Get Naltrexone

Evidence reviewed

United Kingdom

Naltrexone in the UK

NICE recommends considering oral naltrexone after assisted withdrawal for moderate or severe alcohol dependence, with psychological treatment. The June 2026 Drug Tariff lists a 28-tablet pack at £160.30; that tariff price is not the patient's NHS prescription charge.

NHS access guideHow naltrexone works
A clinician compares public funding, insurance, and self-pay routes toward a pharmacy

Naltrexone in the United Kingdom

Naltrexone is fully integrated into UK clinical guidelines. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends oral naltrexone in two key guidelines:

  • NICE CG115 (Alcohol-use disorders): For people with moderate and severe alcohol dependence, consider offering acamprosate or oral naltrexone after successful assisted withdrawal, combined with individual psychological intervention. Treatment is usually prescribed for up to 6 months, or longer for those benefiting who wish to continue.
  • NICE TA115 (Drug misuse — naltrexone): Recommends naltrexone as a treatment option in detoxified formerly opioid-dependent people who are highly motivated to remain in an abstinence programme.

The June 2026 NHS Drug Tariff lists naltrexone 50 mg tablets at 16,030 pence (£160.30) for 28 tablets. This is a reimbursement/list figure, not necessarily what a patient pays. Prescription charging and exemptions differ across the UK nations and can change, so check current NHS guidance for where you live.

How to access naltrexone on the NHS

The typical pathway through UK healthcare.

  1. See your NHS GP

    Book an appointment with your GP and discuss your alcohol or opioid concerns. Your GP will assess your drinking or drug use, your general health, and your readiness for treatment. They can refer you to your local NHS specialist alcohol or drug service. You can also self-refer to many NHS addiction services directly — check your local trust's website.

  2. Specialist assessment

    NHS addiction services provide comprehensive assessment including medical history, liver function blood tests (baseline urea and electrolytes, liver function tests including GGT), and discussion of treatment options. Naltrexone is one of several medication options discussed alongside acamprosate and disulfiram. Psychological interventions (CBT, behavioural therapy, social network therapy) are offered in combination.

  3. Initiation and monitoring

    Naltrexone is started at 25 mg on day 1, increasing to 50 mg daily if tolerated. NICE recommends monthly supervision for at least 6 months, with reduced but regular intervals if continued beyond 6 months. Your prescribing doctor (specialist initially, then GP under Shared Care) monitors your progress, side effects, and liver function.

A patient moves from GP assessment to specialist review and ongoing monitoring

Naltrexone on the NHS: key numbers

Current tariff data and NICE guidance, checked 26 July 2026.

28-tablet tariff price
£160.30

June 2026 Drug Tariff; not the patient's prescription charge

Usual target dose
50 mg

NICE CG115 starts at 25 mg and aims for 50 mg daily

Usual initial course
6 months

Can continue longer when benefiting and the person wishes to continue

Early review point
4–6 weeks

NICE advises stopping if drinking persists at this stage

UK-specific questions

Is £160.30 what an NHS patient pays?

No. It is the June 2026 Drug Tariff listing for a 28-tablet pack. Patient prescription charges and exemptions differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and can change; check the current NHS rules for your nation.

Can a GP prescribe naltrexone?

Local initiation and shared-care arrangements vary. NICE recommends oral naltrexone as part of a coordinated treatment programme after assessment. Ask your GP or local alcohol and drug service which clinician initiates and monitors it in your area.

Is targeted naltrexone standard NHS treatment?

NICE CG115 describes daily oral naltrexone after assisted withdrawal. Targeted dosing is not the standard protocol in that recommendation; any off-label plan requires an individual prescriber decision.

How do I verify private cost?

Request an itemised current quote covering consultation, laboratory tests, prescription, pharmacy supply, and follow-up. Do not infer the private price from the NHS tariff.

Primary sources

  1. NICE CG115 recommendations

    Alcohol dependence treatment recommendations.

  2. NHS Drug Tariff, June 2026 (PDF)

    Naltrexone listing at 16,030 pence for 28 tablets.

Find naltrexone treatment in the UK

Start with an NHS GP or local alcohol and drug service. Ask which service initiates treatment locally and check the current prescription-charge rules for your UK nation.

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