GP Wellness

Common side effects of Naltrexone, Disulfiram, and Nalmefene implants

All implantable pellets must be administered by a qualified medical professional. You may experience:

Local reactions (at implant site): pain, swelling, redness, bruising, or a small scar.

Systemic side effects: Naltrexone: nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, or joint/muscle pain.

Disulfiram: metallic taste, skin rash, mild drowsiness, or impotence (rare). Severe reaction if you consume even tiny amounts of alcohol – including in mouthwash, vinegar, or some medications.

Nalmefene: nausea, difficulty sleeping, headache, increased sweating, or anxiety.

Serious risks – requires emergency medical attention

Allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Liver damage (all three drugs): dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, extreme fatigue, yellowing eyes/skin, abdominal pain.

Severe psychiatric reactions: depression, suicidal thoughts, confusion, hallucinations, or paranoia.

Infection or implant rejection (rare): spreading redness, fever, pus, or implant extrusion.

Who should not receive these implants?

– Current opioid use (for Naltrexone/Nalmefene) – may cause sudden, severe withdrawal.

– Active liver disease or elevated liver enzymes.

– Untreated mental health conditions (e.g., severe depression, psychosis).

– Allergy to any of the active ingredients or implant material.

– Pregnancy or breastfeeding (unless approved by a specialist).

– Taking certain medications – especially metronidazole, isoniazid, phenytoin, or warfarin.

Crucial warning – Disulfiram: You must abstain from alcohol for at least 12 hours before implantation and for up to 14 days after the implant stops working (typically several months). Even a small amount of alcohol can cause severe reactions including chest pain, heart attack, stroke, or death.

What you must do before and after implant

✅ Complete a full medical & psychiatric evaluation with our GP.

✅ Detoxify from alcohol/opioids (supervised) before implant – unless already abstinent.

✅ Sign informed consent after understanding all risks.

✅ Report any new symptoms or mood changes immediately.

❌ Do not drink alcohol, take opioids, or use illicit substances while implant is active

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