Naltrexone in the UAE
Clinical guidance mentions naltrexone; the live directory lists Contrave. Those two records answer different questions. Our July 2026 search did not find a standalone naltrexone tablet in the live EDE directory, so alcohol or opioid treatment may require a more specific local supply discussion.
Two sources, two different answers
As of 26 July 2026, the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) directory returned one naltrexone-containing medicine: Contrave 8 mg/90 mg (naltrexone/bupropion), shown as active and registered in 2017. Searches for standalone naltrexone, Trexan, and Mysimba did not return an active product.
That does not prove a clinician cannot obtain standalone naltrexone through a lawful special-supply route. It does mean normal retail availability is unconfirmed, and any monthly tablet price needs a quote from the dispensing pharmacy. Separately, Dubai Health Authority addiction-treatment standards list naltrexone (Trexan) among medicines used in care, demonstrating clinical recognition rather than current retail registration.
Contrave is a weight-management medicine and is not interchangeable with 50 mg naltrexone used for alcohol or opioid dependence. Ask a licensed clinician and pharmacy to confirm the product, indication, stock, price, and any import requirements.
How to verify a UAE treatment route
Confirm the medicine and the provider rather than assuming a product is stocked.
- Check the live EDE directory. Search by active ingredient and product name. A directory result establishes registration status; it does not guarantee that a particular pharmacy has stock.
- Use a licensed provider. Ask a DHA-licensed provider in Dubai or a Department of Health-licensed provider in Abu Dhabi whether standalone oral naltrexone can be supplied for the intended indication.
- Confirm before paying. Request the exact brand, strength, total pharmacy price, consultation fees, and insurance position in writing. Contrave must not be substituted for addiction-treatment naltrexone.
UAE evidence snapshot
Registry findings checked 26 July 2026; availability can change.
- Naltrexone-containing registry result: 1. Contrave 8 mg/90 mg in the active EDE directory.
- Standalone tablet results found: 0. No active standalone naltrexone result in our directory search.
- Contrave registration date: 2017. EDE directory records registration on 8 June 2017.
- Current standalone price: Unknown. No reliable public retail price was verified.
UAE-specific questions
Is Contrave the same as standalone naltrexone?
No. Contrave combines low-dose naltrexone with bupropion and is registered for weight management. Addiction-treatment protocols generally use a different naltrexone formulation and dose. They are not interchangeable.
Does the DHA document prove that Trexan is currently stocked?
No. It shows that naltrexone is clinically recognised in addiction-treatment guidance. Current registration and stock are separate questions; the live EDE directory did not return Trexan in our July 2026 search.
How much does standalone naltrexone cost in the UAE?
We did not find a reliable public current price. Ask the dispensing pharmacy for the exact brand, strength, pack size, and total price before treatment begins.
Can I travel with naltrexone?
Medicine import rules can change and may depend on product classification and quantity. Check the UAE government’s current traveller-medicine requirements and carry the prescription, clinician letter, and original labelled packaging.
Take the registry result to a licensed UAE provider
Use the directory to name what was found and what was missing. The provider and pharmacy must confirm the current lawful supply route for the formulation you need.
Sources
Checked .
- Emirates Drug Establishment Drug Directory. Search “naltrexone” or “Contrave”; checked 26 July 2026.
- Dubai Health Authority addiction-treatment standards (PDF). Includes naltrexone (Trexan) in its medication list.