You can buy naltrexone online by first receiving a prescription from your provider. You can do this virtually as well, through telehealth services and online doctors. Once you receive a naltrexone prescription, you can order this Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) through an online pharmacy or retailer.
Naltrexone is only available with a prescription. You can’t buy naltrexone over the counter or online without a prescription from a doctor.
It’s strongly recommended to avoid purchasing naltrexone online without a prescription. Not only is it illegal, but it’s also extremely dangerous. Sites selling over-the-counter naltrexone cannot guarantee you that what you’re receiving is actually naltrexone and not cut with harmful drugs. There is no quality control, so even if what you receive is indeed naltrexone, it could be expired or damaged. [1] If you want to take naltrexone for opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), seek out a medical professional to write you a prescription.
Can You Buy Naltrexone Online?
Yes, you can buy naltrexone online if you have a legitimate prescription. You can usually obtain online naltrexone through retailers and online pharmacies.
Buying naltrexone through a legitimate retailer that requires a prescription helps users avoid counterfeit medication as well as poor-quality medication.[1] While the FDA works to protect Americans from low-quality medication from illegitimate retailers, it is still important to practice vigilance.
How to Buy Naltrexone Online
1. Obtain a Prescription
First, obtain a legitimate naltrexone prescription from a doctor.
If you’re looking for the convenience of an online purchase, you may want to consider making an online appointment with a medical professional. With a solid internet connection and access to a webcam and smartphone, several services exist that allow people to see doctors for many health issues without leaving their homes. This is typically called “telehealth” or virtual care.
Alternatively, you can see a doctor in person and get your prescription that way. In either case, talk to a medical professional – either a primary care physician or a physician who specializes in treating substance use disorder. They will be the most knowledgeable about your needs and whether naltrexone is the best option for you.
When talking to your doctor, inform them you would like to get your prescription filled online. If you have already found an online pharmacy that works for you, your healthcare provider can call in the prescription. You also can mail or fax a prescription yourself if your doctor gives it to you.
2. Find a Reputable Online Pharmacy
Once you have a prescription, you can use one of the many online pharmacies that can ship your medication to you.
Make sure to research any online retailer that sells medication before using them. One helpful tool is the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s site safety checker, which can confirm if a particular site is safe or not recommended.[2]
Never trust companies that make unrealistic claims about drugs that you can’t confirm on other reputable medical sites. Also, avoid sites that offer prescription (or illegal drugs) for sale without requiring any kind of prescription from a doctor.
3. Create an Account & Provide the Necessary Information
Because they provide prescription drugs, creating an account with an online pharmacy can be somewhat more rigorous than with other online retailers.
You may need to provide your information, valid credit card information, and appropriate insurance details. You will also need to upload your prescription for naltrexone or have your doctor send it directly.
4. Order Your Medication & Wait
At this point, all you need to do is order your medication and wait for it to come in the mail. Some companies may offer a way to expedite the shipping process for an additional fee.
Is Naltrexone a Prescription Drug?
Yes, Naltrexone is an FDA-approved prescription medication for the treatment of OUD and AUD. Low-dose naltrexone is also occasionally prescribed for the off-label treatment of chronic pain.
It is NOT a narcotic or a controlled substance, unlike other treatments for opioid use disorder (methadone and Suboxone). However, it still requires a prescription from a medical professional.
Can You Get Naltrexone Over the Counter?
No, you cannot buy safe and effective naltrexone over the counter. It’s a prescription medication, which means you need to obtain a prescription from your physician. You can do this online or in-office—whichever is most convenient for you.
Risks of Buying Naltrexone Without a Prescription
Many online sites exist where individuals can purchase medications that normally require a prescription illegally. Naltrexone is no exception.
However, if a retailer claims to be able to send you Naltrexone online without a prescription, it is likely a fraudulent site or retailer.
Naltrexone is a prescription medication, and while it is technically possible to purchase illegally without a prescription, there are serious risks to doing so – both legally and physically.
If you buy illicit naltrexone over the counter, you experience many risks, including:
- The naltrexone is not regulated and may be weak, expired, or contain other dangerous medications
- If you purchase from another country, your meds may get stuck in customs
- Buying naltrexone without a prescription means you won’t have a treatment plan
- If you take naltrexone without a prescription, your doctor won’t consider it and its interactions when prescribing medications—which can have dangerous consequences
Naltrexone can also have a number of side effects, including:[3]
- Liver damage
- Allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening
- Severe issues at the site of injection (in the case of the injectable form of Naltrexone), including these:
- Pain
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Swelling
- Scabbing
The risk of experiencing side effects increases if you buy OTC naltrexone or buy it illicitly online because you likely won’t be taking the right dose without a doctor’s recommendation
For these reasons, one should not purchase it illegally online without a prescription, but instead seek an evaluation and prescription from a medical doctor. This way, a physician can review your health history and assess any risks or monitoring that you might need while taking the medication [3]
Reviewed By Peter Manza, PhD
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role ... Read More
- Counterfeit Medicine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/counterfeit-medicine. February 2022. Accessed July 2022.
- Buy Safely. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. https://safe.pharmacy/. Accessed July 2022.
- Naltrexone. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone. April 2022. Accessed July 2022.
Download Our Free Program Guide
Learn about our program, its effectiveness and what to expect
Imagine what’s possible on the other side of opioid use disorder.
Our science-backed approach boasts 95% of patients reporting no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. We can help you achieve easier days and a happier future.