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Naltrexone in the UK

NICE recommends considering oral naltrexone after assisted withdrawal for moderate or severe alcohol dependence, with psychological treatment. The October 2026 Drug Tariff lists a 28-tablet pack at £154.45; that tariff price is not the patient's NHS prescription charge.

  • Updated

The NHS route is more important than the tariff price

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) includes oral naltrexone in two relevant guidelines:

  • NICE CG115 (Alcohol-use disorders): For people with moderate and severe alcohol dependence, consider offering acamprosate or oral naltrexone after successful assisted withdrawal, combined with individual psychological intervention. Treatment is usually prescribed for up to 6 months, or longer for those benefiting who wish to continue.
  • NICE TA115 (Drug misuse — naltrexone): Recommends naltrexone as a treatment option in detoxified formerly opioid-dependent people who are highly motivated to remain in an abstinence programme.

The October 2026 NHS Drug Tariff (Part VIIIA) lists naltrexone 50 mg tablets at 15,445 pence (£154.45) for 28 tablets; the Electronic Drug Tariff has the current month. This is a reimbursement/list figure, not necessarily what a patient pays. Prescription charging and exemptions differ across the UK nations and can change, so check current NHS guidance for where you live.

A clinician compares public funding, insurance, and self-pay routes toward a pharmacy

How to access naltrexone on the NHS

The typical pathway through UK healthcare.

  1. See your NHS GP. Book an appointment with your GP and discuss your alcohol or opioid concerns. Your GP will assess your drinking or drug use, your general health, and your readiness for treatment. They can refer you to your local NHS specialist alcohol or drug service. You can also self-refer to many NHS addiction services directly — check your local trust’s website.
  2. Specialist assessment. NHS addiction services provide comprehensive assessment including medical history, liver function blood tests (baseline urea and electrolytes, liver function tests including GGT), and discussion of treatment options. Naltrexone is one of several medication options discussed alongside acamprosate and disulfiram. Psychological interventions (CBT, behavioural therapy, social network therapy) are offered in combination.
  3. Initiation and monitoring. Naltrexone is started at 25 mg on day 1, increasing to 50 mg daily if tolerated. NICE recommends monthly supervision for at least 6 months, with reduced but regular intervals if continued beyond 6 months. Your prescribing doctor (specialist initially, then GP under Shared Care) monitors your progress, side effects, and liver function.
A patient moves from GP assessment to specialist review and ongoing monitoring

Naltrexone on the NHS: key numbers

NICE guidance checked 26 July 2026; Drug Tariff price checked 22 October 2026.

  • 28-tablet tariff price: £154.45. October 2026 Drug Tariff; not the patient’s prescription charge.
  • Usual target dose: 50 mg. NICE CG115 starts at 25 mg and aims for 50 mg daily.
  • Usual initial course: 6 months. Can continue longer when benefiting and the person wishes to continue.
  • Early review point: 4–6 weeks. NICE advises stopping if drinking persists at this stage.

UK-specific questions

Is the £154.45 tariff price what an NHS patient pays?

No. It is the October 2026 Drug Tariff price for a 28-tablet pack, which changes monthly. Patient prescription charges and exemptions differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and can change; check the current NHS rules for your nation.

Can a GP prescribe naltrexone?

Local initiation and shared-care arrangements vary. NICE recommends oral naltrexone as part of a coordinated treatment programme after assessment. Ask your GP or local alcohol and drug service which clinician initiates and monitors it in your area.

Is targeted naltrexone standard NHS treatment?

NICE CG115 describes daily oral naltrexone after assisted withdrawal. Targeted dosing is not the standard protocol in that recommendation; any off-label plan requires an individual prescriber decision.

How do I verify private cost?

Request an itemised current quote covering consultation, laboratory tests, prescription, pharmacy supply, and follow-up. Do not infer the private price from the NHS tariff.

Ask who initiates treatment in your area

Local NHS arrangements vary. A GP or alcohol and drug service can explain the route, while current national guidance explains the clinical place of oral naltrexone.

Find NHS alcohol supportCompare alcohol-treatment medicines

Sources

Checked .

  1. NICE CG115 recommendations. Alcohol dependence treatment recommendations.
  2. NHS Drug Tariff Part VIIIA, October 2026 (PDF) — NHS Business Services Authority. Naltrexone 50mg tablets, 28, 15445p. The tariff is republished monthly.
  3. NHS Electronic Drug Tariff — NHS Business Services Authority. The current month's prices.
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