AI Summary ReVia (naltrexone) is a once-daily tablet that reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol to help lower cravings, heavy drinking, and relapse, and it is used with counseling and regular liver function monitoring.
Medically reviewed.
ReVia (naltrexone) is a prescription tablet used to support treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). It reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol, which helps decrease cravings and the chance of relapse. It is taken once daily and works best alongside counseling or a structured recovery program. Treatment decisions should always be individualized and guided by a healthcare professional.
This page covers ReVia's role in AUD care — how it works, who may be eligible, how it is used, benefits, side effects, and liver monitoring. You can also connect with a liver specialist near you for personalized guidance.
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ABOUT REVIA TREATMENT
ReVia is a prescription medicine that contains naltrexone. It is used to support treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). ReVia blocks opioid receptors involved in the body's alcohol reward pathways. This reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol, which helps decrease cravings and the likelihood of relapse.
ReVia is an oral tablet taken once a day. A long-acting form of naltrexone, Vivitrol, is given as an injection by a healthcare provider every 4 weeks. Both forms work in the same way.
ReVia does not treat liver damage directly. It supports stopping or reducing alcohol use, and doctors also use AUD medicines in people who have alcohol-related liver disease. Because of this, liver function is checked during treatment. ReVia is used alongside counseling, support groups, and regular follow-up, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs).
WHO REVIA MAY BE SUITABLE FOR
Eligibility for ReVia depends on your alcohol use history, your recovery goals, your liver health, and the other medicines you take. Your healthcare provider may prescribe it if you are trying to reduce or stop drinking, have strong cravings, and have completed alcohol withdrawal.
Your liver condition matters. Naltrexone is processed differently in severe liver disease. It is generally avoided in people with Child-Pugh class C (advanced) cirrhosis, and it is not recommended in severe alcohol-related liver disease. Recent data suggest serious liver toxicity is rare. The dose may also need adjusting based on liver function.
Because every patient's health profile is different, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision should be made by a qualified healthcare professional after a full assessment of your liver and your treatment goals.
ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
Your healthcare provider may prescribe ReVia if you:
Before recommending ReVia, healthcare providers evaluate several factors, including:
HOW REVIA CAN HELP
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors involved in the brain's alcohol reward pathways. When alcohol brings less reward, cravings lose some of their pull and drinking is less reinforcing.
This action reduces craving intensity, helps decrease heavy drinking episodes, and supports relapse prevention. It also makes behavioral therapy more effective. Combined with counseling, naltrexone can significantly reduce relapse rates and heavy drinking days compared with placebo.
For people with alcohol-related liver disease, lowering alcohol intake is central to protecting the liver. ReVia is not used on its own. Providers pair it with counseling or support groups and regular monitoring, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs).
HOW IT HELPS
ReVia blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol reward pathways. When these receptors are blocked, drinking feels less rewarding and alcohol is less reinforcing. This change can make it easier to stay committed to reducing or stopping alcohol use.
ReVia helps decrease heavy drinking episodes. Fewer heavy drinking days support the goal of protecting your liver from further alcohol-related harm, which matters most if you already have alcohol-related liver disease.
ReVia does not treat liver damage directly, but doctors also use AUD medicines in people who have alcohol-related liver disease. Because naltrexone is processed by the liver, your provider checks your liver function during treatment and may adjust the dose based on the results.
ReVia reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol, which helps lower cravings and the chance of relapse. It should only be started and monitored under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
TREATMENT PROCESS
ReVia is supplied as an oral tablet. Take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
The typical dose is 50 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose based on your liver function and how you respond.
ReVia is a once-daily tablet. It is not an injection. Take it with or without food, at the same time each day. Do not change your dose without medical guidance.
Treatment is typically long-term. It often continues for several months to a year or longer, depending on relapse risk, cravings, and recovery progress. Do not stop ReVia without talking to your healthcare provider.
Store ReVia at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Regular monitoring of liver function tests and treatment response is recommended. Keep regular follow-up visits with your addiction care providers, and report any side effects or unusual symptoms.
BENEFITS AND SAFETY
ReVia (naltrexone) may support people with alcohol use disorder by reducing the urge to drink and helping them stay on track with recovery. It works best alongside counseling programs. The extent of benefit varies from person to person, depending on alcohol use history, liver health, and engagement with treatment. ReVia is not a stand-alone treatment. It is part of a broader care plan that includes counseling or support groups, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up and monitoring, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs).
As with any medication, ReVia may cause side effects. Naltrexone is processed by the liver, so your provider will monitor your liver function throughout treatment and assess whether ReVia remains a suitable option for you. Serious liver toxicity appears to be rare, but the drug is generally avoided in Child-Pugh class C cirrhosis.
BENEFITS
ReVia reduces the urge to drink alcohol. Weaker cravings can make daily life and recovery goals easier to manage, especially in the early months of treatment.
ReVia helps maintain long-term abstinence and supports relapse prevention. Treatment is typically long-term, often continuing for several months to a year or longer, depending on relapse risk, cravings, and recovery progress.
ReVia is a simple oral tablet taken once a day. You can take it with or without food, at the same time each day, which makes it easy to build into a daily routine.
ReVia works alongside counseling programs and enhances the effectiveness of behavioral therapy. It is designed to be used with counseling or support groups, structured daily routines, and regular follow-up with your addiction care providers.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment and provide ongoing support, including liver function monitoring, to help ensure safe use.
SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY
Medication is one part of AUD treatment. Your provider advises avoiding alcohol completely while taking ReVia and using counseling or support programs alongside it.
These habits can support your recovery and help protect your liver over time.
Areas that may support treatment:
Common Questions
ReVia helps by reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol, which lowers cravings and the chance of relapse. It blocks opioid receptors involved in the brain's alcohol reward pathways, so drinking feels less reinforcing. Combined with counseling, naltrexone can significantly reduce relapse rates and heavy drinking days compared with placebo. ReVia is not a cure, so it works best alongside counseling. Ask your healthcare professional whether it fits your goals.
ReVia may suit people who are trying to reduce or stop drinking, have strong cravings, and have completed alcohol withdrawal. Providers may also consider whether you are taking part in a structured recovery program. They also look at your liver health, alcohol use history, and other medicines. Because every situation differs, a healthcare professional needs to assess whether ReVia is right for you.
Not always, so it needs extra care. Naltrexone is processed differently in severe liver disease, and it is generally avoided in Child-Pugh class C (advanced) cirrhosis. Serious liver toxicity appears to be rare. Your provider will monitor your liver function regularly during treatment, and the dose may need adjusting. Talk with your healthcare professional about your liver condition before starting.
Take ReVia exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. The typical dose is 50 mg once daily, as a tablet with or without food at the same time each day. Your provider may adjust the dose based on your liver function and how you respond. Do not change your dose or stop without medical guidance. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about your routine.
No. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol completely while taking ReVia. The goal of treatment is to reduce or stop drinking and prevent relapse, and avoiding alcohol also protects your liver. ReVia works best with counseling or support groups, structured daily routines, and avoiding triggers for drinking. If you slip or struggle with cravings, tell your addiction care provider so you can get support.
The most common side effects of ReVia are nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. Because naltrexone is processed by the liver, your provider will monitor your liver function throughout treatment. Report any side effects or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider, and do not stop ReVia on your own. Your provider can discuss the potential benefits and risks with you before you start.
Treatment with ReVia is typically long-term. It often continues for several months to a year or longer, depending on relapse risk, cravings, and recovery progress. Your provider will review your progress at regular follow-up visits and decide with you how long to continue. Do not stop taking ReVia without talking to your healthcare provider first.
Medical disclaimer: LiverDirectory provides educational information and a directory of providers. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition.
