CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Patients with autoimmune and chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease are often faced with daunting treatments and side effects to help manage their condition. But another option is available.

Stapley Pharmacy seeks to educate the community about the benefits of low-dose naltrexone, a safe, non-toxic and inexpensive drug that helps regulate a dysfunctional immune system.

Although naltrexone is widely known for its use in substance abuse treatment to reduce cravings, researchers have identified different actions when the drug is administered in lower doses than originally intended. Low-dose naltrexone refers to prescriptions that are one-tenth or less of the standard dose of naltrexone.

“Autoimmune disorders can be very difficult to treat because the body’s immune system fights another part of the body,” said Chris Christensen, PharmD, manager of the pharmacy’s Dino Crossing location. “Sometimes we struggle with finding ways to really help those patients, and this is another avenue that may be beneficial to improving their quality of life.”

New York City physician Dr. Bernard Bihari pioneered the use of low-dose naltrexone in clinical practice during the 1980s. At the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Bihari observed that his patients were all critically low in endorphins, natural peptides that help regulate the growth of cells, including immune cells. In Bihari’s groundbreaking clinical trial, low-dose naltrexone proved remarkably effective in protecting the battered immune systems of those infected with what was then an untreatable disease.

Low-dose naltrexone is able to modify the body’s biological functions either by suppressing unwanted immune reactions or by stimulating disease-suppressed immune activity. This occurs because naltrexone antagonizes the opiate receptors that regulate the release of endorphins and proteins in the immune system designed to help fight against infection.

The immune system-normalizing effect that Bihari discovered applies to a wide range of disorders, including Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic pain.

“The increase of natural endorphins is where we see the greatest benefit,” said Brett Petersen, PharmD, manager of Stapley Pharmacy’s downtown St. George location. “If we’re able to modulate the autoimmune response, it’s very beneficial to the general health of patients with these diseases.”

Recently, studies have shown promising benefits for patients with long-haul COVID-19 symptoms and children with autism who engage in self-harming behaviors. Low-dose naltrexone is also indicated for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis in topical form.

Although the drug is growing in popularity, driven mainly by patient advocacy, it’s not commercially available. It requires a prescription, but few doctors have taken the initiative to research the protocol.

“There’s no financial benefit for drug companies to market it because it’s off-label and way out of patent,” compounding specialist Luey Staheli said. “So, it’s up to compounding pharmacies and educated physicians to see the benefit in it for their patients.”

Stapley Pharmacy started offering low-dose naltrexone to the Southern Utah community about 10 years ago. Patients wanting to learn more about low-dose naltrexone are encouraged to visit any of their locations or call 435-673-3575. The staff can answer their questions and refer them to a local physician with the knowledge to oversee their treatment.

Southern Utah’s hometown drugstore for over 40 years, Stapley Pharmacy operates two locations in St. George, including a full-service compounding pharmacy downtown, along with a pharmacy in Enterprise that serves the rural communities of Washington and Iron counties. In 2019, they were named the official pharmacy of Dixie State University (now Utah Tech University) athletics.

Behind the counter, Stapley Pharmacy is known for a state-of-the-art compounding lab, repackaging services, consultations and immunizations, including all the back-to-school shots kids need with no appointment required. They have a long history of community involvement ranging from free patient education seminars to corporate sponsorships. The pharmacy puts patient health first by hiring qualified pharmacists and technicians dedicated to providing the very best care.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

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Resources

• Stapley Pharmacy | Website.
• Locations:
  • St. George – Downtown | Address: 102 E. City Center St. | Telephone: 435-673-3575.
  • St. George – Dino Crossing | Address: 446 S. Mall Drive, Suite B8 | Telephone: 435-627-2910.
  • Enterprise | Address: 167 E. Main St. | Telephone: 435-878-2300.

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