Revia at a glance
Revia is a brand name associated with naltrexone, a medicine used in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It is not an intoxicating medicine and does not replace counselling, medical review, or recovery support. Treatment should be planned with a qualified clinician who understands the patient’s substance-use and medical history.
Naltrexone works only when it is appropriate for the individual’s clinical situation. It may be considered as part of a wider treatment programme that includes psychological and social support. Its suitability depends particularly on recent opioid use, liver health, and the reason for treatment.
In the Netherlands, medicines containing naltrexone are generally subject to prescription and pharmacy-dispensing requirements. Product availability, pack size, and branding can vary between suppliers. Patients should confirm the exact medicine and strength stated on their prescription.
Active ingredient and medicine class
The active ingredient in Revia is naltrexone hydrochloride. Naltrexone belongs to a group of medicines called opioid antagonists. These medicines block opioid receptors rather than stimulating them.
Blocking these receptors can reduce the rewarding effects associated with alcohol for some people. It also prevents opioid medicines or illicit opioids from producing their usual effects. This makes assessment before starting treatment especially important.
Revia is different from opioid substitution medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine. Those medicines activate opioid receptors in controlled ways, whereas naltrexone blocks them. A clinician can explain which approach is relevant to an individual treatment goal.
What Revia is used for
Revia may be prescribed to support abstinence or reduce relapse risk in alcohol dependence. It can help some patients reduce alcohol-related reward and craving when combined with a treatment plan. Response varies, and it is not a standalone cure for alcohol-use disorder.
It may also be used after detoxification in opioid dependence to help prevent relapse. A person must be fully free from opioids before naltrexone is started. Taking it too soon after opioids can trigger sudden, severe withdrawal symptoms.
The medicine is not intended to treat acute alcohol withdrawal or acute opioid withdrawal. It also does not reverse an opioid overdose. Emergency overdose care requires urgent medical services and appropriate emergency medication, such as naloxone where indicated.
Origin and development of naltrexone
Naltrexone was developed through research into compounds that could block opioid effects. Its development followed earlier work on opioid receptor antagonists and the biology of dependence. The medicine became established as an option for relapse-prevention strategies rather than detoxification itself.
Researchers identified that opioid receptors influence the effects of both opioids and, indirectly, alcohol reward pathways. This led to clinical evaluation of naltrexone in people with alcohol-use disorder and opioid dependence. Regulatory approvals and treatment recommendations have differed by country and formulation.
Modern use reflects decades of clinical experience alongside continuing research into addiction medicine. The medicine is usually used with structured follow-up rather than as an isolated intervention. Regular review helps clinicians consider benefit, adverse effects, and adherence.
How Revia works in the body
Naltrexone attaches strongly to opioid receptors, especially mu-opioid receptors, and blocks activation by opioids. If opioids are taken while naltrexone is active, their pain-relieving and euphoric effects may be reduced or absent. Attempting to overcome this blockade with larger opioid doses can be dangerous.
In alcohol dependence, opioid receptor blockade may lessen the reinforcing effect that alcohol produces for some people. It may therefore support reduced drinking or abstinence goals. The degree of benefit differs between patients and should be reviewed over time.
Because the medicine blocks opioid effects, it can complicate pain management and emergency care. Patients should tell doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and emergency teams that they take naltrexone. Carrying medication information can be useful when travelling or receiving unplanned care.
Forms and strengths
Revia has commonly been supplied as oral tablets containing 50 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride. Equivalent naltrexone products may be marketed under other names. The available presentation depends on authorised products and pharmacy stock in the Netherlands.
Some countries also use long-acting injectable naltrexone formulations. These are not interchangeable with tablets and require clinician administration or supervision. A prescription should specify the exact formulation and dosing plan.
Patients should not split, crush, or alter tablets unless their pharmacist or prescriber confirms that this is appropriate. Tablet appearance can differ by manufacturer. Checking the package label before use helps prevent strength or product mix-ups.
How to take Revia safely
Take Revia exactly as directed on the prescription label. For many adult treatment plans, naltrexone tablets are taken once daily, but the prescriber may use a different schedule. Do not change the dose, stop treatment, or restart after missed doses without professional guidance.
Before starting, the prescriber will normally confirm that opioids are no longer in the body. A period of at least several days without short-acting opioids is commonly required, while longer intervals may be necessary after long-acting opioids, methadone, or buprenorphine. The required interval must be determined by a clinician.
If a dose is missed, patients should follow the instructions provided by their pharmacist or prescriber. Taking extra tablets to compensate can increase the risk of adverse effects. Contact the pharmacy or treatment team if repeated missed doses are becoming a problem.
Duration of effect and elimination
After an oral dose, naltrexone begins blocking opioid receptors within a relatively short period, although the exact onset varies. A usual daily tablet regimen is designed to provide clinically meaningful receptor blockade across the day. Individual response can be affected by dose, metabolism, and liver function.
Naltrexone itself has a relatively short blood half-life, while its active metabolite remains in the body longer. As a general pharmacokinetic guide, naltrexone and its metabolites may take several days to clear substantially after the final dose. This does not mean opioid sensitivity returns predictably at the same time for every person.
After stopping naltrexone, tolerance to opioids may be lower than before treatment. This can increase overdose risk if a person returns to opioid use, especially at a previously familiar dose. Discuss discontinuation and relapse-prevention planning with the treating clinician.
What scientific research shows
Clinical research supports naltrexone as one evidence-based option for alcohol-use disorder and relapse prevention after opioid detoxification. Outcomes are usually better when medication is paired with behavioural treatment, follow-up, and patient-centred goals. It does not benefit every patient to the same degree.
Research has also clarified the importance of avoiding opioid exposure before treatment begins. This precaution reduces the risk of precipitated withdrawal, which can be severe. Screening may include medical history, toxicology testing, or a supervised challenge when clinically appropriate.
Studies and treatment guidelines continue to evaluate which patients are most likely to benefit. Factors such as drinking pattern, opioid history, co-existing conditions, and treatment engagement may influence outcomes. A prescriber should interpret evidence in the context of the individual patient.
Dependence and addiction potential
Revia is not generally considered addictive and does not produce the opioid-type high that it blocks. It is not known to cause the typical physical dependence associated with opioids, alcohol, or sedative medicines. However, treatment should still be medically supervised.
Stopping Revia does not usually cause a withdrawal syndrome caused by the medicine itself. The underlying risk of relapse can return after treatment ends, particularly without continuing support. Planning follow-up care is therefore important.
People taking naltrexone should not test its blocking effect by using opioids. Trying to override receptor blockade with high opioid doses can result in life-threatening poisoning once the blockade weakens. This risk should be clearly understood before treatment starts.
Side effects and allergic reactions
Commonly reported effects can include nausea, stomach discomfort, headache, dizziness, tiredness, nervousness, or sleep disturbance. These effects may be mild and improve as treatment continues, but they should be discussed if troublesome. Taking the medicine as prescribed and reporting symptoms supports safe use.
Less common but important concerns include mood changes and signs of liver problems. Seek prompt medical assessment for persistent upper abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe nausea and vomiting. Liver tests may be considered before and during treatment when clinically indicated.
Allergic reactions are uncommon but require urgent attention. Symptoms may include rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Stop taking the medicine and seek emergency medical help if a serious allergic reaction is suspected.
Who should not take Revia
Revia should not be started by people currently using opioids or experiencing opioid withdrawal. It is also unsuitable for someone with a positive opioid screening result unless a clinician has determined that treatment can safely proceed. This includes many prescription opioid pain medicines and some cough or diarrhoea products.
People with acute hepatitis or severe liver impairment may not be suitable candidates for naltrexone. A prescriber should assess liver history, current symptoms, and other medicines before issuing treatment. Prior allergy to naltrexone or a tablet ingredient is another reason not to use the product.
Use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, adolescence, older age, or significant kidney disease requires individual clinical assessment. The product information and local treatment guidance may set further restrictions. Patients should provide a complete medical and medication history before treatment is considered.
Alcohol, opioids, and medicine interactions
Naltrexone does not usually create the immediate unpleasant alcohol reaction associated with disulfiram. Nevertheless, drinking alcohol can worsen impairment, increase health risks, and undermine an agreed treatment goal. People should discuss their alcohol use openly with their treatment provider.
Opioid-containing medicines are the most important interaction concern. This includes certain pain medicines, anaesthetic medicines, cough preparations, and treatments for diarrhoea. Always ask a pharmacist to check products before taking them with Revia.
Tell the prescriber about all prescription medicines, non-prescription products, supplements, and recreational substances. Interaction assessment is especially important when liver-affecting medicines are involved. Do not withhold information because it may affect the safety of treatment.
Overdose and urgent situations
Taking more Revia than prescribed may increase adverse effects and requires prompt advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or poison-information service. If there are severe symptoms, loss of consciousness, seizures, breathing problems, or suspected poisoning, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to become worse.
A separate emergency risk arises when a person attempts to overcome naltrexone with opioids. Large opioid doses may cause fatal respiratory depression, particularly as naltrexone’s blockade decreases. Emergency clinicians need to know the timing and amount of the last naltrexone dose.
Patients may need a tailored pain-management plan for surgery, injury, or dental procedures. Inform healthcare professionals well in advance whenever possible. Never stop or interrupt treatment solely to self-manage opioid pain medicines.
Alternatives to Revia
For alcohol-use disorder, alternatives may include acamprosate, disulfiram, and non-medicine approaches such as structured counselling. Each option has different risks, goals, contraindications, and evidence. A clinician can help match treatment to the patient’s circumstances.
For opioid-use disorder, methadone and buprenorphine are commonly used evidence-based treatments in many settings. Unlike naltrexone, they are opioid agonist or partial-agonist treatments and have different initiation requirements. Psychosocial support remains valuable regardless of the medication selected.
Changing from Revia to another treatment should be organised by a qualified prescriber. Timing matters because naltrexone can block opioid medicines used in alternative treatment plans. Self-directed switching can lead to withdrawal, relapse, or inadequate pain control.
Storage and handling
Store Revia in its original packaging, protected from excess moisture and heat. Room-temperature storage is commonly appropriate, but the package leaflet and pharmacy label take priority. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children and pets.
Do not use tablets beyond the expiry date or when the packaging is damaged. Do not share this medicine, even with someone who appears to have similar symptoms or treatment goals. A medicine prescribed for one person may be unsafe for another.
Ask a pharmacist about safe disposal of unused or expired tablets. Do not dispose of medicines in household waste or down the sink unless local guidance specifically permits it. Appropriate disposal helps protect other people and the environment.
Pharmacy access and indicative market cost
Our pharmacy provides a secure online route for patients who hold a valid prescription where required by Dutch law. Revia and equivalent naltrexone products should be supplied only after appropriate prescription verification and clinical checks. A request cannot replace assessment by a licensed prescriber.
Revia price differences between other pharmacies may reflect the manufacturer, strength, pack quantity, dispensing fee, delivery option, and insurance arrangement. Costs can change frequently, so any displayed amount should be treated as current only at the time of checkout. Comparing the same strength and pack size gives the fairest comparison.
Patients should use pharmacies that clearly identify their professional registration, contact details, privacy practices, and dispensing process. Be cautious of sellers offering prescription medicines without legitimate checks. Safe access is more important than an unusually low advertised cost.
Placing a pharmacy request and tracking delivery
To request Revia through our service, select the prescribed product, submit the required prescription information, and complete the pharmacy verification steps. The dispensing team may contact the patient or prescriber if clarification is needed. Supply proceeds only when the request meets applicable requirements.
After dispatch, eligible deliveries receive package tracking information through the chosen delivery service. Tracking updates can help patients plan for receipt and protect medicines from unnecessary exposure to unsuitable temperatures. Delivery times may vary by address, stock status, and courier conditions.
Before accepting the package, check that the name, strength, quantity, and patient details match the prescription. Contact the pharmacy promptly if the package is damaged, incomplete, or appears incorrect. For questions about use, side effects, or missed doses, speak with a pharmacist or prescriber rather than relying on delivery information alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revia
Why might liver blood tests be discussed before or during Revia treatment?
Revia contains naltrexone, which is processed by the liver. A clinician may consider liver-function testing based on your medical history, alcohol use, symptoms, and other medicines. Report yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent upper abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue promptly.
Can Revia affect mood or mental wellbeing?
Some people notice changes in sleep, energy, anxiety, or mood while receiving treatment, although these symptoms can also relate to the underlying condition or changes in alcohol or opioid use. Contact the prescriber if low mood becomes persistent, behaviour changes markedly, or thoughts of self-harm occur. Urgent support is needed for immediate safety concerns.
Does Revia cause weight loss or weight gain?
Weight change is not a reliable expected effect of Revia. Appetite, eating habits, alcohol intake, activity, and recovery from substance use can all influence weight over time. Discuss a substantial or unexplained change with a healthcare professional rather than adjusting treatment yourself.
Can Revia affect sleep?
Sleep disturbance, tiredness, or vivid dreams may occur in some individuals, particularly early in treatment. Keeping a brief record of symptoms and their timing can help the prescriber assess whether Revia or another factor may be involved. Seek advice if sleep problems are severe or continue.
What should I tell a dentist, surgeon, or emergency clinician about Revia?
Tell every treating clinician that you use Revia before a procedure or when urgent pain relief is being considered. It can alter how opioid-containing pain medicines work, so the care team may need to plan pain management differently. Carrying an up-to-date medicines list is a practical precaution.
Can Revia be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require an individual assessment of potential benefits, risks, and available treatment options. Do not start, stop, or continue Revia solely on general online information if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Speak with the clinician managing your care as soon as possible.
Will Revia appear on a workplace drug test?
Standard drug-screening panels do not usually test for naltrexone specifically, but testing methods and employer policies vary. If medicine disclosure is required, provide documentation from the dispensing pharmacy or prescriber where appropriate. Do not stop prescribed treatment merely because of a planned test without clinical advice.
How is progress with Revia usually reviewed?
Review appointments commonly consider treatment goals, cravings or use patterns, wellbeing, adverse effects, and any relevant physical-health monitoring. Progress is not defined only by complete abstinence; safer choices, improved stability, and engagement with support can also be meaningful outcomes. Honest discussion helps the clinician tailor the wider treatment plan.
Is counselling still useful when taking Revia?
Yes. Revia is often considered one component of a broader plan that may include counselling, peer support, behavioural strategies, and care for mental or physical health needs. Medication does not replace support for triggers, routines, relationships, or relapse-prevention planning.
Can I travel with Revia from the Netherlands?
When travelling from the Netherlands, keep Revia in its original labelled packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or a medicines summary. Rules for bringing medicines into another country can differ, especially outside the EU, so check the destination’s official guidance before departure. Take only the amount needed for the trip, with a reasonable allowance for delays.
Is Revia the same as low-dose naltrexone?
Revia is a brand of naltrexone used at established doses for approved indications in certain settings. “Low-dose naltrexone” refers to a separate, non-standard dosing approach that may be discussed for different purposes and is not interchangeable with Revia treatment. A prescriber should determine whether any naltrexone regimen is suitable for you.
What information should I take to a Revia follow-up appointment?
Bring an updated list of all medicines, supplements, and recent healthcare visits, along with notes on any symptoms or changes in substance use. It can also help to record questions about sleep, mood, appetite, or treatment goals beforehand. This information supports a safer and more useful clinical review.
Pharmacist Review
The current Revia product-page content has been professionally reviewed for clarity, responsible medicine information, and alignment with pharmacy practice in the Netherlands.
| Review detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reviewed by | Marit van Dijk, Registered pharmacist (apotheker) |
| Professional registration | 19064827301 |
| Professional register | BIG Register (CIBG), Netherlands |
| Review date | 24 February 2025 |
This review considers medicine-use information relevant to Revia, including appropriate use, important precautions, and the need for professional assessment where opioid use, alcohol dependence, liver health, or concurrent medicines may be relevant.
Medical disclaimer: This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor. Always seek personalised advice from your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing treatment.
Pharmacy Location and Opening Hours
For Revia, visit our pharmacy at De Lairessestraat 130, 1075 HL Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands.
| Days | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 08:30–17:30 |
