Generic Contrave (Bupropion + Naltraxone)

Introduction

Contrave is a prescription medication used for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight or obese, and who also have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is a combination pill containing two active ingredients: bupropion and naltrexone. Contrave is available in an 8mg/90mg pill form and belongs to a class of drugs that act on the brain to help reduce appetite and control cravings.

Quick Reference Facts

Active Ingredient

Bupropion + Naltrexone

Form

Pill 8/90mg

Primary and Off-Label Uses

Chronic weight management

What is Contrave?

Contrave is a prescription medication for adults who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related condition. It is formulated as an oral pill and contains a combination of two active pharmaceutical ingredients: bupropion hydrochloride and naltrexone hydrochloride. Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant, and naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. This combination targets specific areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and energy balance. Contrave is designed for long-term weight management. Generic alternatives containing bupropion and naltrexone may be available at lower cost.

How Contrave Works

Contrave works by targeting two key areas in the brain that influence appetite and food intake: the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic reward pathway. Bupropion, at the doses used in Contrave, is believed to increase the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in these brain regions. This can help to curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors. In the context of weight management, this action is thought to reduce the rewarding aspect of eating, thereby decreasing cravings and the desire to overeat, particularly in response to food cues. The combination of these two mechanisms leads to a reduction in calorie intake, which, when sustained, facilitates weight loss.

Conditions Treated with Contrave

Contrave is indicated for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and have at least one weight-related co-morbidity, such as hypertension controlled by medication, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes.

• Obesity and Overweight Management: Contrave helps individuals achieve and maintain weight loss by reducing appetite and controlling cravings. This can lead to improvements in various health markers associated with excess weight.
• Support for Weight-Related Conditions: For patients with conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, weight loss achieved with Contrave can contribute to better management of these co-morbidities. Improved weight can positively impact blood sugar control, blood pressure readings, and lipid profiles.

Is Contrave the Right Medication for You?

Contrave is intended for adults who require assistance with long-term weight management and have specific health indicators associated with their weight. It is typically considered for individuals with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher who have at least one weight-related condition, or for those with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher.

This medication is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It may be particularly beneficial for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

Contrave is not suitable for everyone. It is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, a history of seizures, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, those who are physically dependent on opioids, or those undergoing treatment for opioid addiction. It is also not recommended for patients currently taking bupropion or naltrexone in any other form, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine if Contrave aligns with your individual health profile and weight management goals.

Buying Contrave from Our Online Pharmacy

If you are considering Contrave for your weight management journey, our online pharmacy service provides a convenient and accessible option for obtaining this medication. We understand the challenges individuals face in managing their weight, and our aim is to offer solutions that simplify access to essential treatments.

Why Choose Our Service?

Our service is designed to bridge the gap for individuals seeking effective weight management tools. We facilitate access to medications like Contrave, ensuring that you can obtain what you need with ease and discretion. By leveraging a network of trusted international partners, we strive to offer a reliable pathway to treatment, especially for those who may find local availability limited or costly.

Quality & Safety Assurance

We are committed to ensuring the quality and authenticity of the medications we supply. We partner with licensed international pharmacies to ensure quality and authenticity, and rigorously vet our suppliers to guarantee that all medications are manufactured according to stringent international standards. This commitment to quality assurance means you can be confident in the products you receive through our service.

Pricing & Access

Managing weight can be a significant financial undertaking, and medication costs can be a concern. Our pharmacy service aims to provide Contrave at competitive prices, making effective weight management more affordable. For those seeking the generic equivalent, we can offer significant cost savings compared to brand-name alternatives, allowing you to manage your health without undue financial burden.

Discreet Delivery

We understand the importance of privacy when dealing with personal health matters. All orders placed through our platform are processed with the utmost discretion. Medications are shipped directly to your door in plain, unmarked packaging, ensuring that your privacy is maintained. With express delivery typically within 7 days or standard airmail in approximately 3 weeks, you can expect prompt and discreet delivery of your Contrave order.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Contrave is initiated with a titration schedule, gradually increasing the dose over several weeks to improve tolerability and efficacy. The typical starting dose is one 8mg/90mg pill once daily in the morning for the first week. This is gradually increased to two pills once daily in the morning and two pills in the evening by week 4. The maximum recommended dose is two pills taken twice daily (morning and evening), for a total of four pills per day.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take more than the total daily dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Precautionary Advice: Contrave should be taken with food to reduce the risk of nausea. Avoid exceeding the recommended maximum daily dose. Alcohol may increase the risk of adverse reactions, including somnolence and dizziness, and may also increase the risk of rare but serious side effects associated with bupropion. Patients should be advised to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Contrave. Caution should be exercised when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Contrave affects you, as it can cause dizziness and somnolence.

Overdose: In case of a suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose can vary and may include agitation, hallucinations, tremor, confusion, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Contact your local emergency services or a poison control center for advice.

Safety Information

⚠️ Who Should Not Take Contrave

Contrave should not be used by individuals who meet certain criteria, as it can pose significant health risks. Absolutely avoid Contrave if you:

• Have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Have a history of seizure disorder or convulsions.
• Have or have had anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
• Are physically dependent on opioids or are undergoing treatment for opioid addiction (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine).
• Are using any other medication containing bupropion (e.g., Wellbutrin, Zyban) or naltrexone, unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider.
• Have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to bupropion or naltrexone.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Relative contraindications may also exist, and it is crucial to disclose all medical history and current medications to your healthcare provider before starting Contrave.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects with Contrave are typically gastrointestinal and neurological. These often occur early in treatment and may diminish over time with continued use or dose titration. Management strategies, such as taking medication with food or adjusting the dose, can usually help.

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Help)

While less common, some side effects are serious and require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, stop taking Contrave and consult your doctor or seek emergency medical services:

• Seizures: Bupropion carries a risk of seizure, which is dependent on dose and individual risk factors. The risk is higher at doses above the recommended maximum.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviour: Antidepressant medications, including those containing bupropion, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in children, adolescents, and young adults. Monitor for any new or worsening depression, unusual changes in behaviour, or suicidal thoughts.
• Hypertensive Crisis: Contrave can increase blood pressure. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension are at risk for a serious increase in blood pressure. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, hives, and difficulty breathing, can occur.
• Mania: In patients with bipolar disorder, bupropion may precipitate manic episodes.

Drug & Food Interactions

Contrave can interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements, you are currently taking.

• MAO Inhibitors: Concurrent use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated due to an increased risk of hypertensive crisis. A 14-day washout period is required between discontinuing MAOIs and starting Contrave, or vice versa.
• Opioid Analgesics: Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids. If you are taking opioids for pain management, Contrave may render them ineffective, and stopping naltrexone is required to manage pain. Conversely, stopping Contrave abruptly can increase opioid sensitivity.
• CYP2B6 Inhibitors/Inducers: Medications that significantly inhibit or induce CYP2B6 may affect bupropion concentrations.
• Dopaminergic Drugs: Caution is advised when used with drugs primarily metabolized by CYP2D6 and drugs that affect dopaminergic neurotransmission.
• Alcohol: Alcohol intake should be minimized or avoided due to increased risk of adverse CNS events, including seizures, and other alcohol-related adverse reactions.
• Grapefruit Juice: While not a contraindication, grapefruit juice is known to inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes, which can affect the metabolism of some co-administered drugs. Specific interactions with Contrave are not firmly established, but caution and consultation are advised.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Contrave

While Contrave is approved by regulatory bodies specifically for chronic weight management in eligible adults, clinical studies and observations in practice have explored its potential in other areas. It is important to note that these uses are considered off-label, meaning they have not been formally approved by regulatory agencies, and should only be undertaken under the strict supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

• Binge Eating Disorder: Some evidence suggests that the combination of naltrexone and bupropion may be beneficial in reducing binge eating episodes and associated thoughts for individuals with binge eating disorder. The mechanism is thought to involve reducing the hyper-rewarding aspect of food and modulating appetite control.
• Smoking Cessation: Bupropion alone (e.g., Zyban) is an approved medication for smoking cessation. While naltrexone is not typically used for this purpose, the full impact of the Contrave combination for smoking cessation has been investigated, though it is not an approved indication.

The use of Contrave for any condition other than its approved indication requires careful consideration of its risk-benefit profile and should only be managed by a healthcare professional experienced in treating the specific condition.

Storage & Handling

Contrave pills should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect them from excessive heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, to protect it from moisture. Ensure that the medication is stored out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use Contrave if the expiration date on the packaging has passed. Safely dispose of any expired or unused medication following local guidelines, typically by returning it to a pharmacy or a household hazardous waste collection site, rather than flushing it down the toilet or discarding it in household refuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Using Contrave

• Can I take Contrave with grapefruit juice? Grapefruit and its juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications. While Contrave contains ingredients whose interactions with grapefruit are not fully established, it is generally advisable to avoid consuming large quantities of grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice regarding dietary interactions.

• Is it safe to take Contrave while traveling across time zones? When traveling across time zones, it is best to maintain your regular dosing schedule as closely as possible. If you are taking Contrave twice daily, try to keep approximately 12 hours between doses. However, adjust to your new local time if that helps maintain consistency, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about the best approach for your specific travel plans.

• What should I do if I experience nausea with Contrave? Nausea is a common side effect, especially when starting Contrave. Taking the medication with a full meal can significantly help reduce this symptom. Staying hydrated and avoiding spicy or greasy foods may also provide relief. If nausea is persistent or severe, speak with your healthcare provider, as they may be able to adjust your dose.

Product Information

• What do Contrave pills look like? Contrave pills are round and film-coated. Each pill contains 8 mg of bupropion hydrochloride and 90 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride. The appearance can vary slightly by manufacturer, so always check the packaging.

• Can I split or crush Contrave tablets? Contrave tablets are designed for oral administration and should be swallowed whole. They should not be split, crushed, or chewed, as this can alter the release of the active ingredients and potentially increase the risk of side effects, including seizures.

Safety & Regulations

• Will Contrave show up on a drug test? Contrave contains naltrexone, which is an opioid antagonist and does not typically cause a positive result on standard drug screenings for opioids. However, if you are undergoing specific medical tests or forensic drug screening, it is important to inform the testing facility about all medications you are taking.

• Are there any specific warnings for elderly patients taking Contrave? Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of Contrave, particularly potential CNS and cardiovascular effects. They may also have a higher likelihood of having co-existing conditions or being on multiple medications, which requires careful consideration and monitoring by a healthcare provider. The decision to prescribe Contrave should be individualized.

• Can Contrave be used for individuals with a history of cardiac issues? Contrave may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Individuals with unstable cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of recent myocardial infarction or stroke should generally not use Contrave. A thorough cardiovascular assessment by a healthcare provider is necessary before starting this medication.

Scientific & Clinical Curiosity

• How quickly does Contrave typically start working for weight management? While some individuals may notice a reduction in appetite or cravings within the first few weeks of starting Contrave, significant weight loss typically becomes apparent over a longer period. Consistent use as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes diet and exercise is crucial for achieving optimal results, usually over several months.

• Is Contrave considered a stimulant? Contrave contains bupropion, which has stimulant properties similar to some antidepressants and smoking cessation aids. It activates neurotransmitter systems that can affect mood, energy levels, and appetite. However, its mechanism and typical use for weight management differ from classic stimulants used for conditions like ADHD.

Glossary

Hypothalamus

A small region of the brain responsible for regulating many bodily functions, including appetite, body temperature, and sleep-wake cycles.

Mesolimbic Reward Pathway

An area of the brain that plays a crucial role in motivation, pleasure, and addiction, and is involved in the rewarding sensation from eating.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals from a neuron across a synapse to another neuron, or to a muscle or gland cell.

Opioid Antagonist

A type of drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors, preventing them from activating these receptors.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to men and women. It is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²).

Disclaimer

The information provided regarding Contrave is intended for general educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. All individuals considering Contrave, especially for off-label indications, must consult with a qualified healthcare provider to assess suitability, potential risks, and benefits. We operate under the assumption that all users are responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy service facilitates access to Contrave for those who may face challenges with local availability or cost, offering a reliable channel for medication procurement. It is paramount to discuss any new medication, changes to your regimen, or discontinuation plans with your doctor.