Contrave and Wegovy are weight loss medications that can significantly aid in weight management when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
In this article we will explain:
- The specifics of Contrave and Wegovy
- Their differences
- Recommended dosages and side effects
- Guidance on selecting the right option.
What is Contrave?
Contrave is a fixed-dose combination drug containing Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, and Bupropion, an antidepressant.
Their combination is used to manage obesity thanks to synergistic action which promotes satiety and reduces food intake.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for Semaglutide, a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, that accomplishes the effects on weight loss by altering hunger signals and increasing fullness and satiety.
If you’re currently using Mounjaro but considering a switch to Wegovy, there are important factors to consider. Learn more about the process and what to expect when switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy to ensure a smooth transition.
Wegovy vs. Contrave: What is the Difference?
- Contrave affects the brain’s reward centers to curb appetite, while Wegovy mimics a satiety-inducing gut hormone that acts on the brain to reduce appetite.
- Wegovy induces greater average weight loss than Contrave in clinical trials.
- Wegovy shows neuroprotective effects on depression, substance use disorders, and cognitive function.
While comparing Wegovy with Contrave, it might also be helpful to understand how Wegovy stands against other medications like Rybelsus. For a detailed comparison, explore our guide on Rybelsus vs Wegovy to see which might be better suited to your needs.
Dosage for Wegovy vs. Contrave
Contrave is available as a film-coated tablet, containing 8 mg of Naltrexone and 90 mg of Bupropion. The initial dosage is one-morning tablet. During the second week an evening tablet is added, while during the third week, two tablets are taken in the morning. The maximum dose consisting of two tablets taken twice daily is reached by the fourth week.
Wegovy is available as a single-dose injection pen prefilled with one of the five different dose strengths. The starting dose of 0.25 mg once a week gradually increases every four weeks to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg.
Dosages may vary depending on personal factors such as:
- Kidney or liver functions
Side Effects
Common side effects of Contrave and Wegovy are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain.
Serious side effects possible while using either drug include:
- Serious allergic reactions
- Hypoglycemia
- Increased heart rate.
Eating smaller low-fat meals and hydrating helps manage nausea and vomiting.
Doctors should be informed of any concerning side effects, while emergency care is crucial for any dangerous side effects.
Is Contrave or Wegovy Better for Results?
Participants with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher taking Contrave lose an average of 4.8% more weight than those given a placebo, compared to an average loss of 12.4% in those using Wegovy.
Conditions Treated
Wegovy is also beneficial for reducing the incidence of death from cardiovascular causes, heart attack, or stroke by 20%.
Drug Interactions
Contrave and Wegovy can interact with certain psychiatric medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which could result in serotonin syndrome.
Wegovy interacts with medications for:
- Weight management
- Insulin/diabetes
- Anticoagulants
- Thyroid
- Pain
- Immunosuppression.
Contrave interacts with:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Opioids
- Beta-blockers/type 1C antiarrhythmics
- Digoxin
- Drugs lowering the seizure threshold
- Drugs that increase dopamine.
Patients taking Contrave or Wegovy should limit/avoid alcohol.
Doctors should be consulted when considering the introduction of a new medicine.
Cost and Coverage
The price for all Wegovy dosage strengths is $388.64 per package for a 28-day supply.
The monthly cost of Contrave is $265.
Medication pricing in Canada is influenced by multiple factors including:
- Federal, provincial, and territorial governments, e.g. Ontario residents are eligible for an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Private health insurance coverage depends on the company’s policy and provider’s restrictions.
Treatment with Contrave vs Wegovy
Wegovy is proven to be effective in obese patients with mental health disorders.
Contrave can cause mood and feeling changes and is not approved for use in psychiatric patients.
Endocrinologists and psychiatrists should analyze together the complex interaction between body weight and mental health and help choose the most appropriate treatment.
Deciding between Wegovy and other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro can be challenging. For insights into how these two medications compare, check out our analysis of Mounjaro vs Wegovy to make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Contrave is a blend of bupropion and Naltrexone in a pill taken twice a day, while Wegovy contains semaglutide administered as a weekly injection.
- Taking Contrave, as well as Wegovy, is part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Prescription of Contrave or Wegovy is covered by some insurance plans.
- treatment is recommended based on specific patient conditions and must be taken under medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contrave Prescribed in Canada?
Yes, contrave requires a doctor’s prescription in Canada.
What is the Sister Drug to Wegovy?
Zepbound (Tirzepatide), Trulicity (Dulaglutide), and Saxenda (Liraglutide) are alternatives =for weight management.
Can You Take Contrave and Wegovy Together?
No, because simultaneous use increases the risk of side effects.
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