The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vivitrol to be available in monthly injection to treat alcoholism. It is also known as naltrexone. It will be produced by Cambridge Mass. based Alkermes Inc. in injectable form. It will be marketed and sold by Cephalon Inc., of Frazer, Pa.
The drug works by suppressing one’s craving for alcohol. It blocks neurotransmitters in the brain. This is a factor believed to trigger alcohol dependence. At the same time the doctors warned that the drug could cause liver damage also. 2.2 million Americans are seeking treatment for alcoholism.