An evaluation of hepatic enzyme elevations among HIV-infected released prisoners enrolled in two randomized placebo-controlled trials of extended release naltrexone

Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX), an approved treatment for opioid or alcohol dependence, is a once-monthly injectable formulation of naltrexone. Hepatotoxicity concerns have limited its use, necessitating further investigation. This study aims to examine hepatic enzyme levels in participants of 2 randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of XR-NTX. Hepatic transaminases were measured in 85 patients enrolled in RCTs of XR-NTX among HIV-infected prisoners, transitioning to the community and receiving treatment for either dependence on alcohol (52.9%), opioids (44.7%) or both (16.5%). Baseline characteristics included HCV co-infection (55.7%), antiretroviral therapy (81%), mental illness (39%) and receiving psychiatric medications (34.1%). Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not statistically different between persons randomized to placebo (N = 24) and XR-NTX (N = 61) arms. These results confirm that XR-NTX is safe to use among opioid and alcohol dependent HIV-infected released prisoners receiving ART with high rates of co-morbid HCV infection and mental illness.