Contrave® Extended-Release Tablets for Chronic Weight Management

What Contrave® Is and How It Works

Contrave ER is a prescription weight management medicine that combines naltrexone and bupropion in an extended-release tablet. Each Contrave ER 8 90 mg tablet contains 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion. It is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity or overweight who have weight-related conditions.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Together, they act on hypothalamic appetite pathways and the brain’s reward system. This helps reduce hunger and food cravings. The medicine is taken by mouth as extended-release tablets on a set titration schedule.

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Dosage and Usage

• Typical titration under a prescriber’s direction: 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 onward (maintenance): 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening. Do not exceed 4 tablets daily.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew.
• Take with a low-fat meal. Avoid high-fat meals, which increase exposure and seizure risk.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double doses.
• Do not take with other products that contain bupropion. Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or during/soon after chronic opioid therapy.
• Evaluate response after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose. If at least 5% of baseline body weight is not lost, discontinuation is usually recommended.

• Storage: keep tablets at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in a dry place. Protect from moisture.
• Keep in the original child-resistant container. Close tightly after each use.
• Travel: carry in your hand luggage in the labeled pharmacy container.
• Bring a copy of your prescription when you travel.
• Avoid leaving tablets in a hot car or near heaters.
• For longer trips, pack an extra supply in a separate bag.

Benefits and Savings

Contrave ER supports weight loss when combined with a calorie deficit and regular activity. Many people report less frequent hunger and fewer cravings for energy-dense foods. Trials showed meaningful average weight loss versus placebo over 1 year when used as directed with lifestyle changes.

The extended-release design allows twice-daily dosing after titration. Tablets can be taken with meals, which may aid adherence. Patients with obesity-related risks such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or hypertension were included in pivotal trials. Results showed improved cardiometabolic markers linked to weight reduction.

Ordering from Canada can offer 60–80% savings compared to typical US prices. Multi-month supplies can reduce the per-month cost. You can set reorder reminders so you do not run out between visits.

See current offers on our promotions page: Contrave ER coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
• Headache or dizziness
• Dry mouth or taste changes
• Insomnia or anxiety
• Diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Flushing or sweating
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate

Serious risks are uncommon but can include seizures (dose-related), suicidal thoughts and behaviors (bupropion class warning), angle-closure glaucoma, hepatotoxicity, and severe allergic reactions. The product is contraindicated in seizure disorders, current chronic opioid use, uncontrolled hypertension, eating disorders, during or within 14 days of MAOIs, and in pregnancy. Hypoglycemia can occur when weight loss happens alongside insulin or sulfonylureas; clinicians often adjust diabetes medications.

Onset Time

Appetite changes can appear during the first 1–2 weeks as titration progresses. Weight begins to trend down over several weeks with diet and activity. Expect the full maintenance dose by week 4. Providers usually reassess at 12 weeks on maintenance to confirm at least 5% weight loss before continuing.

Compare With Alternatives

Orlistat blocks fat absorption in the gut and is taken with meals. It can help modest weight loss but often causes gastrointestinal side effects, especially with higher-fat meals. It may suit those seeking a non-systemic option.

Phentermine/topiramate extended-release combines an appetite suppressant with an anticonvulsant at low doses. It offers significant weight loss but requires careful titration and pregnancy precautions due to teratogenic risk.

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide or liraglutide are injectables that reduce appetite and enhance satiety. They can produce substantial weight loss but require subcutaneous injections and have their own contraindications and gastrointestinal effects.

Combination Therapy

• Dietary counseling and structured activity plans remain foundational with Contrave ER.
• Metformin for type 2 diabetes is often continued, with monitoring for glycemic changes.
• Insulin or sulfonylureas may require dose reductions to limit hypoglycemia risk as weight decreases.
• Avoid combining with other bupropion-containing products or chronic opioids.
• Do not use with MAOIs or within 14 days of MAOI treatment.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Contrave ER is intended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition. It is not approved for pediatric use. Candidates should be ready to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity as part of a structured plan.

Those with seizure disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, chronic opioid use or dependence, eating disorders, or who are using MAOIs should not use this medicine. Caution is advised in hepatic or renal impairment, older adults, and those with psychiatric histories. Breastfeeding is not recommended, and weight-loss medicines are generally avoided during pregnancy.

Cost tips: choose a multi-month supply to lower the monthly price. Check for bulk promotions when available. Turn on reorder reminders in your account so your next supply arrives on time. You can order online or by phone during posted hours, and customer-service chat is available if you need help.

Authoritative Sources

US Prescribing Information and Medication Guide (Contrave)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Contrave

FDA Label for Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion)

Order Contrave® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This information is educational and does not replace your clinician’s advice. Always follow the counseling and prescription directions provided by your healthcare professional.