Revia at a glance
Revia is a brand name for naltrexone, a medicine used in the management of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. It is intended to be used within a broader treatment plan that may include counselling, medical follow-up, and social support. Revia does not produce intoxication or replace the effects of alcohol or opioids.
In Norway, a clinician should assess whether naltrexone is suitable before treatment starts. This assessment is especially important for people with current or recent opioid use, liver disease, or complex mental-health needs. The medicine should be used only according to an individual medical plan.
People searching for Revia are often looking for a medicine that supports relapse-prevention efforts. It can reduce the rewarding effects associated with alcohol or opioids in selected patients. It is not a standalone cure for substance-use disorders.
Active ingredient and development
The active ingredient in Revia is naltrexone hydrochloride. Naltrexone belongs to a group of medicines called opioid antagonists. These medicines block opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body.
Naltrexone was developed from research into compounds that could counteract opioid effects. Its clinical use was established after research showed that receptor blockade could help support treatment for opioid dependence. Later studies also supported its role in reducing alcohol-related reward and craving in appropriate patients.
Different naltrexone products may vary in brand name, tablet strength, excipients, and approved indications. A pharmacist can help confirm whether a supplied product is equivalent to a prescribed medicine. Patients should not interchange products without checking the instructions provided by their prescriber.
What Revia is used for
Revia may be prescribed to help maintain abstinence from opioids after a suitable opioid-free interval. It may also be used as part of treatment for alcohol dependence. The precise treatment goal should be agreed with a qualified healthcare professional.
For alcohol dependence, naltrexone can lessen the reinforcing effects of alcohol for some people. It does not make alcohol safe to drink and does not prevent alcohol-related impairment. Continued alcohol use can still cause serious health, safety, and social consequences.
For opioid dependence, Revia blocks the effects of opioid medicines and illicit opioids. This means it is not suitable for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms. Starting it too soon after opioid exposure can trigger sudden, severe withdrawal.
How naltrexone works
Naltrexone mainly works by attaching to opioid receptors, particularly mu-opioid receptors, without activating them. By occupying these receptors, it reduces or blocks the effects of opioids. This action can also influence pathways involved in alcohol reward.
The response to Revia differs between individuals. Some people notice reduced urges or less reward from alcohol, while others may not experience the same benefit. Regular clinical review helps determine whether treatment remains appropriate.
Because opioid receptors are involved in pain control, Revia can complicate treatment of acute pain. Emergency clinicians and dentists should be told that a patient uses naltrexone. Patients may consider carrying medication information where this is practical.
Forms, strengths, and dosing considerations
Revia is commonly supplied as oral tablets containing naltrexone hydrochloride, often equivalent to 50 mg of naltrexone. Availability and authorised packaging can differ between suppliers and countries. The package label and patient leaflet should always be followed.
Prescribers may use different dosing schedules depending on the indication, treatment history, tolerability, and local guidance. A lower starting approach may sometimes be considered by the treating clinician. Patients should not change the dose, double a missed dose, or stop treatment abruptly without seeking advice.
| Form |
Typical purpose |
Important point |
| Oral naltrexone tablet |
Ongoing treatment support |
Take only as directed by the prescriber |
| Alternative naltrexone formulation |
May be available in some settings |
Availability and approval vary by country |
Tablets are generally swallowed with water and may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs, unless the prescriber advises otherwise. A consistent daily routine can help reduce missed doses. If a dose is missed, patients should consult their medicine leaflet or pharmacist for appropriate guidance.
Starting Revia safely
Before commencing Revia for opioid dependence, a patient must be free from opioids for an adequate period determined by the prescriber. This includes prescribed opioid pain medicines, opioid cough products, opioid substitution therapy, and non-prescribed opioids. The required interval depends on the opioid used and the individual clinical situation.
A clinician may ask about all medicines, supplements, alcohol intake, and substance use before treatment. Liver function and overall health may also need assessment. Honest disclosure helps reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal or avoidable interactions.
Revia should not be started simply because an individual feels ready to stop opioid use. Opioid withdrawal caused by naltrexone can be intense and may require urgent medical care. Medical supervision is essential when transitioning from opioid treatment.
How long Revia acts and remains in the body
After an oral dose, naltrexone begins being absorbed relatively quickly, but the clinical effect depends on the prescribed regimen and individual factors. Its active metabolite, 6-beta-naltrexol, also contributes to opioid-receptor blockade. The perceived effect is not an indication that opioid use is safe.
A daily tablet regimen is designed to provide ongoing receptor blockade between doses when taken as prescribed. The duration can vary with metabolism, liver function, dose, and adherence. A prescriber can explain what this means for a particular treatment plan.
Naltrexone and its metabolites are cleared over time, mainly through metabolism and urine excretion. Detectable amounts may persist after the noticeable treatment effect has diminished. Patients should never attempt to override the blockade by taking opioids after stopping or missing Revia.
Research and clinical evidence
Clinical research supports naltrexone as one evidence-based option for alcohol-use disorder and opioid-use disorder. Its benefits are generally evaluated alongside psychosocial treatment, follow-up, and patient engagement. Outcomes can include fewer heavy-drinking days or improved prevention of opioid relapse, depending on the indication.
Research does not show that one medicine is best for every person. Treatment selection should account for opioid exposure, alcohol-use pattern, liver health, pregnancy status, other medicines, and patient preferences. A person’s response should be reviewed rather than assumed.
Evidence-based care also recognises the importance of practical support. Counselling, peer services, housing stability, and treatment for co-occurring conditions may all contribute to recovery. Revia is one component that may be considered within that broader approach.
Dependence, addiction, and stopping treatment
Revia is not considered addictive and does not create physical opioid dependence. It does not produce the opioid-like effects that lead to opioid intoxication. However, it must still be used carefully because it changes how the body responds to opioids.
Stopping naltrexone does not usually cause a typical withdrawal syndrome. The major concern is that opioid tolerance may be lower after abstinence or treatment. If a person returns to opioid use, a previously tolerated amount can cause a life-threatening overdose.
Support should remain available if treatment is discontinued. A clinician can discuss relapse-prevention planning, overdose awareness, and other treatment options. Patients should seek urgent help if they feel at immediate risk of using opioids or harming themselves.
Side effects and allergic reactions
Commonly reported effects may include nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness, tiredness, sleep disturbance, or reduced appetite. These effects are often mild, but they can be troublesome for some patients. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Naltrexone can be associated with liver-related concerns, particularly in people with pre-existing liver disease or at higher-than-recommended exposures. Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, marked fatigue, or persistent upper abdominal pain require prompt medical assessment. Regular monitoring may be appropriate when advised by the clinician.
Allergic reactions are uncommon but can be serious. Seek emergency assistance for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulty, widespread hives, or collapse. A patient with a known allergy to naltrexone or any ingredient in the tablet should not take Revia.
Who should not take Revia
Revia is generally unsuitable for anyone currently taking opioids or with opioid dependence who has not completed an adequate opioid-free interval. It is also not appropriate for people experiencing acute opioid withdrawal. Taking it in these circumstances can precipitate severe withdrawal symptoms.
People with known hypersensitivity to naltrexone or formulation ingredients should avoid the product. Significant liver impairment, acute hepatitis, or unexplained abnormal liver tests require careful medical evaluation. The prescriber will weigh potential benefits and risks in each case.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney impairment, depression, and a history of suicidal thoughts should be discussed before treatment. This does not automatically mean naltrexone cannot be used. It means that individual assessment and monitoring are particularly important.
Age limits and additional precautions
Revia is primarily assessed and prescribed for adults. Use in children and adolescents may have different evidence, approval status, and safety considerations. Families should not use an adult’s medicine for a younger person without specialist direction.
Patients should be cautious with driving, cycling, machinery, or other hazardous tasks if they experience dizziness, fatigue, or reduced concentration. The effect can be more noticeable at the beginning of treatment. Individual tolerance should be understood before undertaking safety-critical activities.
Tell all healthcare professionals about Revia before surgery, emergency treatment, or dental procedures. Standard opioid pain relief may be less effective while receptor blockade is active. Attempts to self-manage pain with extra opioid doses are particularly dangerous.
Alcohol and medicine interactions
Revia is often used in treatment plans for alcohol dependence, but it does not neutralise alcohol’s harms. Alcohol can still impair judgment, coordination, and driving ability. Continued drinking may also worsen liver problems, especially in susceptible individuals.
The most important interaction concern is with opioid-containing medicines. These can include certain pain relievers, cough preparations, antidiarrhoeal products, and medicines used for opioid dependence. Patients should check all medicine labels and ask a pharmacist when uncertain.
Other prescribed medicines may also require review because of liver effects, sedation, or the patient’s underlying health conditions. A complete medication list should include non-prescription products and herbal supplements. Do not conceal opioid use from the treating team, even if it feels difficult to discuss.
Overdose and emergency action
Taking more Revia than prescribed may increase adverse effects and requires medical advice. A suspected overdose should be assessed promptly through local urgent-care services or a poison information resource. Keep the medicine package available so clinicians can identify the product and strength.
Revia itself does not protect a person from opioid overdose once treatment is stopped or bypassed. Trying to overcome its blocking effect with large opioid doses can cause fatal poisoning, particularly as the medicine wears off. Opioid overdose is an emergency and may involve slow breathing, unconsciousness, blue lips, or pinpoint pupils.
In Norway, call 113 for a suspected life-threatening emergency. If opioid overdose is suspected, emergency help should be sought immediately, even if the person wakes after naloxone. Do not leave an unconscious or breathing-impaired person alone.
Alternatives to Revia
Alternatives depend on whether the treatment target is alcohol dependence or opioid dependence. For alcohol dependence, a clinician may discuss medicines such as acamprosate or disulfiram where appropriate. These options work differently and have distinct precautions.
For opioid-use disorder, evidence-based options may include opioid agonist or partial-agonist treatments such as methadone or buprenorphine under specialist care. These are not interchangeable with naltrexone. The most suitable approach depends on treatment goals, opioid tolerance, previous care, and medical history.
Non-medicine interventions remain important regardless of the selected product. Structured therapy, addiction services, mutual-help groups, and family support can complement pharmacological treatment. A clinician can help compare benefits, limitations, and monitoring requirements.
Revia access and responsible supply in Norway
Revia and other naltrexone medicines are generally subject to prescription and pharmacy-dispensing requirements in Norway. A legitimate pharmacy should not present prescription treatment as available without prescription when a prescriber’s assessment is required. Rules, product availability, and reimbursement arrangements can change, so current verification is important.
Our pharmacy process supports responsible supply by checking prescription and patient details where applicable. This helps identify contraindications, possible opioid exposure, and the need for pharmacist counselling. It also supports traceable dispensing and appropriate product handling.
When comparing offers from other Norwegian pharmacy websites, total costs can vary by pack size, brand availability, dispensing fees, and delivery option. A quoted price should be treated as illustrative until confirmed at checkout. Choosing an authorised pharmacy is more important than selecting an unusually low advertised amount.
Benefits of pharmacy ordering and delivery tracking
Using an established pharmacy website can offer discreet ordering, clear product information, and access to pharmacist support. It may also make repeat dispensing more convenient when a valid prescription and refill authorisation are in place. Secure handling of personal and payment information is an essential part of a trustworthy service.
After dispatch, customers should receive delivery updates or package tracking where that service is offered. Tracking information helps confirm expected arrival and reduces the risk of a medicine being left in unsuitable conditions. Delivery notifications should be checked promptly, particularly during very cold weather.
Use only pharmacy channels that clearly identify the supplier and provide contact details for professional support. Be cautious of websites that promise controlled or prescription-only medicines with no medical checks. Such claims can indicate unsafe, counterfeit, or unlawfully supplied products.
Storage and practical medicine care
Store Revia in its original packaging and follow the storage instructions printed on the carton and leaflet. Keep it dry, protected from excessive heat, and out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use tablets that are damaged, expired, or stored in unknown conditions.
Do not share Revia with another person, even if they have similar symptoms or treatment goals. The risks of hidden opioid use and liver disease make personal clinical assessment essential. Unused or expired medicine should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal where possible.
Before each refill, review whether any medicines, health conditions, or substance-use patterns have changed. This is particularly important after surgery, injury, or a new prescription for pain relief. Ongoing communication with the prescribing clinician and pharmacist supports safer Revia treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tell my dentist or surgeon that I take Revia?
Yes. Revia contains naltrexone, which can block the effects of opioid pain medicines used after dental work, injury, or surgery. Tell the treating clinician well in advance so they can plan appropriate pain management and, where necessary, coordinate with the prescriber managing your treatment.
What should I do if I need emergency pain relief while taking Revia?
Seek urgent medical care and state clearly that you take Revia. Do not try to overcome opioid blockade by taking larger opioid doses; this can be dangerous, particularly as the blocking effect wears off. A clinician can select and monitor suitable emergency pain-management options.
Can Revia affect driving or operating machinery?
Some people experience dizziness, tiredness, headache, or reduced concentration, especially when first starting treatment. Avoid driving, cycling in traffic, or using machinery until you know how Revia affects you. In Norway, follow any individual advice from your prescriber and the applicable fitness-to-drive rules.
Is Revia the same medicine as generic naltrexone?
Revia is a brand name for naltrexone. A generic naltrexone product may contain the same active substance but can differ in manufacturer, tablet appearance, inactive ingredients, and packaging. A pharmacist can help confirm whether a supplied product is an appropriate equivalent.
Can Revia be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require an individual benefit-risk assessment by a clinician familiar with your medical history and treatment goals. Do not start, stop, or continue Revia solely based on general online information. Contact your prescriber promptly if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Does Revia interfere with drug tests?
Revia is not an opioid and does not usually produce an opioid-positive result simply because it is being taken. However, testing methods and workplace procedures vary, so disclose prescribed medicines through the appropriate confidential process if a drug test is required. A pharmacy label or clinician’s documentation may be useful.
Why is it important to keep an up-to-date medicine list?
A current medicine list helps emergency clinicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals recognise that opioid-containing medicines may not work as expected while you use Revia. Include the product name, active ingredient naltrexone, dose, and prescriber contact details. Keep the list accessible rather than relying on memory in an emergency.
Can I switch between Revia brands or tablet presentations?
Switching between products containing naltrexone may be possible, but it should be checked by a pharmacist or prescriber before making the change. Differences in strength, directions, excipients, and the reason for treatment can matter. Do not assume that tablets with similar names or packaging are interchangeable.
What should I discuss with a pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines?
Ask about all non-prescription products, including cough and cold remedies, sleep aids, herbal products, and pain medicines. Some products may contain opioid ingredients or may be unsuitable because of your health conditions or other medicines. A pharmacist can review the ingredient list and recommend whether medical advice is needed.
Can I buy Revia online in Norway?
If you consider an online purchase, use a pharmacy that is authorised to supply medicines in Norway and that provides access to pharmacist support. Availability and any prescription requirement can depend on the product, current Norwegian rules, and the clinical assessment. Avoid sellers that offer Revia without appropriate verification or do not provide clear product, contact, and safety information.
Pharmacist Review
This Revia product page has been professionally reviewed for accuracy, balance, and responsible medicine information relevant to patients in Norway.
| Review detail |
Information |
| Reviewed by |
Ingrid Solberg, Master of Pharmacy (Cand.pharm.) |
| Professional identifier |
HPR no. 7852146 |
| Professional reference |
Norwegian Directorate of Health |
| Review date |
23 March 2026 |
The content has been assessed to support informed discussions about naltrexone treatment, including appropriate use, precautions, interactions, and the importance of individual clinical follow-up.
Medical disclaimer: This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor.
Pharmacy Location and Opening Hours
For Revia, visit our pharmacy at Stenersgata 1, 0050 Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| Days |
Opening hours |
| Monday–Friday |
10:00–21:00 |
| Saturday |
10:00–19:00 |
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