Alcohol dependence treatment accepted for NHS use

26 November 2014

Nalmefene (Selincro) has been recommended by NICE as a possible treatment for reducing alcohol consumption in people with alcohol dependence.

In trials, nalmefene plus psychosocial support reduced alcohol consumption by 1.8 units per day compared with psychosocial support alone. | SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Nalmefene may be prescribed on the NHS for people who:

have a high drinking risk (defined as alcohol consumption of more than 60g (7.5 units) per day for men and more than 40g (5 units) per day for women, according to the World Health Organization's drinking risk levels) without physical withdrawal symptoms, and
who do not require immediate detoxification.

Nalmefene must be prescribed in conjunction with continuous psychosocial support focused on treatment adherence and reducing alcohol consumption. It should only be started in patients who continue to have a high drinking risk 2 weeks after their initial assessment.

Nalmefene is an opioid receptor modulator which acts by reducing the urge to drink. One 18mg tablet is taken daily as needed, 1–2 hours before the patient believes he or she will be at risk of drinking.

NICE guidance on nalmefene for reducing alcohol consumption in people with alcohol dependence

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