Teri
“I never understood why I wasn’t able to control my hunger, but now there’s more of a scientific explanation. It’s not just about willpower.”
What is CONTRAVE?
Weight-loss is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn how CONTRAVE can help you on your weight-loss journey.
- CONTRAVE is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication for people who are
overweight with at least one serious medical condition including diabetes,
high blood pressure, etc. or those struggling with obesity. - It is uniquely designed to reduce hunger and control cravings,
so you can lose weight and keep it off when combined with diet and exercise. - It is not a controlled substance, scheduled drug, or stimulant.
- CONTRAVE is the #1 branded oral weight loss medication.**
**Based on the number of presecription fills for a brand name weight-loss drug in the IQVIA database July 2021 - June 2022
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Is CONTRAVE Right for Me?
CONTRAVE is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI)* of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. CONTRAVE is intended to be used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Need help determining if CONTRAVE is right for you?
Check out our Personal Weight Loss Assessment.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. BMI is a simple screening method to help doctors determine if a patient is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. This measurement can be a first indicator if a patient is at risk for any weight-related health problems.
How CONTRAVE works
CONTRAVE targets 2 areas of the
brain that cause hunger and cravings†
Hunger
happens when your brain tells you that it needs nutrition and that any food will satisfy this need.
Cravings
happen when your brain wants specific foods, even though you may not feel hungry.
†Other areas of the brain may be involved. The exact neurochemical effects of CONTRAVE leading to weight loss are not fully understood.
The Science Behind CONTRAVE
There's A Scientific Reason You Are Struggling To Lose Weight & Keep it Off
Through science, we can better understand this challenge because it turns out your brain may be working against you by sending hunger signals or triggering cravings, even when you're not hungry.
Real Life Results
"CONTRAVE helped me maintain control over cravings and portions. I've been able to keep the weight off!"
Melody
Real story from a patient taking CONTRAVE at the time of their interview. Individual results may vary. CONTRAVE is intended to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The Science Behind CONTRAVE
There's A Scientific Reason You Are Struggling To Lose Weight & Keep it Off
Through science, we can better understand this challenge because it turns out your brain may be working against you by sending hunger signals or triggering cravings, even when you're not hungry.
Our brains play a role in the struggle to lose weight:
The hunger center (hypothalamus) can increase hunger, telling you to eat again or eat more
The mesolimbic circuit or reward system can create cravings that seem uncontrollable even when you’re not hungry
CONTRAVE combines 2 medications that together reduce hunger and control cravings to help you lose weight and keep it off: bupropion HCI and naltrexone HCI.
Both medicines have well-established safety profiles and have been prescribed by doctors for other conditions for more than 30 years. However, the individual medicines in CONTRAVE are not approved for weight loss when used on their own, and CONTRAVE is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, alcohol or opioid dependency, or to help people quit smoking.
CONTRAVE was studied for efficacy and safety in several clinical trials
The efficacy and safety of CONTRAVE were assessed in the 56-week CONTRAVE Obesity Research (COR) clinical studies.
3
56-week
studies
2,322
patients
Proven Long-Term
Weight Loss
MORE INFORMATION
COLLAPSE
CONTRAVE is a long-term approach that works when added to a diet and exercise to help you achieve sustainable results
Who Participated?
- COR-I and COR-BMOD enrolled adults struggling with obesity (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater) or who were overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- In COR-I, the average baseline weight before starting the study was about 220 pounds for patients in the CONTRAVE group and 219 pounds in the placebo group, and the average waist circumference was 43 inches for both groups.
- In COR-BMOD, the average baseline weight before starting the study was about 221 pounds for patients in the CONTRAVE group and 224 pounds in the placebo group, and the average waist circumference was 43 inches for both groups.
- COR-Diabetes enrolled patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater with type 2 diabetes who were not achieving a glycemic goal of HbA1c less than 7% either with oral antidiabetic agents or with diet and exercise alone. The average baseline weight before starting the study was about 229 pounds for patients in the CONTRAVE group and 232 pounds in the placebo group, and the average waist circumference was 45 inches for both groups.
What Did They Do?
Some participants received CONTRAVE, and others were randomly selected to receive a placebo.
- COR-I: 538 patients received CONTRAVE and 536 patients received a placebo.
- COR-BMOD: 565 patients received CONTRAVE and 196 patients received a placebo.
- COR-Diabetes: 321 patients received CONTRAVE and 166 patients received a placebo
- All patients participated in lifestyle modification programs that included a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. COR-BMOD also included an intensive behavioral modification program consisting of 28 group counseling sessions over 56 weeks. In each of the COR studies, the co-primary endpoints used to determine if CONTRAVE was effective at Week 56 were the percent change from baseline body weight and the percentage of patients achieving at least a 5% reduction in body weight.
2-4x
more weight lost
Three different clinical studies showed how patients taking CONTRAVE, along with diet and exercise, lost 2-4x more weight than with diet and exercise alone.
Across 3 different clinical studies, patients struggling with obesity who took CONTRAVE, along with diet and exercise, lost 2-4 times more weight over 1 year than with diet and exercise alone.
What Happened?
Along with diet and exercise, patients taking CONTRAVE lost more weight after 56 weeks of treatment than patients taking placebo.
COR-1
The CONTRAVE group lost an average of 5.4% of their baseline body weight (or 12 pounds) compared with the placebo group, which lost an average of 1.3 % of their body weight (or 3 pounds).
In addition, 42% of CONTRAVE patients lost at least 5% of their total body weight (compared to 17% of placebo patients), and 21% of CONTRAVE patients lost at least 10% of their total body weight (compared with 7% of placebo patients).
Finally, the average waist reduction for patients taking CONTRAVE was 2.4 inches, compared to 1 inch for those in the placebo group.
The CONTRAVE group lost an average of 8.1% of their baseline body weight (or 18 pounds) compared with the placebo group, which lost an average of 4.9% of their body weight (or 11 pounds).
In addition, 57% of CONTRAVE patients lost at least 5% of their total body weight (compared with 43% of placebo patients), and 35% of CONTRAVE patients lost at least 10% of their total body weight (compared to 21% of those in the placebo group).
Finally, the average waist reduction for patients taking CONTRAVE was 3.9 inches, compared to 2.7 inches for those in the placebo group.
The CONTRAVE group lost an average of 3.7% of their baseline body weight (or 8.5 pounds) compared with the placebo group, which lost an average of 1.7% on average (or 4 pounds).
In addition, 36% of CONTRAVE patients lost at least 5% of their total body weight (compared with 18% of placebo patients), and 15% of CONTRAVE patients lost at least 10% of their total body weight (compared to 5% of those in the placebo group).
Finally, the average waist reduction for patients taking CONTRAVE was 2 inches, compared to 1.1 inches for those in the placebo group.
When added to diet and exercise, CONTRAVE is a long-term approach to help you achieve sustainable results. Your results may vary depending on your weight, body mass index (BMI), diet, activity level, and other factors.
Andrea
“I’ve always been one of those people who struggled with their weight. CONTRAVE helped me get my weight-loss goals back on track.”
Lorelei
“All the women in my family are plus size, and growing up so was I. I’ve tried everything to lose weight, but nothing seemed to work for me.”
Mike
“I’ve tried multiple diets and weight-loss programs with no success– from the beginning, I could feel a difference by adding CONTRAVE.”
Shellie
“Before CONTRAVE, I felt my eating habits could get out of control. Now, I feel like I have a foundation and support.”
Previous
Next
Teri
“I never understood why I wasn’t able to control my hunger, but now there’s more of a scientific explanation. It’s not just about willpower.”
Andrea
“I’ve always been one of those people who struggled with their weight. CONTRAVE helped me get my weight-loss goals back on track.”
Lorelei
“All the women in my family are plus size, and growing up so was I. I’ve tried everything to lose weight, but nothing seemed to work for me.”
Mike
“I’ve tried multiple diets and weight-loss programs with no success– from the beginning, I could feel a difference by adding CONTRAVE.”
Shellie
“Before CONTRAVE, I felt my eating habits could get out of control. Now, I feel like I have a foundation and support.”
Ready To Start Your Journey With CONTRAVE
All you need is 1 new day to make a change, and today is the day you're going to make it happen. Here's what to do next:
Prepare for your next
doctor visit
Not sure how to start the
conversation? Use this tool to gather
key information for your doctor to help them see if CONTRAVE is right for you. Start by answering a few questions about yourself.
Connect with a doctor
Looking for a doctor to talk to about CONTRAVE? Here’s how to get in touch with one:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is CONTRAVE?
See More
CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
See More
CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
What is CONTRAVE?
See More
CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is CONTRAVE?
See Less
CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
While taking CONTRAVE, you or your family members should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when you start taking CONTRAVE or when your dose changes.
Stop taking CONTRAVE and call a healthcare provider right away if you or your family members notice any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying; attempts to commit suicide; depression; anxiety; feeling agitated or restless; panic attacks; irritability; aggression, anger, or violence; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking; other unusual changes in behavior or mood; trouble sleeping.
CONTRAVE is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.
Do not take CONTRAVE if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure; have or have had seizures; use other medicines that contain bupropion such as WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN SR, WELLBUTRIN XL, APLENZIN and ZYBAN; have or have had an eating disorder called anorexia or bulimia; are dependent on opioid pain medicines or use medicines to help stop taking opioids, or are in opiate withdrawal; drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti‐seizure medicines and stop using them all of a sudden; are taking or have taken medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the past 14 days; or are allergic to any of the ingredients in CONTRAVE.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you have: depression or other mental illnesses; attempted suicide; seizures; head injury; tumor or infection of brain or spine; low blood sugar or low sodium; liver or kidney problems; high blood pressure; heart attack, heart problems, or stroke; eating disorder; drinking a lot of alcohol; prescription medicine or street drug abuse; are 65 or older; diabetes; pregnant or planning to become pregnant; or breastfeeding.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
CONTRAVE may cause serious side effects, including:
- Seizures. There is a risk of having a seizure when you take CONTRAVE. The risk of seizure is higher in people who take higher doses of CONTRAVE, have certain medical conditions, or take CONTRAVE with certain other medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking CONTRAVE unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking CONTRAVE, stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider right away.
- Risk of opioid overdose. Do not take large amounts of opioids, including opioid-containing medicines, such as heroin or prescription pain pills, to try to overcome the opioid-blocking effects of naltrexone. This can lead to serious injury, coma, or death.
Get emergency medical help right away if you take opioids and you:
- have trouble breathing
- become very drowsy with slowed breathing
- have slow, shallow breathing
- feel faint, very dizzy, confused, or have unusual symptoms
- Sudden opioid withdrawal. People who take CONTRAVE must not use any type of opioid including street drugs, prescription pain medicines, cough, cold, or diarrhea medicines that contain opioids, or opioid dependence treatments, for at least 7 to 10 days before starting CONTRAVE. Using opioids in the 7 to 10 days before you start taking CONTRAVE may cause you to suddenly have symptoms of opioid withdrawal when you take it. Sudden opioid withdrawal can be severe, and you may need to go to the hospital. Tell your healthcare provider you are taking CONTRAVE before a medical procedure or surgery.
- Severe allergic reactions. Stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes, swelling of your lips or tongue, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
- Increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may get high blood pressure or have a higher heart rate when taking CONTRAVE. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure and heart rate before you start taking, and while you take CONTRAVE.
- Liver damage or hepatitis. Stop taking CONTRAVE and tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems: stomach area pain lasting more than a few days, dark urine, yellowing of the whites of your eyes, or tiredness. Your healthcare provider may need to stop treating you with CONTRAVE if you get signs or symptoms of a serious liver problem.
- Manic episodes. Bupropion can cause some people who were manic or depressed in the past to become manic or depressed again.
- Visual problems (angle-closure glaucoma). Signs and symptoms may include: eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you are at risk for angle‐closure glaucoma and to get treatment to prevent it if you are at risk.
- Increased risk of low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also take medicines to treat their diabetes (such as insulin or sulfonylureas). You should check your blood sugar before you start taking CONTRAVE and while you take CONTRAVE.
The most common side effects of CONTRAVE include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and diarrhea. These are not all of the possible side effects of CONTRAVE.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is CONTRAVE?
CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.
CONTRAVE should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
It is not known if CONTRAVE changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke.
It is not known if CONTRAVE is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss products.
CONTRAVE is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, or to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).
Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for CONTRAVE.
Speak to a Doctor Online and Find Out if CONTRAVE Is Right for You
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If you have more questions, please visit our FAQs page.
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