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The History of Naltrexone at Low Doses
As early as 1985, Bernard Bihari, MD, a New York physician, found that smaller doses of naltrexone (~3mg) influenced the immune system. He prescribed low doses naltrexone (LDN) at bedtime for HIV patients to enhance their immune response to HIV infection. He found that LDN alone slowed disease progression. Additionally, as an add-on therapy to antiretroviral treatment, LDN accelerated immune system healing. Since that time, Dr. Bihari also used LDN to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases with beneficial results. Other practitioners followed with treatment of Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, MS, systemic lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and other syndromes.
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Conditions Where LDN May Benefit
Cardiac Diseases, Chronic Pain, Dermatologic Diseases, Ear/Nose/Throat Conditions, Endocrine Diseases, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Cancer, Neurological Diseases, Renal & Urologic Diseases, Rheumatology Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Vasculitis, Women's Health, Psychological Disorders and more.
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LDN Dosing
Typical adult therapeutic dosing ranges between 1.5mg to 4.5mg taken at bedtime. LDN must be prepared accurately at lower doses as an immediate release dosage form. Slow-release or timed-released formulations will not achieve the required “spike” in the bloodstream that is essential for LDN to have therapeutic results. Choice of filler is imperative as it should be hypoallergenic to avoid patient intolerances or interference with LDN absorption, as seen with calcium carbonate.
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Family Pharmacy is able to prepare low-dose naltrexone therapy for our patients, in capsules, liquid form, or in creams. We work with your provider to compound various strengths as required by patient tolerability and patient response.
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Low-Dose Naltrexone - Real vs. Counterfeit
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is prescription only. It has come to our attention that there are websites advertising LDN directly without a prescription. However, those are likely fake medications.
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Avoid purchasing online to prevent fraud or potential safety risks from fake medication.