Interesting, I will speak to my specialist about this when I see him next. We have a doctor here in Perth who uses Naltrexone to help people with addiction to opiates. He funds this service almost singlehandedly, and it seems to get good results.
I currently take Plaquenil and Cyclosporine (plus a bunch of others) - Methotrexate was not recommended for me. You are right, some of the drugs we take for our illness are actually very toxic!
I do know Naltrexone is metabolised in the liver, so as with many drugs an initial liver function test plus monthly follow ups for the first 3-6 months are recommended.
I have been on a heavy drug regime for some years now...I have full blood work ups every 2 months and more blood testing/urinalysis every time I see my specialist, which thankfully is now every 4 months. This seems a lot, but when I started seeing him it was every month....which was tiring to say the least!
I did get quite excited about the new drug Benlysta, but my specialist was fairly dismissive. He said he had his doubts about it's efficacy. I think also, there have been some questions raised about some of the side-effects.
Thanks for starting this discussion, it is always interesting to hear what works for others....education is so important when you are battling such chronic diseases and if we can help others through our experiences all the better.
Hope Naltrexone continues to be of help to you, and you continue to be inflammation and pain free. Happy quilting.