery on Jan.17 2011. I now have an open wound that must be packed daily. I am needing to b out of work and this is expensive out of pocket, as well as painful! I am NOT happy about any of this! I never would have had this injection had I known of this increasingly occurring reaction. I have reported my experience to Vivit[Show More]I had the shot on dec. 16, 2010. Large hard mass developed. I had to have surgery on Jan.17 2011. I now have an open wound that must be packed daily. I am needing to b out of work and this is expensive out of pocket, as well as painful! I am NOT happy about any of this! I never would have had this injection had I known of this increasingly occurring reaction. I have reported my experience to Vivitrol and the FDA.

• NicoleDecember 24, 2010 at 5:19 pm

  Massaging can't do any more damage, but I doubt it will go away without surgical intervention only because the hardness your feeling is most likely necrotic.And you can't bring dead tissue back to life.

• GerryDecember 22, 2010 at 12:53 pm

  I was administered the 1st shot of Vivitrol on 11/21/2010. I too experienced redness, itching, and a lump two weeks after at the injection site. Dr. prescribed a round of steroids. It is better, now it is almost Christmas, but the lump is still there and also disrupts sleeping. My question is, will the lump eventually go away? Does massage help?

• NicoleDecember 21, 2010 at 4:01 pm

  I received my first shot in November 2010 and also developed a rock hard mass the size of a tennis ball, that I was told is normal and to use warm compresses and it would go away....it did not. Then I was told to go to the ER where they were unable to aspirate. Then I had it surgically removed and now I'm temporarily left with an extremely painful and uncomfortable opened wound . AND not to mentio[Show More]I received my first shot in November 2010 and also developed a rock hard mass the size of a tennis ball, that I was told is normal and to use warm compresses and it would go away....it did not. Then I was told to go to the ER where they were unable to aspirate. Then I had it surgically removed and now I'm temporarily left with an extremely painful and uncomfortable opened wound . AND not to mention that I will have to be out of work with out pay indefinately and it is Christmas!!!! I agree with you all, that if I was told of this possible side effect........I would never have had it.

• paulaDecember 14, 2010 at 7:39 pm

  I have similiar lumps. Why do they continue to administer this medication?

• kathyNovember 28, 2010 at 3:41 pm

  I received my 1st injection of Vivitrol on October 20, 2010. I saw my Doctor November 23rd and he advised me to go to the ER and they said I should see a surgeon in 1-2 days. I developed a site injection reaction that grew from a marble and is now this size of a hard, large egg. It has also changed color to a bluish color. I quit my job b/c I could not stand for 8 hrs or even sit for 8hrs much [Show More]I received my 1st injection of Vivitrol on October 20, 2010. I saw my Doctor November 23rd and he advised me to go to the ER and they said I should see a surgeon in 1-2 days. I developed a site injection reaction that grew from a marble and is now this size of a hard, large egg. It has also changed color to a bluish color. I quit my job b/c I could not stand for 8 hrs or even sit for 8hrs much less do all the heavy lifitng without alot of pain. I was never told about this reaction by the Dr, nurse and the literature in the box does not reflect what the FDA demanded back in August 2008. Given informed patient consent, I would NEVER had done this and now may need surgery which I can't afford. I also was never told the drug came in a pill form.

• BryanAugust 4, 2010 at 2:37 am

  I got my first shot 16 days ago and I have a lump about the size of a plumb at the injection site and it itches like hell. The Dr's seemed totally unaware of possible complications. They just put me on antibiotics and seemed to think I was overreacting when I asked about possibly having surgery. I think I'm switching back to the daily pills.

• christineJuly 20, 2010 at 2:47 am

  I requested the medication after reading about it and had no information about the injection side effect. After my first the knot/lump developed and it has shrunk some, still about the size of a walnut. So, I got the second injection and the lump appeared sooner, more discomfort, yes - when trying to sleep - and I am trying hot then cold compress. No, redness. What prompts visit to surgeon? [Show More]I requested the medication after reading about it and had no information about the injection side effect. After my first the knot/lump developed and it has shrunk some, still about the size of a walnut. So, I got the second injection and the lump appeared sooner, more discomfort, yes - when trying to sleep - and I am trying hot then cold compress. No, redness. What prompts visit to surgeon? redness? discomfort? size? duration that lump exists? Pls help b/c I am growing more concerned. Thank you for sharing information.

• GracieApril 20, 2010 at 11:56 am

  I have a friend that had the shot a month ago and also had a huge mass at injection site... treated with antibiotics... just had emergency surgery for necrotic tissue... this product should not be used. This is horrible!!! sounds like way too many surgeries to me.

• SherryFebruary 22, 2010 at 8:15 pm

  I just had my first shot two weeks ago and have developed a tennis ball size lump at the injection site that is painful and has caused sleep issues relating to the discomfort, not to mention a constant reminder of the reason for hoping in the shot.

• AngelaSeptember 23, 2009 at 2:46 pm

  Hi, Free4today they told me to rub it in to and hot and cold compresses. I kept on getting cellutis and had many antibiotics that did not help it and I was told to see a surgeon he did an ultrasound and had me in surgery the same day. When I came out he said it was necrotic and after 2 months I am still seeing him 2 times a week and I have an open wound still. The place that gave me the shot d[Show More]Hi, Free4today they told me to rub it in to and hot and cold compresses. I kept on getting cellutis and had many antibiotics that did not help it and I was told to see a surgeon he did an ultrasound and had me in surgery the same day. When I came out he said it was necrotic and after 2 months I am still seeing him 2 times a week and I have an open wound still. The place that gave me the shot didn't know about the FDA warning either. It is painful I think mine is finally getting better. I would print the fda warning and see a surgeon ask them to do an ultrasound and biopsy. I had to see many doctors and finally one listened.

• free4todaySeptember 16, 2009 at 5:10 am

  I am currently taking vivatrol injections. The next one will be my 7th shot. I was just curious about the comment that katie and Tracey left. I also have a big sore lump where the shot was given and it's been 2 and a half months ago and it's still here, I told the nurse that gave me the shot and she just said rub it, it will go away, but it has'nt. I'm a little concerned now that it hurts and I ca[Show More]I am currently taking vivatrol injections. The next one will be my 7th shot. I was just curious about the comment that katie and Tracey left. I also have a big sore lump where the shot was given and it's been 2 and a half months ago and it's still here, I told the nurse that gave me the shot and she just said rub it, it will go away, but it has'nt. I'm a little concerned now that it hurts and I can feel the lump. what did you do to get the surgery to have it removed, I would like to have this lump removed from my back side also. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I did not know that there was a FDA warning about vivatrol at all. I was'nt told either.

• AngelaAugust 19, 2009 at 1:28 pm

  Hi, I had necrosis and had to have surgery to.

• AngelaJuly 11, 2009 at 9:24 pm

  I am having the same thing today I haven't been to the Dr yet but the lump is getting larger after two weeks and it is painful today and red. The nurse said it would go away in a few weeks but it hasn't I guess I will seek a second opinion.

• TraceyMarch 18, 2009 at 10:17 pm

  Katie- I have also had to have many procedures, including surgery to remove a mango-sized mass that developed at the injection site. Injection end of May and surgery end of July. I am have done a lot of research and have some ideas. I have tried to find others that have experienced problems. When I first reported it, I was one of two that have had to have surgery. NOw it sounds like there are ma[Show More]Katie- I have also had to have many procedures, including surgery to remove a mango-sized mass that developed at the injection site. Injection end of May and surgery end of July. I am have done a lot of research and have some ideas. I have tried to find others that have experienced problems. When I first reported it, I was one of two that have had to have surgery. NOw it sounds like there are many more.

• DebbieNovember 20, 2008 at 1:47 am

  I have recieved 2 injections so far and have developed arash on my lower legs that itches like crazy. It has not appeared around my injection site (no reaction at all there).

• JenniferAugust 30, 2008 at 11:36 pm

  I don't know of any lawsiuts filed, however I just received my second shot on August 26 and am very upset that my doctor's office made no mention of this FDA warning. And, oh by the way, I have a very large, swollen area - about the size of a tennis ball - around my injection site almost a week later.

• katieAugust 14, 2008 at 1:18 pm

  Anyone know of any lawsuits that have been filed involving Vivitrol? I am one of the 16 people who had to have two surgeries post-injection.