Contrave (Bupropion/Naltrexone)

Description

Contrave is a combination of two medications: naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an antidepressant. It is a weight-loss medication that is used with diet and exercise in obese adults or overweight adults who have a weight-related comorbidity such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Contrave comes in an extended-release oral tablet containing 8 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride (HCl) and 90 mg of bupropion HCl.

Directions

Take Contrave as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose every week for four weeks, up to a maximum of 2 tablets by mouth twice daily.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Ingredients

8 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride (HCl) and 90 mg of bupropion HCl is contained in each extended-release tablet. Microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose anhydrous, L-cysteine hydrochloride, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, edetate disodium, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, Opadry II Blue, and FD and C Blue #2 aluminum lake are the inactive ingredients included.

Contraindications

Contrave should not be given to patients who:

• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have seizure disorders
• Have anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• Are undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic medications
• Are taking other medications that contain bupropion
• Are taking opioids chronically
• Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Have an allergy to naltrexone, bupropion, or any of the other ingredients in Contrave

Cautions

• Contrave has a FDA Boxed Warning regarding an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior; therefore, patients should be monitored for signs or symptoms of suicidal thoughts or behaviors while they are taking Contrave.
• Before beginning treatment with Contrave, inform your doctor of:
• All the medications you take
• Your allergies
• Your medical history and current health problems
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Patients who take Contrave and are quitting smoking may experience neuropsychiatric adverse events such as mood changes, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, agitation, and anxiety. Patients should tell their doctor immediately if they experience any of these effects.
• Patients who adhere to the recommended dosing schedule and avoid eating a high-fat meal when taking Contrave may be at a lower risk of seizures.
• Contrave may cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Contrave may cause damage to the liver.
• Contrave may cause glaucoma.
• Patients who are experiencing weight loss with Contrave and are taking antidiabetic medications may develop low blood sugar.

Side Effects

Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, sleep problems, dry mouth, and diarrhea are the most common Contrave side effects; however, these are not the only side effects that can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have side effects that bother you or won't go away.

Reference:

Contrave. Brentwood, TN: Currax™ Pharmaceuticals, LLC; 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....