UAE Naltrexone Registry Check: What Is Actually Listed?
A dated check of the UAE drug directory: Contrave is active, standalone naltrexone was not found, and DHA guidance still recognises naltrexone clinically.
This post records a point-in-time registry check. For the evergreen access interpretation, see Naltrexone in the UAE.
What we searched
We used the Emirates Drug Establishment Drug Directory, searching both active ingredient and product names:
- Naltrexone: one result
- Contrave: one result
- Trexan: no result
- Mysimba: no result
The returned record was Contrave 8 mg/90 mg, manufactured by Algorithm SAL and shown as active, with a registration date of 8 June 2017.
Why this is commercially useful—but not proof of popularity
An active medicine-directory entry is good evidence that a product has a formal UAE commercial application. It does not reveal current pharmacy stock, units sold, prescriptions written, patient demand, insurance coverage, or the final price.
No public prescribing-volume or reliable popularity dataset was found. We therefore describe Contrave as registered, not “popular.”
Contrave is not addiction-treatment naltrexone
Contrave combines low-dose naltrexone with bupropion for weight management. Standalone 50 mg naltrexone used in alcohol- or opioid-dependence treatment is a different product with different dosing and safety considerations.
The Dubai Health Authority addiction-treatment standards list naltrexone (Trexan) among treatment medicines. This is valuable clinical evidence, but it does not prove that Trexan is currently registered or stocked.
What a patient or clinician should verify
- The exact product name and strength.
- Whether supply is through ordinary pharmacy stock or a lawful special route.
- Current price, consultation fee, and insurance position.
- The intended indication and whether the formulation matches it.
- Opioid use, liver history, pregnancy, and other contraindications before prescribing.
Sources and check date
Registry status can change. This post should be rechecked at least every six months.
- EDE Drug Directory
Checked 26 July 2026.