Could a tiny dose of naltrexone ease vasculitis symptoms?

NCT ID NCT03482479

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a low dose (4.5 mg) of naltrexone, a drug already used for alcoholism, can improve physical health and quality of life in people with vasculitis. Sixty participants took either the drug or a placebo daily for six weeks. The goal was to see if the drug led to better self-reported physical health compared to placebo.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

low dose naltrexone (4.5 mg daily)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a safe, low-cost option to improve physical health and quality of life for people with vasculitis.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 60 participants. The main outcome is self-reported, and the placebo effect can be strong. It may not show a clear benefit.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis Giant Cell Arteritis granulomatosis with polyangiitis microscopic polyangiitis polyarteritis nodosa Takayasu arteritis temporal arteritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

  • Mayo Clinic

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

  • St. Joseph's Healthcare

    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, United States

  • University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, United States