A delayed injection-site reaction in a patient receiving extended-release naltrexone
Keith Ahamad1,2,3, P Todd Korthuis4,5, Paula J Lum6
1a British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions


