Evidence reviewed
South Africa
South Africa's June 2026 official medicine-price database lists Naltima 50 mg tablets and Contrave. Naltima is the relevant standalone generic; Contrave is a different naltrexone/bupropion product for weight management.
The National Department of Health's 30 June 2026 Database of Medicine Prices lists Naltima (naltrexone hydrochloride 50 mg), a Schedule 4 generic supplied by Accord Healthcare in a 28-tablet pack. Its Single Exit Price (SEP) is R1,166.91, or about R41.68 per tablet.
The same database lists Contrave (naltrexone 8 mg plus bupropion 90 mg), a Schedule 5 originator product supplied by Acino in a 112-tablet pack, at an SEP of R1,236.37. Contrave is for weight management and is not interchangeable with standalone naltrexone used in addiction treatment.
SEP is a regulated manufacturer-to-dispensing price and may not equal the final amount a patient pays: dispensing fees, stock, medical-aid rules, consultation, and laboratory costs can alter the total. The database contains no filled sales-volume field for these rows, so it supports commercial availability—not a claim of popularity.
Pathways through South Africa's mixed public-private healthcare system.
Your GP can prescribe naltrexone for alcohol or opioid dependence. South African GPs in private practice are familiar with naltrexone as an addiction treatment option. The prescription is private, and you pay the pharmacy directly. Your GP may also refer you to an addiction specialist or treatment centre for comprehensive care.
Psychiatrists and addiction medicine specialists in private practice can prescribe naltrexone and provide integrated treatment including therapy and monitoring. These specialists are concentrated in major cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria). Medical aid schemes may cover specialist consultations — check your plan.
Provincial health departments run substance abuse treatment programmes through state hospitals and community health centres. Naltrexone may be available through these programmes at reduced or no cost, but availability is inconsistent and depends on provincial budgets and local formulary decisions. Contact your nearest state hospital's psychiatry or substance abuse unit.
South Africa has a well-developed network of private addiction treatment centres (often called rehabs). These facilities provide medically supervised detoxification, naltrexone prescribing, individual and group therapy, and aftercare planning. Most require medical aid or private payment.
Official medicine-price data effective in 2026.
Naltrexone hydrochloride 50 mg; 28 tablets; Schedule 4
Official pack price before any applicable dispensing fee
Naltrexone 8 mg plus bupropion 90 mg; 112 tablets; Schedule 5
Official pack price; a different indication and dosing regimen
The June 2026 national price file identifies Naltima, not Altrex, for standalone 50 mg naltrexone. Pharmacies should confirm current registration and stock by product name.
Not necessarily. SEP is the regulated medicine price used in the national database. The final amount can include an applicable dispensing fee and other treatment costs.
Coverage depends on the scheme, plan, indication, and authorisation rules. Ask the scheme to check the exact Naltima product and registration number 45/1.3.2/0225.
No. The database is strong evidence of a current commercial product, but a pharmacy must still confirm stock or order timing.
Open “Database of Medicine Prices 30 June 2026”; rows for Naltima and Contrave checked 26 July 2026.
Take the product name and registration number to a licensed pharmacy, then ask your clinician whether the standalone formulation is appropriate for your condition.
