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What Is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and What Conditions Can It Help With?

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a medication gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits for various conditions. LDN is prescribed at much lower doses than the standard doses of naltrexone. At these lower doses, naltrexone appears to have unique effects on the immune system and inflammation, making it a promising treatment for several chronic conditions. Avrio Pharmacy is proud to be a part of the LDN Research Trust, supporting ongoing research and development in low-dose naltrexone therapies to improve patient outcomes. Our involvement helps advance the field and improve patient outcomes through dedicated research and innovative solutions.

How Does Low Dose Naltrexone Work?

At low doses, naltrexone has been shown to temporarily block opioid receptors in the body. When naltrexone temporarily blocks opioid receptors, the body responds by increasing the production of endorphins. Endorphins are natural chemicals that help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being. 

The increased endorphin levels are believed to help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial in managing various health conditions. Additionally, LDN has been shown to antagonize immune toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), which reduces inflammatory cytokines and decreases the body’s immune response and inflammation, further contributing to its potential therapeutic benefits.

Conditions Low Dose Naltrexone May Help With

LDN is being investigated and used off label for a wide range of conditions, including:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): LDN may help reduce the frequency and severity of MS flareups and improve symptoms such as spasticity and pain. 

Fibromyalgia: Patients with fibromyalgia may experience reduced pain and improved quality of life with LDN. 

Crohn’s Disease: LDN has shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the intestines of patients with Crohn’s disease. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): LDN may help alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Some patients report increased energy levels and reduced fatigue with LDN. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis: LDN may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: LDN is thought to help regulate the immune system, potentially reducing thyroid antibodies and improving thyroid function. 

Psoriasis: LDN may help reduce the severity of psoriasis plaques and improve skin health. 

Cancer: Some preliminary studies suggest that LDN might have antitumor effects and can be used as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment. 

Chronic Pain: LDN has been reported to help manage chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain. 

**For additional information on other conditions where LDN may be beneficial go to LDN Trust (https://ldnresearchtrust.org/conditions) conditions page.  

How Do I Take Low Dose Naltrexone?

At Avrio Pharmacy, we’re excited to offer a groundbreaking approach in low-dose naltrexone (LDN) administration: the four-scored tablet.

Benefits of Compounded Tablets for Patients:

  • All tablets are four-scored for easy to titrate dosages.
  • Allow for 1/4th tablet dosing increments as you work towards your goal dose while minimizing side effects
  • These tablets feature grooves that divide them into four equal parts, allowing for easy splitting into smaller doses.
  • Priced for patient affordability and compounded for patient ease of use.
  • Small tablet size may help with improved compliance
  • Fast turn-around time on new and refill prescriptions
 

The four-scored tablets offer flexibility in dosing, allowing patients to start with lower doses and gradually increase them. This is very useful during the titration phase, where patients find their optimal dose with minimal side effects.

By simply breaking the tablet along the scored lines, patients can precisely manage their dosage adjustments, ensuring a personalized approach to their treatment.

Compounded Tablet Strengths:

  • 2mg four-scored (0.5mg segments)
  • 6mg four-scored (1.5mg segments)
  • 4.5mg four-scored (most common target dose)
GS medication, GS tablet next to a dime, Gs-441524
Size of a four scored LDN tablet.

Administration Guidelines & Dosage Information

1. Time of Day: LDN is often taken at bedtime because it may work better with the body’s natural rhythm of endorphin production.

2. Empty Stomach: Some patients find it beneficial to take LDN on an empty stomach to enhance absorption.

3. Consistency: It’s important to take LDN consistently at the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels.

Dosage Information

The typical starting dose of LDN can vary, but it is usually between 0.5 mg to 1.5 mg per day. The dose may be gradually increased based on patient response and tolerance, up to a maximum of around 4.5 mg per day.

Titration Schedule Example

*Titration Schedule Example: Slower Titration

Week 1-2: Start with 0.5 mg per day

Week 3-4: Increase to 1.0 mg per day

Week 5-6: Increase to 1.5 mg per day

Continue to Increase: Every 1 to 2 weeks, increase by 0.5 mg until the desired dose is reached, not exceeding 4.5 mg per day.

 

*Titration Schedule Example: Quick Titration

Week 1-2: Start with 1.5 mg per day

Week 3-4: Increase to 3.0 mg per day

Week 5-6: Increase to 4.5 mg per day thereafter.

 

*Titration Schedule Example: Faster Titration

Week 1: Start with 1.5mg per day

Week 2: Start with 3mg per day

Week 3: Start with 4.5mg per day ongoing

*Always follow the dosing schedule recommended by your healthcare provider.

faq

Explore Our FAQs!

You have the option to pick-up your prescription at our pharmacy location in Scottsdale, AZ or you may have your prescription shipped directly to your home. Our customer service team is happy to review the different shipping options depending on how quickly you would like to receive the prescription once it is ready.
If you are picking up your prescription at the pharmacy, you will receive a text and/or call once the final quality checks are performed by one of our pharmacists. If you are having your prescription shipped to you, and provided an email address, our systems will send you tracking information when the label is created and provided to the third-party carrier.
All compounded medications do require a prescription from your provider. Providers may phone, fax, electronically send via electronic medical records system (EMR), or provide you a hand written prescription. If possible and in-order to best streamline your experience, we recommend having your provider send the prescription directly to our pharmacy. Avrio does offer some (non-prescription) over-the-counter vitamins, supplements, medications, and supplies that we can include with your order as requested.
Ask your provider to send your compounded medication prescription to Avrio Pharmacy. The provider may phone, fax, or electronically send (via electronic medical records system (EMR)) the prescription. Once we receive the prescription, our team will create your patient profile and contact you directly for next steps. If you have any additional questions, our customer service team will be more than happy to help.

You or your provider may reach our pharmacy team at 480-270-6700 Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Arizona time and Saturday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  We have dedicated phone lines for both patients and providers to connect the most appropriate team (human compounding, veterinary medicine, retail pharmacy). We do close for major holidays, which may impact our phone hours.

You may also visit our pharmacy in-person Monday-Friday 8:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00a-2:00p Arizona time to speak with a member of our team.

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DISCLAIMER: As with every compounding pharmacy, compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated for safety and efficacy. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact the pharmacy for more information.Â