Compounded Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
What It Is, and How to Get It Filled
If your prescriber has mentioned low dose naltrexone, or already written you a prescription for it, you may have found that a regular pharmacy cannot fill it. That is normal. LDN is not manufactured at the strengths prescribers use, so it is made to order by a compounding pharmacy. Here is how that works, and what we can prepare for you.
Why Your Regular Pharmacy Cannot Fill It
Naltrexone is manufactured as a tablet in one strength, much higher than the amount used in low dose therapy. Nothing is manufactured at the low strengths.
So there is no product on a shelf for a pharmacy to hand over. A compounding pharmacy makes it individually, to the strength your prescriber writes. That is the whole reason low dose naltrexone and compounding go together.
Making a strength no manufacturer offers is exactly what Section 503A allows, as long as your prescriber has a clinical reason for it. Naltrexone is an approved ingredient, so it is eligible to be compounded.
How to Get It Filled
Your prescriber sends us the prescription
They can send it electronically or by fax. Our details are on the prescriber page.
If they have not compounded before, they can call us first
Our pharmacists will talk them through the strengths and dosage forms available before they write it.
We confirm the price with you
A member of our team speaks with you before anything is processed, made, or shipped.
We make it and send it
We have a 48-hour compounding time on most preparations. Shipping time is additional and varies by destination.
Already have a prescription at another pharmacy? You can transfer it to us.
Call 423-975-0597 for current pricing and shipping options for your state.
Where the Evidence Stands
Low dose naltrexone has been studied, mostly in small trials. Systematic reviews describe the evidence as limited and still developing, and larger randomized trials are under way.
Low dose naltrexone is prescribed off-label, which is both common and legal. What that means practically is that this is a conversation to have with your prescriber, who knows your history, and we prepare what they decide.
If it would help, our pharmacists are glad to talk your prescriber through the strengths and dosage forms available before they write the prescription.
What We Prepare
We prepare low dose naltrexone as an oral capsule or a tablet, depending on the strength your prescriber specifies. If you react to dyes, lactose or fillers, we can leave them out — that is one of the everyday reasons people are sent to a compounding pharmacy.
Everything is made to order at our pharmacy in Johnson City, Tennessee, and a pharmacist checks the formulation before it is made. We are PCAB accredited and licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, so we can ship to you wherever you live.
Because each prescription is made individually, a change is straightforward. If your prescriber adjusts the strength, send us the new prescription and we will prepare it to match.
Where to Go Next
What Is a 503A Pharmacy?
The rules a compounding pharmacy works under, and what 503A does and does not mean.
How to Ask Your Doctor About Compounded Medication
How to raise it with your prescriber, and what needs to be on the prescription.
Transfer a Prescription
Move an existing prescription to us from another pharmacy.
For Prescribers
How to send us a prescription, and how to reach a pharmacist directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is low dose naltrexone FDA approved?
No. There is no approved low dose naltrexone product, so prescribing it is an off-label decision made by your prescriber, which is both common and legal.
Why can't my regular pharmacy fill my LDN prescription?
Naltrexone is manufactured in one strength, much higher than the amount used in low dose therapy, and nothing is made at the low strengths. So there is no stock product to dispense. It has to be compounded individually, to the strength on your prescription.
Is naltrexone a controlled substance?
No. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist and is not a controlled substance. A prescription from a licensed prescriber is still required.
What form does it come in?
An oral capsule or a tablet, depending on the strength your prescriber specifies. If you react to dyes, lactose or fillers, we can prepare it without them.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. We do not prescribe, but if your prescriber has not written a compounded prescription before, our pharmacists are glad to speak with them about the strengths and dosage forms available.
Can you ship to my state?
We are licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We compound at our pharmacy in Johnson City, Tennessee and ship from there.
How long does it take?
We have a 48-hour compounding time on most preparations. Shipping time is additional and varies by destination. A member of our team confirms the price with you before anything is processed, made, or shipped.
Talk With Your Prescriber
We Prepare What Your Prescriber Orders
Talk to your prescriber about whether low dose naltrexone is right for you. When they are ready, they can send the prescription to us — our details are on our prescriber page — or you can transfer one you already have.
Questions about getting it filled? Call 423-975-0597.