Contrave® ER (Naltrexone/Bupropion) Extended-Release Tablets for Weight Management

What Contrave® Is and How It Works

Contrave® ER is a prescription weight-management medicine that combines naltrexone and bupropion in extended-release tablets. The usual strength is the Contrave ER 8 90 mg tablet. Many shoppers compare the contrave er 8 90 mg tablet price without insurance to Canadian pricing for value. This therapy supports reduced appetite and cravings when used with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba. Orders are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and you can order online with friendly customer-service chat during posted hours. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices and also carry OTC products.

We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies abroad to source authentic brand medicines, keep a broad selection, and offer affordable pricing.

Contrave® contains two medicines: naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, and bupropion, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Together, they act on brain pathways involved in hunger and reward. The tablets are extended-release and are swallowed whole. Dosing is titrated over four weeks to a maintenance dose given twice daily.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the prescriber’s plan. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets.

• Week 1: 1 tablet in the morning.
• Week 2: 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening.
• Week 3: 2 tablets in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening.
• Week 4 and ongoing: 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening (32 mg naltrexone/360 mg bupropion daily).

Missed dose guidance:

• If a dose is missed, skip it and resume the next scheduled dose.
• Do not double the next dose.

Storage and travel:

• Store at room temperature, 15–30 °C (59–86 °F).
• Keep in the original bottle with the label.
• Protect from moisture and light; keep the cap closed.
• When traveling, pack in a carry-on with a copy of the prescription.

Benefits and Savings

Clinical studies showed greater weight loss versus diet and exercise alone. Many people experienced reduced hunger and fewer food cravings. Benefits grow when treatment is paired with lifestyle changes. Response varies.

Buying through a licensed Canadian pharmacy often brings 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Even without insurance, Canadian pricing can lower the out-of-pocket cost for many patients. You can order online, and our team can help with questions about placing an order and shipping.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Insomnia or anxiety.
• Dry mouth.
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate.

Serious effects that need urgent medical attention:

• Seizures.
• Suicidal thoughts or mood changes, especially when starting or changing dose.
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
• Liver issues (dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes, severe abdominal pain).
• Angle-closure glaucoma symptoms (eye pain, vision changes).

Key contraindications and cautions:

• Seizure disorders or a history of seizures.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Chronic opioid use, acute opioid withdrawal, or recent opioid use; naltrexone can precipitate withdrawal and block analgesia.
• Bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
• Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs.
• Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days.
• Pregnancy.

Important interactions:

• Opioid pain medicines (reduced effect or withdrawal with naltrexone).
• CYP2B6 inhibitors or inducers that change bupropion levels.
• Other bupropion-containing products or medicines that lower seizure threshold.
• Dopaminergic agents and nicotine replacement require caution.

Alcohol may increase risk of neuropsychiatric events or seizures. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Onset Time

Some appetite effects can appear in the first one to two weeks during titration. Weight changes are usually assessed after several weeks on the maintenance dose. Labels often suggest evaluating progress after about 12 weeks on the full dose to decide whether to continue therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Orlistat (Xenical/OTC orlistat) reduces fat absorption in the gut. It can aid weight loss but often causes gastrointestinal side effects like oily stools and urgency, especially with high-fat meals.

Phentermine/topiramate ER (Qsymia) is another oral option that can produce meaningful weight loss. It has different side-effect considerations, including paresthesias, mood effects, and teratogenic risk, and requires a gradual taper when stopping.

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide (Saxenda) or semaglutide (Wegovy) are injections that reduce appetite and improve satiety. They may produce greater average weight loss in trials but require injections and have gastrointestinal side effects. Suitability, cost, and access differ across products.

Combination Therapy

Contrave® is used with diet changes and increased physical activity. It should not be combined with other bupropion-containing medicines. Because it contains naltrexone, opioid analgesics will be less effective or blocked; an alternative pain plan is needed if opioid therapy is required. Discuss all prescription, OTC, and herbal products with the prescriber to check for interactions.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or hypertension), are typical candidates. It is not for pregnancy or for people with seizure disorders, chronic opioid use, or uncontrolled hypertension. Suitability depends on medical history, other medicines, and treatment goals.

Ways to save on therapy:

• Ordering a multi-month supply can lower the per-month cost.
• Reorder reminders help avoid last-minute purchases at higher local prices.
• Compare brand and generic options when available.

For current offers and bulk options, see our contrave er coupon page. Many patients paying without insurance find Canadian pricing predictable for budgeting. You can place an order online, track shipment updates, and reach our customer-service chat during posted hours if you have questions about your order.

Authoritative Sources

Review official documents for full prescribing details and safety information. See the FDA application overview for Contrave, the Contrave US product website, and the Health Canada Drug Product Database.

YouDrugstore offers caring service from a licensed Canadian pharmacy team. Order with confidence, and get prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to the US where temperature control is needed.

This content is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak with a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment choices, and personalized guidance.