A regular GP
A GP can assess the request and may prescribe or refer. Ask about appointment cost, tests, follow-up, and whether the pharmacy should order the product.
Australia
A funded oral naltrexone route through the PBS
PBS item 8370M gives eligible patients a subsidised route to 50 mg tablets. A GP or alcohol and drug service can be a starting point; confirm the consultation fee, eligibility, exact product, and pharmacy stock locally.
What the PBS listing changes
Naltrexone is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) under item 8370M, which means the government subsidises the medicine for eligible patients.
You can start with a GP or a state or territory alcohol and drug service. The clinician may prescribe, request tests, or refer depending on the treatment goal and health history. Telehealth may be available, but the provider, assessment, and pharmacy route still need to be confirmed.
The PBS record identifies the subsidised oral presentation. Brand, sponsor, and supply can change, so ask the pharmacy which exact 50 mg product it can obtain. Extended-release injection has a separate product and funding question.
Three places the conversation may begin
The right entry point depends on local services and how much support is needed.
An addiction specialist
Specialist input may help when opioid use, liver disease, pregnancy, pain treatment, mental health, or previous treatment makes the decision more complex.
A public alcohol and drug service
State and territory services can connect medical care with counselling and other support. Eligibility, waiting time, fees, and self-referral rules vary.
Naltrexone costs in Australia
PBS maximum co-payments from 1 January 2026; the actual pharmacy price may be lower.
- Concession maximum
- $7.70
- General maximum
- $25.00
- GP consultation
- Varies
- PBS item
- 8370M
PBS co-payment for concession cardholders
PBS co-payment for Medicare cardholders
Bulk billing is not guaranteed; confirm the clinic's fee
Naltrexone 50 mg tablet, pack of 30
State and territory addiction services
Free public drug and alcohol services in every Australian jurisdiction.
New South Wales
NSW Drug Health Services — call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015 for 24/7 confidential advice and referral.
Victoria
DirectLine — call 1800 888 236 for 24/7 alcohol and drug counselling and referral to local treatment services across Victoria.
Queensland
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) — call 1800 177 833 for 24/7 support and referral to QLD Health ATODS (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Services).
South Australia
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) — call 1300 131 340 for confidential telephone assessment and referral.
Western Australia
WA Alcohol and Drug Support Line — call 1800 198 024 for 24/7 counselling, information, and referral to community treatment services.
Tasmania, ACT, NT
Tasmania: Alcohol and Drug Service 1300 139 641. ACT: Alcohol and Drug Services (02) 5124 9977. NT: Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (08) 8922 8399 (Darwin).
Australia-specific questions
Is the PBS co-payment the total treatment cost?
Not necessarily. The consultation, tests, follow-up, dispensing, and any non-PBS product can create separate costs. Ask for each part before treatment begins.
Can a GP prescribe?
A GP may assess and prescribe naltrexone or refer to a specialist or public service. Individual practice and the complexity of the situation differ, so same-day prescribing should not be assumed.
What about Vivitrol?
The extended-release injection has a separate TGA, PBS, provider, and price pathway from oral tablets. Check current records and obtain an itemised provider quote rather than relying on an online price range.
Can targeted naltrexone be prescribed?
Targeted dosing is a clinician decision and may be off-label relative to the local product information. Ask how its evidence fits the goal and how unplanned drinking and safety will be managed.
What if I live far from a service?
Ask Healthdirect or the relevant state service about local and telehealth options. A remote consultation does not guarantee that every assessment, test, prescription, or medicine supply step can be completed remotely.
How is recent opioid use checked?
The clinician considers the exact opioid, timing, dependence history, symptoms, and any tests. A urine result alone cannot prove readiness in every case.
Choose the Australian entry point that fits
A regular GP may be enough; a public alcohol and drug service may offer broader support. Healthdirect can help you find a nearby service without assuming which one will prescribe.
Content and sources reviewed