Basic Revia Information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Naltrexone hydrochloride
• Brand Names Available In United Kingdom: Revia (50 mg tablets; brand discontinued in many regions, generics available), Vivitrol (380 mg monthly intramuscular injection; available), Depade (50 mg tablets; discontinued), and various generics from manufacturers such as Teva, Sandoz and Accord Healthcare.
• ATC Code: N07BB04
• Forms & Dosages: Tablet 50 mg oral (film-coated, scored; blisters or bottles) and prolonged‑release injection 380 mg per vial for intramuscular use (powder for reconstitution).
• Manufacturers In United Kingdom: Not specified in the supplied data; generics and branded suppliers listed include Teva, Sandoz, Accord Healthcare and Alkermes (for Vivitrol).
• Registration Status In United Kingdom: Prescription-only medicine; EU/EMA approval noted in data and prescription requirement applies.
• OTC / Rx Classification: Prescription Only (Rx)

Initial Instructions, Warnings & Daily-Life Integration

Worried about whether revia is safe for you right now?

Revia (naltrexone hydrochloride) is a prescription-only medicine regulated by UK authorities and should only be started under a prescriber's supervision.

Do not start naltrexone if you have used opioids in the past 7–10 days because of the risk of precipitated withdrawal.

Avoid naltrexone if you have acute hepatitis or known liver failure, and tell your prescriber about any history of depression or suicidal thoughts.

Treatment should always be combined with psychosocial support as standard NHS practice for best outcomes.

For daily-life use, set a fixed daily alarm and consider taking the tablet in the morning if you experience sleep disturbance with the drug.

If you are prescribed the extended‑release injection (Vivitrol 380 mg), it must be stored refrigerated until clinic administration and given by clinic staff monthly.

Carry a wallet-sized note indicating that you take naltrexone if it is used for opioid relapse prevention so emergency staff know opioid analgesia may be blocked.

Practical storage: keep tablets at 20–25°C in a dry place and away from direct heat or moisture.

Below is a quick checklist for contraindications and an example wallet-sized card template you can print and carry.

• Contraindications Checklist: Current opioid use or withdrawal; acute hepatitis or liver failure; known hypersensitivity to naltrexone or tablet excipients.
• Wallet Card Template: “Name: ______. Medication: Naltrexone (Revia/generic) 50 mg daily or Vivitrol 380 mg monthly. Warning: Opioid analgesia may be ineffective. Contact GP: ______. Allergies: ______.”

Everyday Use & Best Practices

Morning Vs Evening Dosing

Do I take revia in the morning or the evening?

The standard oral dose is 50 mg once daily and many UK patients prefer morning dosing to reduce the chance of insomnia.

If you notice daytime tiredness on starting treatment, discuss with your GP or pharmacist about switching to evening dosing.

Whatever time you choose, take naltrexone at the same time each day to build adherence and reduce missed doses.

A patient example: a London commuter links the 50 mg tablet to their morning tea and sets a phone alarm to improve consistency.

Taking With Or Without Meals (UK Diet Habits)

Can I take revia with my cooked breakfast or cereal?

Tablets may be taken with or without food, and taking them with a carbohydrate-rich breakfast or a full English can reduce mild nausea for some people.

Avoid breaking the tablet unless it is scored and your clinician has approved doing so.

If using the 380 mg extended‑release injection, attend monthly clinic appointments and request appointment reminders from the clinic or your pharmacy.

Practical tools to support daily routine:

• Daily checklist linked to a morning habit such as tea or breakfast.
• Pharmacy blister packs or monitored dosing where available.
• NHS repeat-prescription reminders or calendar alerts.

Safety Priorities

Who Should Avoid It (MHRA Warnings)

Am I in a group that must not take revia?

Do not begin naltrexone if you have used opioids in the last 7–10 days as it can provoke sudden and severe withdrawal.

Avoid naltrexone in acute hepatitis or severe hepatic impairment because of hepatotoxicity risk.

Do not take the drug if you have a known hypersensitivity to naltrexone or any excipients listed in the leaflet.

Tell your clinician if you have a history of depression or suicidal ideation so mental-health monitoring can be arranged.

In elderly patients and those with renal or hepatic impairment, clinicians should weigh benefit versus risk and monitor liver function tests closely.

Activities To Limit (Driving, Work Safety)

Will revia affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, sleepy or cognitively impaired after starting treatment.

If you are using naltrexone for alcohol dependence, remember that drinking alcohol while on treatment is contraindicated and may worsen mood symptoms.

Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms such as dark urine, jaundice, severe abdominal pain, signs of acute withdrawal, or any severe allergic reaction.

Report suspected adverse reactions to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme and inform your prescriber promptly.

Emergency checklist for patients:

• Symptoms of liver injury: yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, right‑upper‑quadrant pain.
• Signs of severe withdrawal: vomiting, severe agitation, rapid heart rate, breathing difficulties.
• Allergic reactions: swelling, rash, difficulty breathing.

Dosage & Adjustments

General Regimen (NHS Guidance)

What is the typical dosing schedule for revia?

Standard adult oral dosing is 50 mg once daily for alcohol dependence or for relapse prevention in opioid dependence.

An alternative is the extended‑release intramuscular injection 380 mg every four weeks (Vivitrol) for patients where monthly clinic administration is preferred.

Begin naltrexone only when the patient has been opioid-free for 7–10 days to prevent precipitated withdrawal.

Typical duration is at least 3–6 months for alcohol dependence and may be indefinite for opioid relapse prevention depending on clinical need.

Special Cases (Elderly, Comorbidities)

Do doses change for older adults or those with health problems?

Children under 18 are not generally recommended to use naltrexone because safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Elderly patients should be treated with caution and renal and hepatic function monitored, although routine dose reduction is not specified in supplied data.

In moderate hepatic or renal impairment clinicians may consider a lower dose and more frequent liver function monitoring, but avoid use in acute hepatitis or liver failure.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is near time for the next dose; do not double up.

User Testimonials

Positive Reports From UK Patients

Will revia help reduce cravings and return life to normal?

Many UK patients report reduced cravings for alcohol or opioids and say they feel more able to engage with psychological therapies while on naltrexone.

Patients who switch to monthly injections often praise the convenience and improved adherence when oral tablets are missed frequently.

Common positive themes include improved family relationships, better work stability and feeling more in control of relapse risk.

Common Challenges (Patient.info, NHS Forums)

What problems do people commonly face when using revia?

Initial side effects such as nausea, headache and disturbed sleep are commonly reported and tend to settle with time.

Access remains a challenge for some, with patients noting difficulty finding local specialist clinics that provide Vivitrol injections.

Forums such as Patient.info and NHS discussion threads often ask for clearer guidance about the opioid-free window before starting treatment and about generic availability since Revia has been discontinued in many areas.

Practical tips from peers include using pharmacy blister packs, asking the GP about anti‑nausea advice and linking in with local support groups.

Buying Guide

Pharmacy Sources (Boots, LloydsPharmacy, Superdrug)

Where can I get revia in the UK?

Naltrexone is prescription-only and is typically issued by GPs, addiction services or hospital clinics and dispensed by community pharmacies such as Boots, LloydsPharmacy and Superdrug.

Online UK‑registered pharmacies can dispense on receipt of a valid prescription; always verify MHRA/UK pharmacy registration before ordering.

Note on brand supply: Revia as a brand has been discontinued in many regions, but generic naltrexone tablets from manufacturers such as Teva, Sandoz and Accord are widely available.

In our online pharmacy, revia is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to United Kingdom in 5–14 days.

Price Comparison (NHS Prescription Charge Vs Private)

How much will revia cost me?

On the NHS, prescriptions are issued by GPs or specialist services and a prescription charge applies per item in England; prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Generics are generally cheaper than any branded product, and private prescriptions or clinic-administered injections will incur additional fees.

When ordering online, check the pharmacy's credentials and comparison shop for dispensing fees and delivery times.

Checklist for safe online pharmacy purchasing:

• Confirm UK pharmacy registration and MHRA compliance.
• Require a valid prescription from a UK prescriber.
• Check packaging and manufacturer details on the dispensed product.

What’s Inside & How It Works

Ingredients Overview

What exactly is in a revia tablet?

The active ingredient is naltrexone hydrochloride 50 mg for oral tablets, with excipients varying by manufacturer; always check the patient information leaflet for full contents.

The extended‑release formulation is supplied as a 380 mg powder for reconstitution for intramuscular injection (Vivitrol).

Mechanism Basics Explained Simply

How does naltrexone reduce cravings?

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks mu opioid receptors so that opioids produce little or no effect.

By blocking parts of the brain's reward pathway, naltrexone reduces the reinforcing effects of alcohol and opioids and can lower cravings.

It does not cause intoxication or physical dependence itself, but because it blocks opioid receptors it can prevent opioid analgesia in emergency care situations.

Short description—what it does and what it does not do:

• What It Does: Blocks opioid receptors, reduces alcohol and opioid reward and decreases cravings.
• What It Does Not Do: Does not produce a high, is not an opioid painkiller, and is not a cure without psychosocial support.

Main Indications

Approved Uses (MHRA Listing)

What conditions is revia licensed to treat?

Naltrexone is approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence and for relapse prevention in opioid dependence as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.

Routes include oral 50 mg tablets and extended‑release intramuscular injections of 380 mg for monthly administration.

Off-Label Uses In UK Clinics

Are there other uses for naltrexone?

Some UK clinics explore off‑label use in impulse-control disorders or other behavioural addictions, but these uses are less established and should only be considered after specialist consultation.

Checklist before starting treatment includes confirming the indication, ensuring opioid-free status for opioid-use disorder, baseline liver function tests and arranging follow-up.

Interaction Warnings

Food Interactions (Alcohol, Tea/Coffee)

Can I drink alcohol or have my usual tea while on revia?

Alcohol is contraindicated while taking naltrexone because it can interfere with treatment aims and pose additional risks.

Tea and coffee do not have clinically significant interactions with naltrexone, although caffeine may worsen anxiety or sleep problems for some patients who experience these as side effects.

Drug Conflicts (MHRA Yellow Card Reports)

Which medicines will conflict with revia?

Naltrexone blocks opioid analgesics, so patients needing opioid pain relief after starting naltrexone may not respond and alternative analgesia should be discussed with prescribers.

Caution is needed with opioids, partial agonists and mixed opioids such as buprenorphine and methadone.

Monitor combined use with sedative drugs such as benzodiazepines and heavy alcohol use because of additive sedation or respiratory risks.

Report suspected new interactions or serious adverse events via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Latest Evidence & Insights

Key UK & EU Studies 2022–2025

What does recent research say about naltrexone?

Recent UK and EU studies continue to support naltrexone's role in reducing relapse rates for alcohol dependence and in lowering opioid relapse when used within comprehensive care programmes.

Evidence shows that extended‑release injections can improve adherence and reduce short‑term relapse risk compared with oral therapy in selected patient groups.

Meta-analyses reiterate that medication combined with psychosocial support offers the best outcomes for sustained recovery.

Safety reviews highlight rare but important hepatotoxicity signals and recommend baseline and periodic liver function monitoring during treatment.

Practical takeaway: if adherence is a concern discuss the injection option and how the latest evidence applies to your local care pathway.

Alternative Choices

NHS Prescribing Alternatives With Pros/Cons Checklist

Is revia the only treatment option for alcohol or opioid dependence?

For alcohol dependence alternative NHS medicines include disulfiram, acamprosate and nalmefene, each with different mechanisms and monitoring needs.

For opioid dependence, methadone and buprenorphine (including combination products such as sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone) remain standard opioid agonist therapies.

Quick pros and cons:

• Disulfiram: Deterrent via aversive reaction—effective if supervised but risky if alcohol is consumed.
• Acamprosate: Helps with protracted withdrawal symptoms and generally has fewer hepatic concerns.
• Nalmefene: Used as-needed to reduce heavy drinking episodes.
• Methadone/Buprenorphine: Effective opioid agonist treatments that require specialist prescribing and supervised dosing.

Choose based on liver function, patient preference, likelihood of adherence and co‑morbidities.

Regulation Snapshot

MHRA Approval & NHS Prescribing Framework

How is revia regulated and prescribed in the UK?

Naltrexone hydrochloride is prescription-only in the UK and safety guidance and adverse-event reporting are handled via MHRA processes, including the Yellow Card scheme.

Prescriptions are issued by GPs or specialist addiction services and community clinics may administer injections such as Vivitrol.

Practical Regulatory Notes (Brand Availability)

What about brand availability like Revia or Vivitrol?

Revia as a brand has been discontinued in many regions and generics from established manufacturers are commonly used instead.

Vivitrol remains available as the 380 mg extended‑release injectable supplied by Alkermes.

Check local NHS trust formularies for availability and referral pathways if you are seeking clinic‑administered injections.

FAQ

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Naltrexone?

No.

Alcohol is contraindicated during treatment and drinking undermines both safety and effectiveness; discuss any lapses openly with your prescriber.

If I’m Offered Opioid Pain Relief In A&E, Will Naltrexone Stop It Working?

Yes.

Naltrexone blocks opioid analgesia and emergency staff need to know this; carry a note and inform clinicians who may prefer non-opioid or regional analgesic techniques.

Is It Available On The NHS And Will I Be Charged?

It is available on prescription.

Prescription charges apply in England (check the current NHS fee), while prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What Monitoring Will I Need?

Baseline and periodic liver function tests are required, together with regular review by the GP or addiction service and mental-health monitoring as appropriate.

Guidelines For Proper Use

UK Pharmacist Counselling Style

What will a UK pharmacist tell me when dispensing revia?

A pharmacist should confirm the indication and ensure you have been opioid-free for the recommended 7–10 days before starting treatment.

They should review your liver disease history, discuss common side effects such as nausea and insomnia, and advise on missed doses and storage at 20–25°C.

Pharmacists should supply a wallet card stating naltrexone use and offer adherence aids such as blister packs or monthly reminders.

NHS Patient Support Advice

Where can I get extra support while taking revia?

Patients should be linked with local addiction services, community pharmacies that offer supervised dosing, psychological therapies and peer-support groups such as AA or SMART Recovery.

For cost questions the pharmacist can explain prescription charges or signpost to Prescription Prepayment Certificates where relevant.

Offer of support: the pharmacist should explain Yellow Card reporting and give clear follow-up arrangements with the GP or clinic.

Delivery Across United Kingdom

Final Practical Notes

What should I do next if I'm considering revia?

Start by discussing suitability with your GP or an addiction specialist who can confirm opioid-free status and arrange baseline liver tests.

Bring up adherence options such as monthly Vivitrol injections if pills are often missed and request printed information about side effects and emergency signs to watch for.

Carry a wallet card that states you are taking naltrexone and that opioid analgesia may be ineffective in emergencies.

If you experience any worrying symptoms such as jaundice, severe abdominal pain, or severe mood changes contact emergency services or your prescriber immediately and report the event to the Yellow Card scheme.

For ongoing supply, check with local pharmacies such as Boots, LloydsPharmacy and Superdrug and confirm whether a generic formulation will be supplied.

Finally, combine medication with psychosocial support for the best chance of long‑term recovery.