What has NICE said?

Nalmefene (also known as Selincro) is recommended as a possible treatment for people with alcohol dependence who:

  • are still drinking more than 7.5 units per day (for men) and more than 5 units per day (for women) 2 weeks after an initial assessment and

  • do not have physical withdrawal symptoms and

  • do not need to either stop drinking straight away or stop drinking completely.

Nalmefene should only be taken if the person is also having ongoing support to change their behaviour and to continue to take their treatment, to help them reduce their alcohol intake.

What does this mean for me?

If you are dependent on alcohol, and your doctor thinks that nalmefene is the right treatment, you should be able to have the treatment on the NHS.

Nalmefene should be available on the NHS within 3 months of the guidance being issued.

  • Information Standard