Naltrexone
- Generic Name
- Naltrexone
- Brand Names
- Contrave, Embeda, Vivitrol
- Drug Type
- Small Molecule
- Chemical Formula
- C20H23NO4
- CAS Number
- 16590-41-3
- Unique Ingredient Identifier
- 5S6W795CQM
- Background
Derivative of noroxymorphone that is the N-cyclopropylmethyl congener of naloxone. It is a narcotic antagonist that is effective orally, longer lasting and more potent than naloxone, and has been proposed for the treatment of heroin addiction. The FDA has approved naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
- Indication
Used as an adjunct to a medically supervised behaviour modification program in the maintenance of opiate cessation in individuals who were formerly physically dependent on opiates and who have successfully undergone detoxification. Also used for the management of alcohol dependence in conjunction with a behavioural modification program.
- Associated Conditions
- Alcohol Dependency, Cholestatic pruritus, Obesity, Opioid Dependence, Severe Pain
- Associated Therapies
- -
GLP-1s could be a breakthrough treatment for addiction. Why is Big Pharma staying away?
Addiction in the U.S. leads to over 750,000 deaths annually and costs nearly $1.5 trillion. Despite this, treatment options are limited and often ineffective. GLP-1s, known for treating Type 2 diabetes, show potential in combating addiction, with small trials indicating significant reductions in substance use. However, conducting Phase III trials for addiction treatment is costly and complex, deterring pharmaceutical companies. Initiatives like the Center for Addiction Science, Policy, and Research aim to address this gap, potentially revolutionizing addiction treatment and offering substantial societal and financial benefits.
Related Clinical Trials:
Some people don't lose weight with blockbuster obesity drugs
Weight loss pills can aid in weight loss when combined with diet and exercise, helping people lose 3%–9% of body weight in a year. They work by suppressing appetite or blocking fat absorption. Long-term use depends on individual success and side effects, with FDA-approved options for both short-term and long-term use. Other medications like metformin and antidepressants may also aid weight loss off-label. Weight loss surgery is an option with risks, and stopping medication usually leads to weight regain. Weight loss pills should complement, not replace, lifestyle changes.
New Proposal Aims to Expand Medicaid and Medicare Coverage for Obesity Drugs
The Biden administration proposes to revise Medicare and Medicaid regulations to include obesity medications, potentially impacting 3.4 million Medicare and 4 million Medicaid users. This move, pending Trump administration endorsement, aims to reinterpret existing legislation to cover AOMs for obesity treatment, despite anticipated high costs: $25 billion for Medicare and $11 billion for Medicaid.
After son's overdose death, mother seeks investigation of Vivitrol's use in Kentucky
Hal Pyzyna, who relapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic, died from a drug overdose after being pressured to take Vivitrol at Crown Recovery Center. His mother, Kristine Pyzyna, believes Vivitrol and improper administration at ARC contributed to his death and seeks stricter oversight. ARC, Kentucky's largest treatment provider, faces an FBI investigation and staff cuts, but maintains commitment to quality care.
New rules should make methadone easier to get, but change is slow in many places
Federal rules relaxed in 2024 to ease methadone access for opioid addiction treatment, allowing patients like Kellyann Kaiser to take doses home. Despite benefits, adoption of new rules is slow and varies by state, with some clinics hesitant due to liability and financial concerns. Advocates push for further reforms to make methadone more accessible.
Understanding prescription weight loss medication: How can my doctor help me lose weight?
Dr. Janese Laster discusses weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, their mechanisms, costs, insurance coverage, and the importance of lifestyle changes. She explains the differences between oral and injectable medications, their side effects, and the need for physician oversight. Cost varies, with injectables like Wegovy being more expensive, often around $1,500 to $2,000 a month without insurance. Lifestyle changes are crucial for sustained weight loss.
Orange County opens new medication-assisted treatment program for opioid addiction
Orange County's Office for a Drug-Free Community launches a new medication-assisted treatment program for uninsured residents with opioid use disorder, funded by national opioid settlements. The program, in partnership with Specialized Treatment Education and Prevention Service, prioritizes those recently released from jail or frequent ER visitors. Medication-assisted treatment, including buprenorphine, is emphasized as the most effective approach for opioid addiction, aiming to reduce overdose deaths and improve access to care.
Drug Development Updates
Stay informed with timely notifications on clinical trials, regulatory changes, and research advancements related to this medication.
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved by MedPath