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Contrave is a combination of the two medications, naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride.
It’s used in combination with dietary changes and exercise to help control weight in adults with a BMI over 30, or over 27 in combination with a number of weight-related health conditions.
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Contrave, please review the product monograph.
Contrave has two ingredients: naltrexone (an opioid antagonist), and bupropion (a relatively weak inhibitor of the neuronal reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine).
Nonclinical studies suggest that naltrexone and bupropion have effects on two separate areas of the brain, which are involved in the regulation of food intake. These two areas are the hypothalamus (appetite regulatory center), and the mesolimbic dopamine circuit (reward system).
The combination of their effects may lead to reduced appetite, as well as fewer food cravings.
What is Contrave® used to treat?
Contrave is frequently used as a weight management treatment for adults with a BMI over 30, in combination with dietary changes and regular exercise.
In some cases, Contrave is also used for adults with a BMI over 27, who are experiencing some type of weight-related health condition.
These types of conditions could include:
- High blood pressure, which is being controlled by medication
- Type 2 diabetes
- High levels of lipids in the blood (i.e., cholesterol, fats, etc.)
Contrave should be used in combination with dietary changes and exercise for the purpose of weight management.
Dosing should be escalated using the following schedule:
Week 1 - 1 morning tablet, no evening tablet
Week 2 - 1 morning tablet, 1 evening tablet
Week 3 - 2 morning tablets, 1 evening tablet
Week 4 - 2 morning tablets, 2 evening tablets
From week 4 onward, you should take 2 tablets each morning, and two each evening. Tablets should be taken orally, with food (avoid high-fat meals). Don’t cut, chew, or crush the tablets.
Don’t drink alcohol while taking Contrave. Always follow the specific dosage directions listed on your prescription and given to you by your healthcare practitioner.
How long does Contrave® last after you take it?
The most common side effects of taking a Contrave prescription include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Feeling jittery
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Migraines
- Dysgeusia (bad taste in the mouth)
- Restlessness or inability to focus
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Hyperhidrosis (sweating excessively)
- Flushing
- Hair loss
- Flu symptoms
If you start to experience any serious side effects from taking Contrave, talk to your Felix healthcare practitioner. They may be able to suggest alternative treatments that will work better for you.
There are a number of people who shouldn’t take Contrave, such as:
- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Contrave
- People under the age of 18
- People who are pregnant or believe they could be pregnant
- People who have high blood pressure that can’t be controlled by medication
- People with severe liver problems
- People at end-stage kidney failure
- People who have ever had a seizure
- People taking thioridazine
- People taking any medications containing bupropion hydrochloride
- People with an eating disorder (i.e., bulimia, anorexia, etc.)
- People dependent on opioid pain relievers
- People who drink a lot on a regular basis
- People taking sedatives, benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medications
- People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Are at a higher risk for seizures because of a previous condition (i.e., blood vessel problems, strokes, head injuries, etc.)
- Are experiencing depression or other mental health issues
- Have or are at a high risk for bipolar disorder
- Have or had liver problems
- Have suicidal thoughts or have tried suicidal actions in the past
- Have high blood pressure that’s controlled by medication
- Have had a heart attack
- Have kidney problems<
- Are over 65 years old
- Are lactose intolerant or have galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption
- Are dependent on alcohol or are seeking treatment for alcohol dependency
- Have significant weight loss
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Have anatomically narrow angles
- Have had a stutter or other speech disorder
How much does Contrave cost in Canada?
The price of Contrave tablets in Canada fluctuates, depending on where you’re getting your medication from.
When buying Contrave medications online in Canada, the price can range from $99/month to as much as $3,600+ annually.
The cost of buying Contrave through Felix online is approximately $380 to $400 without insurance.
Is Contrave available in Canada?
Yes, you can access Contrave tablets in Canada, as long as you get a prescription from a licensed healthcare practitioner, like the providers at Felix.
They’ll evaluate whether Contrave may be a beneficial part of your weight management plan, based on your health, medical history, and individual needs.
Is Contrave covered by insurance in Canada?
This question will need to be answered by your individual insurance provider, because some may cover the cost of Contrave online in Canada, others may cover part of the cost for Contrave, and some may cover none at all.
Thankfully, if your insurer does cover Contrave, Felix’s online pharmacy can ship your Contrave tablets directly to your home, at no extra charge to you.
It's important to note that insurance coverage for online medications through Felix’s online pharmacy, doesn't include the cost of your assessment.
How to get Contrave for free
For those wondering how to get Contrave for free in Canada, there is no legitimate way to do this. Even if your insurance covers the full cost of your Contrave prescription, you’ll still have to pay your insurance premiums to access this benefit.
As with all weight-related prescription medications, there is always a price for using Contrave. However, this cost has value, as you can consider it covering the regulations and monitoring required to ensure your medications are always safe and effective.
Further reading
