Nowadays it is possible to purchase any number of medications online without a prescription illegally. However, there are serious risks to doing so, both legally and health-wise. While it is possible to obtain Naltrexone online without a prescription, doing so is against the law and could be dangerous to your health. If you want or need to take Naltrexone, seek out a medical professional to help get you a prescription and to monitor your health appropriately while taking this medication
Can You Buy Naltrexone Online?
Naltrexone is a prescription medication. Prescription medications can be purchased online, but only through a reputable online retailer. This helps users avoid counterfeit medication as well as medication that may contain the correct substance but was produced with weaker quality control than would be considered an acceptable standard.[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 prescription for naltrexone 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, called “telehealth”.
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 a prescription drug. 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.
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 can be purchased illegally without a prescription, there are serious risks to doing so - both legally and physically. Naltrexone can also have a number of side effects, including:
- Liver damage
- Severe issues at the site of injection (in the case of injectable medication), including these:
- Pain
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Swelling
- Scabbing
- Allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening
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]