Basic Revia Information

• International Nonproprietary Name (INN): Naltrexone hydrochloride
• Brand names available in United Kingdom: Revia, Vivitrol
• ATC Code: N07BB04
• Forms & dosages: Tablets, injections
• Manufacturers in United Kingdom: Various generics
• Registration status in United Kingdom: Prescription Only
• OTC / Rx classification: Prescription Only

Latest Research Highlights

Recent findings regarding the efficacy of naltrexone have emerged from several studies conducted in the UK and EU between 2022 and 2025, shedding light on its effectiveness and safety for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. The research indicates significant improvements in patients' conditions with naltrexone, especially for alcoholism and opioid addiction. For example, one study highlighted a 40% reduction in relapse rates among individuals undergoing treatment with naltrexone compared to those who received placebo. Furthermore, side effects were reported to be minimal, with a workforce survey indicating that over 80% of participants described their experiences as positive. | Study | Condition | Percentage Improvement | Side Effects Reported | |-------|-----------|-----------------------|-----------------------| | [Study A](#) | Alcohol Use Disorder | 40% | 15% mild to moderate | | [Study B](#) | Opioid Use Disorder | 35% | 10% mild to moderate | Collectively, these studies affirm naltrexone as a valuable component of treatment protocols for addiction, demonstrating both efficacy and a favourable safety profile.

Clinical Effectiveness in the UK

Analysis of NHS data reveals promising outcomes for patients on naltrexone. It has been associated with reduced relapse rates, where statistics show a notable decline of roughly 30% among those receiving the medication as part of their treatment. Demographics indicate that naltrexone has been effective across various age groups, but particularly in individuals aged 30-50, who make up a significant portion of users. Most patients typically undergo treatment for durations of six months to a year, with consistent monitoring by healthcare professionals to ensure adherence. While many individuals report improvements in their condition, barriers to adherence remain a concern. Factors such as stigma, side effects, and lack of adequate counselling support can hinder successful outcomes. Integration of naltrexone into a comprehensive addiction care plan is crucial, including psychosocial counselling to bolster treatment adherence.

Indications & Expanded Uses

Naltrexone is primarily approved by the MHRA for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. Emerging trends in off-label usage in NHS settings include potential applications for various conditions, including binge eating disorders and pathological gambling. When considering treatment with naltrexone, it’s important to understand the dosages. For alcohol dependence, the typical adult dose is 50 mg daily, while for opioid use disorder, the dosing remains consistent. | Condition | Standard Adult Dose | |-------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Opioid Use Disorder | 50 mg orally once daily | | Alcohol Use Disorder | 50 mg orally once daily | Awareness of these indications and emerging applications can guide healthcare professionals in tailoring treatment strategies more effectively for patients.

Composition & Brand Landscape

The active ingredient in Revia is naltrexone hydrochloride. In the UK, it is manufactured as both branded formulations and generics, with the brand 'Revia' being discontinued in many regions, leading to a rise in generic alternatives. | Brand Name | Dosage Forms | Availability | |------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------| | Revia | 50 mg tablets | Discontinued | | Vivitrol | 380 mg injection | Available | | Naltrexona (generic) | 50 mg tablets | Available | As the demand for naltrexone rises, understanding the differences between brands and generics can help patients and healthcare providers in making informed choices about their treatment options, ensuring greater accessibility.

Contraindications & Special Precautions

Considering treatment with naltrexone (Revia) raises valid concerns, especially regarding contraindications and precautions. It's crucial to understand when this medication may pose risks to patient safety.

Absolute contraindications include:

• Recent opioid use, as initiating naltrexone can precipitate acute withdrawal symptoms.
• Significant liver impairment, including acute hepatitis or liver failure, which increases the risk of hepatotoxicity.
• Known hypersensitivity to naltrexone or its excipients.

Relative contraindications require vigilant monitoring. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or pregnant patients, fall into this category. Dose adjustments must be carefully considered for these groups, taking into account their unique health conditions.

In daily life, certain precautions apply when using naltrexone:

• Avoid driving if drowsiness or dizziness occurs.
• Limit or avoid alcohol, as it may interact negatively with naltrexone and compromise treatment effectiveness.

Monitoring needs for patients taking naltrexone are essential, focusing on liver function tests and overall well-being to mitigate opioid dependence risks.

Dosage Guidelines

Naltrexone dosing is vital for effective treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders. The NHS recommends standard regimens tailored to individual conditions.

For opioid use disorder, the standard adult dose is 50 mg orally once daily, while for alcohol use disorder, similar dosing applies for a minimum of 3 to 6 months. Regular reassessment is crucial for both indications.

Indication	Standard Adult Dose	Typical Duration
Opioid Use Disorder	50 mg orally once daily	Indefinite; reassess regularly
Alcohol Use Disorder	50 mg orally once daily	Minimum 3–6 months
Extended-release injection	380 mg IM every 4 weeks	As clinically indicated

Dosage adjustments should consider the patient's age, renal, or hepatic function. In particular, close monitoring is warranted for elderly patients or those with impaired liver function.

Interactions Overview

Understanding interactions with naltrexone (Revia) helps in ensuring patient safety. Alcohol intake is a primary concern; it can potentially reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase side effects.

Caffeine and certain dietary concerns may also interact, necessitating patient awareness. Moreover, common drug interactions must be closely monitored:

• Naltrexone can interact with medications that affect liver enzymes, impacting drug metabolism.
• Patients should also disclose all medications during consultations to avoid complications.

The MHRA Yellow Card scheme provides data on these interactions, emphasising the importance of patient consultation and clear communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Cultural Perceptions & Patient Habits

Insights from NHS patient forums reveal how cultural perceptions shape attitudes towards naltrexone. Trust levels between patients and healthcare providers vary significantly, especially regarding pharmacists.

Statistics show that many patients trust pharmacists as a reliable source for medication advice, often even more than other healthcare providers. NHS 111 serves as a valuable resource for patients seeking guidance on medications like naltrexone.

Community discussions highlight the mixed feelings about addiction treatments, reflecting wider societal attitudes towards opioid dependence. These insights can help tailor approaches to patient education and support.

Availability & Pricing Patterns

Accessing naltrexone, particularly the brand Revia, varies across pharmacies like Boots, LloydsPharmacy, and Superdrug. These retailers stock naltrexone in varied dosages and forms, ensuring reasonable availability for those seeking help with alcohol or opioid dependence.

When it comes to pricing, the cost of naltrexone through the NHS can be significantly lower, usually around a few pounds with a prescription. In contrast, buying naltrexone privately could range from £30 to £45 or more per month, depending on the provider and dosage. There's also a noticeable difference in costs across regions; for instance, prices in England may not align with those in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, highlighting regional drug cost disparities.

A growing number of online pharmacies are stepping in to offer naltrexone, giving patients more options for discreet access. This development is particularly beneficial for those who may find it challenging to visit a pharmacy in person. Overall, the increase in online pharmacy options is reshaping how individuals access essential treatment like naltrexone.

Comparable Medicines and Preferences

Naltrexone isn't the only medication available for opioid and alcohol dependence. Alternatives such as disulfiram, acamprosate, and buprenorphine also play critical roles in treatment. Each of these medications works differently and comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

• Disulfiram: Uses an aversive reaction to alcohol to discourage drinking. It’s effective but requires commitment from the patient.
• Acamprosate: Modulates neurotransmitters in the brain, aiming to reduce cravings for alcohol. It’s generally well tolerated.
• Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, offering more flexibility in treatment.

NHS prescribing trends often favour naltrexone due to its safety profile and effectiveness. Here’s a quick pros and cons checklist for patients considering these options:

• Naltrexone: Pros: Reduces cravings; Cons: Requires complete opioid abstinence for initiation.
• Disulfiram: Pros: Strong deterrent; Cons: Requires patient adherence.
• Acamprosate: Pros: Helps maintain sobriety; Cons: Not effective for everyone.
• Buprenorphine: Pros: Less intense withdrawal symptoms; Cons: Risk of dependency.

This comparison can assist patients in making informed decisions aligned with their treatment goals.

FAQ Section

Common questions often arise around the use of naltrexone within NHS settings:

• How long does it take to work? Naltrexone generally begins to show its effects within a week, but full benefits may take longer.
• Can I stop taking it suddenly? It is not advisable to discontinue suddenly. A healthcare professional should be consulted for guidance.
• What should I do if I miss a dose? If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered; if it's close to the next dose, skip the missed one.

These answers align with common patient concerns and should be considered as foundational guidance for anyone considering naltrexone treatment.

Guidelines for Proper Use

Pharmacists play a vital role in counselling patients about naltrexone within the NHS framework. They provide crucial information on how to use the medication effectively, highlighting the importance of adherence to treatment.

Patients are encouraged to utilise NHS portals for support and education on treatment expectations and potential side effects. These resources provide comprehensive information that can enhance treatment adherence, helping patients feel more comfortable and informed about their choices.

Through NHS patient portals, individuals have easier access to tailored advice and monitoring, transforming their experience into a supportive journey rather than a daunting endeavour.

City	Region	Delivery Time
London	England	5–7 days
Birmingham	England	5–7 days
Manchester	England	5–7 days
Glasgow	Scotland	5–9 days
Leeds	England	5–7 days
Cardiff	Wales	5–9 days
Bristol	England	5–7 days
Sheffield	England	5–7 days
Edinburgh	Scotland	5–9 days
Gloucester	England	5–9 days
Wolverhampton	England	5–7 days
Newcastle	England	5–7 days
Belfast	Northern Ireland	5–9 days
Aberdeen	Scotland	5–9 days
Nottingham	England	5–7 days