Generic Revia (Naltrexone)

Introduction

Revia is a tablet formulation that contains the opioid-receptor antagonist naltrexone. It is supplied in 50 mg film-coated pills and is classified as an antineurotic medication used principally to reduce cravings for alcohol and to support relapse prevention in opioid-dependence after detoxification. The drug is marketed in the United States by several manufacturers, and it is also available from international licensed suppliers. In addition to its primary indications, clinicians occasionally explore off-label applications such as management of certain autoimmune disorders, although such uses have not received formal regulatory approval.

What is Revia?

Revia is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound naltrexone. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Naltrexone was first synthesized in the s and later approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for alcohol-dependence (2006) and for opioid-dependence relapse prevention (approved as the injectable formulation Vivitrol). The pill form of naltrexone is marketed under brand names such as Vivitrol (injectable) and other regional trade names; Revia offers the same pharmacologic action at a lower price point. The medication belongs to the class of opioid antagonists and is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions by several FDA-registered firms.

How Revia Works

Naltrexone binds competitively to μ-opioid receptors in the central nervous system with high affinity but without activating the receptor. By occupying these sites, the drug blocks the euphoric and reinforcing effects of exogenous opioids and diminishes the dopaminergic surge associated with alcohol consumption. The blockade reduces craving intensity and helps patients maintain abstinence. Oral naltrexone reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1 hour after ingestion; its half-life is approximately 4 hours, while the active metabolite 6-β-naltrexol has a half-life of 13 hours, providing sustained receptor occupancy for up to 24 hours after a single dose.

Conditions Treated with Reiva

• Alcohol-Use Disorder (AUD) - Revia is FDA-cleared to reduce the desire to drink and to support continued abstinence in patients who have already achieved initial sobriety. Clinical trials demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in the number of heavy-drinking days compared with placebo.
• Opioid-Dependence (Post-Detoxification) - Although the injectable formulation Vivitrol is the approved product for this indication, oral naltrexone (Revia) is frequently employed off-label in the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions to prevent relapse after opioid withdrawal. The mechanism of opioid-receptor blockade diminishes the rewarding effects of any opioid exposure.

These approved uses are supported by large-scale randomized controlled trials and are incorporated into national treatment guidelines (e.g., the American Society of Addiction Medicine).

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Revia

• Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease). Small pilot studies have reported reductions in inflammatory markers and clinical relapse rates, suggesting a modulatory effect on the immune system via opioid-receptor pathways.
• Weight Management and Metabolic Syndrome. Some investigators have explored naltrexone in combination with bupropion for appetite control; the combination is approved under the brand Contrave, but naltrexone alone has shown modest effects on binge-eating episodes.
• Pruritus (Chronic Itch). Case series indicate that oral naltrexone may alleviate refractory itching, possibly by blocking central itch-mediating pathways.

These applications have not received FDA or EMA approval. Patients considering any off-label therapy must do so only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, who can weigh the limited evidence against potential risks.

Is Revia the Right Medication for You?

Revia is most appropriate for adults who have completed detoxification from alcohol or opioids and who are committed to a structured relapse-prevention program, including counseling and monitoring. Ideal candidates:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of alcohol-use disorder or opioid-dependence per DSM-5 criteria.
• Are medically cleared of acute liver disease (baseline liver function tests < 3 × ULN) because naltrexone is hepatically metabolized.
• Do not require opioid analgesia, as the antagonist effect will block pain-relieving opioids.

Contraindications include: current opioid use, acute hepatitis or liver failure, severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min), and known hypersensitivity to naltrexone or any excipients in the tablet. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid Revia unless the benefit clearly outweighs potential risks.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Dizziness, especially when standing up quickly

These events occur in more than 5 % of patients and are usually transient, resolving within the first week of therapy.

Rare

• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea or abdominal cramps)
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST)

These side effects are reported in less than 1 % of users and often improve with dose adjustment or continued treatment.

Serious

• Hepatotoxicity - Significant increases in transaminases (> 3 × ULN) have been documented, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Routine liver-function monitoring is recommended.
• Severe allergic reaction - Rash, pruritus, facial swelling, or anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention.
• Acute opioid withdrawal - If naltrexone is administered before complete opioid clearance, precipitated withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Patients should report any sudden worsening of symptoms, jaundice, or signs of hypersensitivity promptly.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Opioid analgesics - Naltrexone antagonizes their effect; concurrent use can lead to uncontrolled pain.
• Disulfiram - Both drugs may increase hepatotoxic risk when combined.
• Warfarin - Rare case reports suggest altered INR; monitoring is advisable.

Drug-Food Interactions

• No specific food restrictions, but taking the tablet with a light meal can reduce nausea. Alcohol consumption should be avoided, as it defeats the therapeutic purpose and may increase liver strain.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing for alcohol-use disorder is 50 mg orally once daily, taken at the same time each day. For off-label or investigational protocols, clinicians may adjust the schedule, but the 50 mg daily dose remains the most widely studied regimen.

Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is still ≥ 12 hours away, take the tablet as soon as remembered. If the next dose is within 12 hours, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Never double-dose.

Overdose: Acute oral overdose of naltrexone is unlikely to be fatal but may cause profound nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and transient hypotension. Patients should seek emergency care, where supportive measures (intravenous fluids, anti-emetics) are provided. No specific antidote exists.

Practical precautions:

• The tablet may be swallowed whole with water; crushing is not required.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Revia, as it undermines treatment goals and can exacerbate liver toxicity.
• Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until you know how Revia affects you, especially early in therapy when dizziness is more common.

FAQ

• What should I do if I travel internationally with Revia?

  • Carry the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label (or a copy of the prescription). Keep it in your hand luggage to protect it from extreme temperatures and to avoid loss in checked baggage.

• Can Revia be taken with coffee or other caffeinated beverages?

  • Caffeine does not interfere with naltrexone’s pharmacodynamics. However, excessive caffeine may increase nervousness or insomnia, which are already possible side effects of Revia.

• How long does a Revia tablet stay stable when stored at room temperature?

  • The product retains its potency for at least 24 months when stored in a dry place at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) away from direct sunlight and moisture.

• Are there any visible differences between generic Revia and brand-name tablets?

  • Generic tablets are typically white, round, and film-coated, bearing the imprint “NALT 50”. Brand-name formulations may differ in shape, color, or imprint but contain the same active ingredient and dosage.

• Does Revia affect urine drug testing results?

  • Standard opioid screening assays detect the presence of opioids, not naltrexone. However, some specialized tests can identify naltrexone or its metabolites, which may be noted on a detailed toxicology report.

• Is Revia safe for patients with mild hypertension?

  • Naltrexone does not have a direct effect on blood pressure. Patients with controlled mild hypertension can usually use Revia, but routine monitoring is advisable, particularly if other antihypertensive agents are used.

• Can Revia be used in combination with behavioral therapy?

  • Yes. Evidence shows that integrating medication with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mutual-support groups improves long-term abstinence rates.

• What is the rationale for using Revia in autoimmune conditions?

  • Preliminary research suggests that opioid receptors are expressed on immune cells, and antagonism may dampen pro-inflammatory cytokine release. This hypothesis underlies small pilot trials, but larger studies are needed.

• How does liver function influence Revia dosing?

  • Because naltrexone is metabolized hepatically, baseline liver enzymes should be checked before initiation. Patients with severe hepatic impairment may require dose reduction or avoidance altogether.

• Is it necessary to discontinue Revia before surgery?

  • No specific peri-operative restriction exists, but surgeons should be informed of the medication, especially if postoperative opioid analgesia is planned, as naltrexone will block opioid effectiveness.

Glossary

Opioid Antagonist

A substance that binds to opioid receptors without activating them, thereby preventing other opioids from exerting their effects.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver damage caused by a chemical agent; in this context, elevated liver enzymes indicating stress to hepatic cells.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

Relapse Prevention

A therapeutic strategy aimed at maintaining abstinence after initial detoxification, often involving medication, counseling, and monitoring.

Buying Revia from Our Online pharmacy

Revia can be purchased from our online pharmacy, which specializes in delivering generic medications at prices close to the manufacturer’s cost. We source each batch from licensed, GMP-certified suppliers, guaranteeing that the product meets rigorous quality standards. Orders are packaged discreetly and shipped with reliable carriers; standard airmail typically arrives within three weeks, while express delivery is available in about seven days for most destinations. Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we can provide international medicines to patients who face limited access through local pharmacies or insurance formularies. Privacy is a core value: all shipments are unmarked, and personal data is handled in compliance with data-protection regulations.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Revia is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice. All therapeutic decisions, including those concerning off-label applications, should be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of evaluating health information responsibly. Our online pharmacy offers a means to obtain Revia for individuals who may encounter limited availability via conventional pharmacy channels or who seek a more affordable generic alternative. Prior to initiating, adjusting, or stopping any medication, consult a qualified healthcare provider.