Contrave vs. Wegovy: What to know about each
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Contrave and Wegovy. If you're considering taking one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these treatments may be right for you.
Note: For more comprehensive information about these two drugs, you can refer to our Contrave and Wegovy articles.
These are a few of the main differences between Contrave and Wegovy: Form: Contrave comes as an extended-release oral tablet, while Wegovy is a solution in prefilled, single-use pens that administer the medication as a subcutaneous injection. ('Extended-release' means the drug slowly releases into your body over a long period of time.)
Contrave comes as an extended-release oral tablet, while Wegovy is a solution in prefilled, single-use pens that administer the medication as a subcutaneous injection. ('Extended-release' means the drug slowly releases into your body over a long period of time.) Dosage : Contrave is taken more often than Wegovy. (See the Dosage section.)
: Contrave is taken more often than Wegovy. (See the Dosage section.) Conditions treated: Contrave and Wegovy are both used for weight loss in certain adults, but Wegovy is also used for weight management in certain children and to lower certain cardiovascular risks in certain adults. (See the Uses section.)
Contrave and Wegovy have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following uses in adults, in combination with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. Contrave and Wegovy are FDA approved for:
Wegovy is also FDA approved to: lower the risk of serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) events, including non-fatal heart attack or stroke, in adults with cardiovascular disease, or who have obesity or are considered overweight
Wegovy is approved for weight loss and management in children ages 12 years and older with obesity, usually defined as a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater.
Contrave is not approved for use in children. The medication has a boxed warning that includes a note that it has not been studied in children. To learn more about this warning, see 'Precautions for Contrave and Wegovy'.
Note: For more information about the drugs' uses, see our articles about Contrave and Wegovy.
Here's a quick look at the dosage and administration of Contrave and Wegovy for the conditions they treat.
Below is information on Contrave and Wegovy dosages for weight management in adults.
Wegovy comes as a solution inside prefilled, single-use pens given as a subcutaneous injection. When you're first prescribed Wegovy, a healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself the injections. You can also refer to the 'How to Take Wegovy' guide from the manufacturer.
Note: For more information about dosage, see our dosage articles about Contrave and Wegovy.
Contrave and Wegovy are both used for weight management in certain adults. These drugs can cause some of the same side effects, as well as different ones. Some of the side effects reported in clinical trials of these drugs are listed here.
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Contrave and Wegovy. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common, but you may have concerns about them in some cases.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The following table lists reported serious side effects of Contrave and Wegovy.
If you have serious side effects while using Contrave or Wegovy, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
* Contrave has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the 'Precautions for Contrave and Wegovy' section.
** Wegovy has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the 'Precautions for Contrave and Wegovy' section. ALLERGIC REACTION
For some people, Contrave and Wegovy can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They'll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Contrave, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Here are answers to some common questions about Contrave and Wegovy.
It's not clear. Currently, there aren't enough studies evaluating whether it's safe to take Contrave and Wegovy for weight loss together or if taking them together is more effective for weight loss and management than taking either medication on their own. In fact, the prescribing information for Contrave specifically notes that it hasn't been studied in combination with other medications for weight loss.
Due to the lack of evidence, your doctor may not prescribe Contrave and Wegovy together.
Contrave and Wegovy can cause some similar side effects, including increased heart rate. Taking them together may further raise your risk for certain side effects caused by both medications.
Talk with your doctor if you're thinking about taking Wegovy or Contrave for weight loss. They can help determine the best treatment plan for you.
You may wonder how Wegovy and Contrave compare to Ozempic, Qsymia, Saxenda, and similar medications.
The table below includes a few key details on how Contrave and Wegovy compare to similar drugs. It's important to note that some of these drugs are approved for different uses. Your doctor can help determine which of these medications is the best fit for you based on your treatment needs.
Contrave and Wegovy are both FDA approved for: weight loss and management, in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or greater, which indicates obesity
or greater, which indicates obesity weight loss and management, in adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (which is considered overweight) who also have at least one weight-related condition, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes
If you're considering treatment with either medication for these uses, you may wonder how their effectiveness compares.
Prescribing information: Both Contrave and Wegovy were found to be effective for weight loss and management in certain adults in clinical trials. For details about how these drugs performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Contrave and Wegovy. Keep in mind that trial results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Treatment guidelines: Another way to determine whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines.
When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, this means research has shown the drug to be safe and effective. Both Contrave and Wegovy are recommended as a treatment option for weight loss and management in certain adults in guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association.
How much Contrave or Wegovy costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy. You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Contrave and Wegovy. (Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.)
Both Contrave and Wegovy are brand-name drugs. Neither Contrave nor Wegovy is available in a generic form. Brand-name medications often cost more than generics. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about the generic form of either drug.
Contrave and Wegovy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These drugs have some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned here.
Wegovy has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
During treatment with Wegovy, let your doctor know if you have symptoms of thyroid tumors or cancer. Examples include a hoarse voice that doesn't go away, a mass or lump in your neck, and shortness of breath.
Contrave has a boxed warning about the risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Contrave contains bupropion as one of its active ingredients (what makes a drug work). Bupropion is an antidepressant, and antidepressants may cause a small increase in risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk applies to children and adults ages 24 and under, based on a large review of studies evaluating short-term antidepressant use. It's important to note that Contrave is not approved for use in children. Contrave is also not approved for treating depression or any other mental health condition.
In addition to boxed warnings, Contrave and Wegovy have other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Contrave or Wegovy.
Note: For more comprehensive information about these drugs, you can refer to our Contrave and Wegovy articles.
Switching between Contrave and Wegovy might be possible. Both Contrave and Wegovy are approved for weight loss and management, along with diet and exercise, in certain adults.
If you're taking Wegovy to lower your risk for certain cardiovascular problems, your doctor likely will not switch you to Contrave for this use. This isn't an approved use for Contrave.
If you'd like to know more about switching between Contrave and Wegovy, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.
It's important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor's recommendation.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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