COMPOUNDED LOW DOSE NALTREXONE (LDN)

Indications: Autoimmune diseases, cancers, central nervous system disorders

Forms: Capsules, sublingual drops, liquids, topical creams, nasal spray

What if there was a medication with the potential to help relieve symptoms of several chronic health conditions that plagued thousands every day? What if you were to learn patients taking this medication report few, if any, side effects at all? Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a medication custom compounded by prescription by Davis Islands Pharmacy.

LDN has been prescribed by physicians and compounded by specialized pharmacies for over twenty years, and is widely considered a safe and cost effective treatment for those suffering from autoimmune disorders.

How Low Dose Naltrexone Works: Short Version

1. Low Dose Naltrexone serves as an antagonist for opiate receptors
2. LDN serves as an antagonist for at least one, if not more, immune cells
3. As a result, the release of endorphins increases
4. The rise in naturally produced endorphins controls our immune response
5. Controlled immune response minimizes the growth of dangerous cells

According to a body of research, Low Dose Naltrexone is used to treat and relieve symptoms across a wide array of autoimmune disorders, cancer, autism, depression and more. Low Dose Naltrexone is even in the process of undergoing research for potential benefits to arthritis, wound healing, and scar formation.

Low Dose Naltrexone works by preventing immune system hyperactivity, which is the core issue involved in autoimmune disorders. With autoimmune diseases, patients experience a rapid release of inflammatory and neurotoxic chemicals in the brain, and Low Dose Naltrexone blunts this.

WE BELIEVE IN SCIENCE. LOW DOSE NALTREXONE (LDN) MAY REPRESENT THE SINGLE GREATEST BREAKTHROUGH IN DECADES YEARS. LDN OFFERS A SAFE AND RELATIVELY AFFORDABLE MEANS TO TREAT AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS BY MOBILIZING NATURAL DEFENSES FOR THERAPEUTIC GAIN.

DIGGING DEEPER: HOW LOW DOSE NALTREXONE WORKS

Whether we know it or not, Opioid Growth Factor Receptors (OGFR) exists on every type of cell in our bodies. OGFR binds to endorphins, which are natural chemicals in our bodies that play a vital role. The binding of OGFR to endorphins happens for the purpose of controlling cell growth.

Generally, patients whose diseases are triggered by an endorphin deficiency (including cancer and autoimmune diseases), or whose condition are accelerated by the deficiency of endorphins (such as HIV/AIDS), are able to get relief when the LDN binds to the endorphin receptors of the pituitary gland in the brain.

When the LDN binds to endorphin receptors, the endorphins are then displaced. Because the LDN only binds to receptors for up to four hours, the endorphin primarily responsible for cell growth, opioid growth factor, experiences greater production through the rebound effect.

The additional endorphins will then be metabolized and begin interacting with receptors to rebuild cells and re-establish immunity. In a manner similar to how narcotics like morphine or codeine are able to relieve pain, Low Dose Naltrexone is different in that the focus and goal is the restoration of the body’s natural, homeostatic production of endorphins and the significant therapeutic impact that results.

Certain diseases cause problems by preventing the body from naturally creating necessary endorphins. While many diseases deplete the production of endorphins, by boosting the body’s immune system and activating the natural defenses, Low Dose Naltrexone works by producing more endorphins in the body. More endorphins, as a result, enhance immune system response and while protecting the body by increasing its natural defenses against harmful bacteria and foreign cell invaders.

There is a growing body of evidence that the our endorphins, a form of opioid naturally produced by the body, plays a crucial function in regulating our immune systems. TIming matters. Typically, low dose naltrexone is administered between the hours of 9 and 11 p.m., blocking critical opioid receptors during sleep for several hours, resulting in positive effects on the patient’s immune system. In research studies, subjects who took LDN in this manner had, in the days that followed, eta-endorphins circulating in their blood at substantially higher levels.

When we talk about “low dose”, generally we refer to daily dosages of the drug that are around 10% or less of the traditional dosage for treatment of opioid addiction. Low-Dose Naltrexone has been shown to be effective in boosting immune systems in doses of 1.5-, 3- and 4.5-mg capsules, generally not more than 5mg.

Low Dose Naltrexone acts by moderating symptoms of various chronic medical conditions, while at the same time, minimizing chronic pain associated with cancer and other diseases. Naltrexone at lower dosages works on the central nervous system, and is widely believed to operate as an anti-inflammatory.

Compared to higher dosages of the drug, LDN portrays somewhat paradoxical properties: both analgesia and anti-inflammatory actions. These paradoxical properties have not been reported at larger dosages.What’s more, some studies have shown that LDN even has the potential to positively impact diseases not directly tied to inflammation.

Naltrexone works by retaining moisture, and is therefore classified as a hygroscopic medication. Professional management is therefore necessary to ensure proper administration, monitoring, dosing, and ultimately effectiveness. Different from other Low Dose Naltrexone compounded therapies, Davis Island Pharmacy compounds low dose naltrexone using unique capsules designed to help resist moisture sorption. By compounding in this manner, we help provide the stability needed for proper efficacy.

Research found that patients with HIV/AIDS who took Low Dose Naltrexone on a regular basis prior to the availability of HAART, generally didn’t experience deterioration of important helper T cells (CD4+). According to LDN Research Trust, “As of 2016, Low Dose Naltrexone is most commonly being used for Chronic Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Myalgic Encephalopathy, and autoimmune thyroid diseases”.

COMPOUNDING LOW DOSE NALTREXONE

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Davis Islands Pharmacy and Compounding Lab compounds Low Dose Naltrexone in a variety of strengths, typically titrating up to 0.5mg. We are able to compound Low Dose Naltrexone in a variety of forms, including liquid, cream and sublingual. Our compounding experts prepare Low Dose Naltrexone with zero fillers or binders, which can interfere with absorption of the active ingredients. Additionally, no calcium carbonate, gluten, lactose or dyes used in our Low Dose Naltrexone compounds: we stick to the highest of standards.

When compounding Low Dose Naltrexone, it is vital to ensure all powders are mixed evenly and are blended well, prior to encapsulating the drug. Our compounding pharmacy is proud to have the requisite equipment and our compounding experts are specially trained, offering assurance that each capsule or dosage form is comprised of the appropriate level of ingredients in a uniform blend.

Millions of patients worldwide that suffer from autoimmune diseases, central nervous system disorders, and various cancer types stand to benefit from the advancements in understanding, research, and applications around Low-dose Naltrexone. For many with intractable pain, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has been able to help where even the strongest of opioids and other drugs have failed: reducing their pain. While those medications are FDA approved for pain, as research continues, LDN is not yet FDA approved for off-label use. Through compounding for pain, Low Dose Naltrexone continues to help patients regain their healthy lives.

In general, people suffering from diseases that are in-part or largely caused by deficiencies of endorphins, including cancer and autoimmune diseases, or those that are accelerated by a deficiency of endorphins, like HIV/AIDS, the core therapeutic mechanism of Low Dose Naltrexone is the restoration of normal production of endorphins in the body.

Compounding pharmacies, like Davis Islands Pharmacy and Compounding Lab, maintain strict processes and stock chemicals and compounded preparations of common drugs that are in short supply to hospital pharmacies. Contact us online, or give us a call for more information on how we can collaborate with you, your physician, or practice with Low Dose Naltrexone Solutions. If you don’t yet have a physician for obtaining Low Dose Naltrexone prescriptions but believe it may be the solution for you, we’re more than happy to connect you with a qualified physician in your area who is familiar with the benefits of LDN, as well as other medical needs.

LOW DOSE NALTREXONE: AN OPIATE OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE?

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is not an opiate drug, neither is it a controlled substance. In fact, LDN is an opiate blocker, used in normal dosages (around 50mg) to assist patients struggling from alcohol and opiate abuse. We compound Naltrexone at lower dosages, which has been found to produce anti-inflammatory effects in patients, particularly inflammation in the brain and near nerves.

LOW DOSE NALTREXONE: WHEN CAN I EXPECT PAIN RELIEF?

Many patients experience therapeutic benefits to their pain at around the 2–3 week mark, peaking at around two months. Many patients will give LDN about three months before making a determination on its effectiveness, with the first month mainly titrating the dosage up, followed by two months on the dosage the physician determines will provide the greatest therapeutic benefit.

In cases when patients are using extra low-dose naltrexone, or in cases in which patients are taking opiates in addition to the Low Dose Naltrexone treatment, physicians report a longer duration before benefits are achieved. In such cases, physicians might increase the duration of treatment to four months prior to giving up on the drug.

LDN IS COMMONLY USED IN THE FOLLOWING SCENARIOS:

1. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
2. Alzheimer’s Disease
3. Ankylosing Spondylitis
4. Autism Spectrum Disorders
5. Behcet’s Disease
6. Celiac Disease
7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
8. CREST syndrome
9. Crohn’s Disease
10. Emphysema (COPD)
11. Endometriosis
12. Fibromyalgia
13. HIV/AIDS
14. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
15. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
16. Parkinson’s Disease
17. Pemphigoid
18. Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
19. Psoriasis Rheumatoid Arthritis
20. Sarcoidosis
21. Scleroderma
22. Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)
23. Systemic Lupus (SLE)
24. Transverse Myelitis
25. Ulcerative Colitis
26. Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Each of the disorders listed above share a unique feature: the body’s immune system plays a vital role. Generally, they share the trait that low blood levels of endorphins are present, adding to the disease-associated immune deficiencies.

Low Dose Naltrexone Has Also Been Found to Aid in the Treatment of a Myriad of Cancers, Including:

1. Bladder Cancer
2. Breast Cancer
3. Colon & Rectal Cancer
4. Liver Cancer
5. Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell)
6. Lymphocytic Leukemia (chronic)
7. Malignant Melanoma
8. Ovarian Cancer
9. Pancreatic Cancer
10. Renal Cell Carcinoma
11. Throat Cancer
12. Uterine Cancer

LOW DOSE VERSUS HIGHER DOSE NALTREXONE

Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) is often confused with Naltrexone prescribed and administered at higher doses, so it’s important to point out the difference. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonists, a large class of drugs prescribed in both high and low doses. In high dosages, the range of which is typically between 50 and 300 mg per day, Naltrexone is commonly prescribed to treat addiction to opioids like heroin or morphine. Higher dose Naltrexone blocks the effect of opiate drugs such as these on the brain, effectively reducing the “high” drug users experience with opiates.

In larger doses, the same drug seems to undo the positive immune response that clinicians find in lower doses of Naltrexone. This happens, because the higher doses overwhelm the receptors; therefore, to have the desired effect, the dose of Naltrexone needs to be in a specific low-dose range, as outlined below.

On the other hand, Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a compounded medication that Davis Islands Pharmacy is able to compound in whatever form you find suitable. Typically, we compound 1.5 to 4.5 mg of Naltrexone, which is considered low dose, to aid in body combating a variety of chronic illnesses. Low Dose Naltrexone is commonly used in conjunction with traditional medications and treatments for various conditions, but enable treatment without the use of narcotics. It’s important that Low Dose Naltrexone is compounded by an experienced compounding professional under the supervision of a reliable and well-trained compounding pharmacist.

20% OF THE POPULATION SUFFERS FROM AUTOIMMUNE OR A CHRONIC DISEASE; 65 MILLIONS PEOPLE COMPLAIN OF CHRONIC PAIN.

WARNINGS, SIDE EFFECTS, AND PRECAUTIONS:

Low Dose Naltrexone is a generally well tolerated. That said, some patients report side effects such as headaches, insomnia, and vivid dreams. These side effects usually subside within a few weeks. If insomnia is a problem, consult with your physician. Dosage can be changed, or administration moved to morning. Some patients report anxiety as a side effect from Low Dose Naltrexone, and in that case, your physician can lower the dosage and add additional medical or herbal supplements.

Low Dose Naltrexone interferes with opiates, so when beginning your LDN treatment, it’s imperative to safely discontinue narcotic pain medication. Otherwise, LDN generally has virtually no side effects and is very well tolerated by most patients. Most patients report more dreams, and moderate sleep disruption during the first days of treatment, improving over time.

Patients using opioid agonists such as narcotic medications (Ultram (tramadol), morphine, Percocet, Duragesic® patches or Codeine-containing medications) should not take Low Dose Naltrexone until those medications are entirely out of your system. Many patients become dependent on daily use of narcotic medications. In such cases, it may be necessary to safely wean off those drugs over the course of 10 days to a couple weeks, while substituting full doses of non-narcotic pain medications fully prior to safe commencement of Low Dose Naltrexone treatment.

Patients taking thyroid hormone replacement for a diagnostic purposes with hypothyroidism are recommended to start Low Dose Naltrexone at the lowest range for adults. It’s important to be cognizant that Low Dose Naltrexone can cause quick decreases in autoimmune disorders, which may then require a rapid reduction or alteration to the dose of thyroid hormone replacement or other medications in order to avoid symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

If you have received organ transplants and taking immunosuppressive medication for it, you are cautioned against the use of Low Dose Naltrexone due to contraindications with such medications.

If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or cancer and are looking for support, Low Dose Naltrexone may the right solution for you. Discuss LDN with your physician, and Davis Islands Pharmacy will collaborate with you and your doctor to determine the best Low Dose Naltrexone compound prescription, dose and form, for your unique needs!

OVERDOSE & PRECAUTIONS

Do not take more Low Dose Naltrexone more than prescribed. If you suspect someone has overdosed from LDN, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.