Warning

Contrave, which combines naltrexone and bupropion, is prescribed primarily for weight management. Like any medication, it comes with potential risks:

• Mental Health Effects: It can increase the risk of mood changes, depression, and suicidal thoughts, particularly in people with a history of mental health issues.
• Seizures: Bupropion is associated with a higher risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders.
• High Blood Pressure: Both naltrexone and bupropion can potentially raise blood pressure.
• Liver Issues: Naltrexone can affect liver function, so it’s important to monitor liver health.
• Interactions with Other Medications: It can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects.

It’s important to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks based on individual health conditions.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Contrave is prescribed primarily for weight management. It is intended for use in adults who are:

• Obese: Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
• Overweight: Individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Contrave combines two medications: naltrexone and bupropion that work together to help reduce appetite and cravings, aiding in weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: The dosage usually starts low and is gradually increased to reduce the risk of side effects. The typical starting dose is one tablet in the morning, which is then increased to one tablet twice daily, and eventually to two tablets twice daily.
• Administration: Take Contrave exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It should be taken with a meal to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to monitor effectiveness, side effects, and any necessary adjustments to your dosage.
• Lifestyle Changes: Contrave is most effective when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or side effects you experience.

Other uses for this medicine

• Smoking Cessation: Although not its primary use, some research suggests that bupropion, one of the components of Contrave, can assist in smoking cessation.
• Depression: Bupropion is also used to treat depression, so it may indirectly affect mood as well.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Contrave:

• Mental Health: Monitor for changes in mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of mental health issues.
• Seizure Risk: Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures, eating disorders, or alcohol/substance use disorders, as Contrave can increase seizure risk.
• Liver Function: Since naltrexone can affect liver function, it’s important to monitor liver health, especially if you have liver problems.
• Blood Pressure: Monitor your blood pressure regularly, as Contrave can increase it.
• Drug Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Inform your healthcare provider of all substances you’re taking.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Contrave should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as its safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women is not well established.
• Allergies and Side Effects: Watch for allergic reactions or severe side effects and report them to your doctor immediately.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and discuss any concerns or side effects you experience while using Contrave.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Take with Food: To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, take Contrave with a meal.
• Healthy Diet: Combine Contrave with a reduced-calorie diet to enhance weight management efforts. Follow any specific dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider or nutritionist.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Avoid Doubling: Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Contrave can cause a range of side effects. Some common ones include:

• Nausea: This is one of the more frequent side effects and may lessen over time.
• Constipation: Digestive issues such as constipation can occur.
• Headache: Some people experience headaches while taking Contrave.
• Dizziness: Dizziness or lightheadedness may be reported.
• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or disturbed sleep can occur.
• Dry Mouth: A dry mouth may be a side effect.
• Increased Blood Pressure: Monitor blood pressure as it may rise with Contrave use.

Less common but more serious side effects include:

• Mental Health Changes: Changes in mood, severe depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Seizures: Increased risk of seizures, particularly if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders.
• Liver Issues: Liver problems, as naltrexone can affect liver function.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling.

It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe side effects or any symptoms that are concerning. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider can help manage and monitor these effects.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Contrave:

• Storage:
  • Temperature: Store Contrave at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Typically, this means keeping it in a place where temperatures do not exceed 77°F (25°C).
  • Original Container: Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
• Disposal:
  • Medication Take-Back Programs: The best way to dispose of unused or expired Contrave is through a medication take-back program or pharmacy drop-off service.
  • FDA Flush List: If no take-back programs are available, you may need to flush Contrave down the toilet if the label or patient information specifically advises doing so. This helps prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
  • Household Disposal: If flushing is not advised and no take-back programs are available, you can mix Contrave with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or cat litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and then throw it away in the household trash.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Symptoms of a Contrave overdose might include severe nausea, vomiting, seizures, or severe dizziness.
• Immediate Action: Call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room if you suspect an overdose.
• Information: Provide information about the medication, the amount taken, and the time of ingestion if possible.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of Contrave.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and health conditions to avoid potential interactions.
• Lifestyle Changes: For best results, Contrave should be used alongside lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
• Not for Everyone: Contrave may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions or who are taking specific medications, so it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and instructions.