Contrave vs. Wegovy: What to know about each
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are brand-name drugs. They're both prescribed for weight loss in adults.
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
16 minutes ago
- Reuters
US FDA puts on hold Rein Therapeutics' lung disease drug trial
June 12 (Reuters) - Rein Therapeutics (RNTX.O), opens new tab has paused patient enrollment and dosing in a mid-stage trial of its lung disease drug in the U.S. after the Food and Drug Administration placed a clinical hold, the drug developer said on Thursday. Shares of the company fell nearly 10% after the bell. The company was testing a drug named LTI-03 to treat patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The disease causes scarring of the lungs that makes it harder for them to work properly. Rein said in a filing that it is actively working with the FDA to remove the clinical hold. The FDA and Rein did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment on why the hold was placed. The drug was well-tolerated and safe in an early-stage study in patients with IPF, the company said in the filing. No drug-related serious adverse events have been reported in any studies treating patients with LTI-03, it added. Rein continues to study the drug and enroll patients in Australia and Europe.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Tragic twist of fate that set Ananda Lewis and countless others on path of deadly alternative cancer treatments
A Covid-era rule may have played a role in the tragic death of former MTV star Ananda Lewis who lost a seven-year battle with breast cancer this week at age 52. Lewis - who rose to fame as a video jockey for MTV - revealed last year that she was unable to get a mastectomy during lockdown in 2020 because California hospitals deemed it a non-emergency. Your browser does not support iframes.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Meet the vaccines skeptics that are now part of RFK Jr.'s vaccine approval committee
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has announced new members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory panel. Earlier in the week, the secretary made waves when he purged all 17 former members, citing 'historical corruption at ACIP.' 'The most outrageous example of ACIP's malevolent malpractice has been its stubborn unwillingness to demand adequate safety trials before recommending new vaccines for our children,' he wrote in a post on X. In their place, Kennedy hand picked eight members, who he said were individuals 'committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense' and who wouldn't be 'ideological anti-vaxxers.' He noted that each of them have committed to 'demanding definitive safety and efficacy data before making any new vaccine recommendations' and that the committee would review safety and efficacy data for the current schedule. But, the moves have been concerning to experts, who noted that several members have been critical of vaccines. The fired panel members have said that their ousting signaled that scientific expertise was 'no longer of use' under Kennedy and that that decision would 'undermine public trust in the vaccine process,' in a time when vaccine hesitancy has led to the spread of measles and other disease. So, who are the new members Kennedy says will help to restore that trust? Here's what and who to know... Dr. Robert W. Malone Dr. Robert Malone is a former mRNA researcher who has been a close advisory to Kennedy. Kennedy said he has served in advisory roles for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense. He earned a medical degree from Northwestern University in 1991 and has taught at the University of California at Davis and the University of Maryland. He runs a wellness institute and a popular blog, and has been active on social media and in various outlets. He rose to prominence during the pandemic, relaying conspiracy theories about the vaccines and Covid. He has promoted alternative treatments for the virus and measles. He's claimed that millions of Americans were hypnotized into taking the shots and suggested that the vaccines cause a form of AIDS. Malone said in a post on X that he will do his best "to serve with unbiased objectivity and rigor.' 'I have attended many, many ACIP meetings in the past on behalf of clients. I played a key role in enabling advanced development of the Merck Ebola vaccine. I have deep expertise and experience in influenza vaccines and vaccine manufacturing technology, and have spoken on this issue at the WHO by invitation,' he said. Dr. Martin Kulldorff Dr. Martin Kulldorff is a biostatistician and epidemiologist. He's a founding member of the D.C.-based Academy for Science and Freedom at the nonsectarian Christian Hillsdale College. The academy aims to 'combat the recent and widespread abuses of individual and academic freedom made in the name of science' and 'educate the American people about the 'free exchange of scientific ideas and the proper relationship between freedom and science in the pursuit of truth.' Formerly a professor at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Kulldorf wrote in an op-ed that telling the 'truth' had gotten him fired. 'Bodily autonomy is not the only argument against Covid vaccine mandates. They are also unscientific and unethical,' wrote Kulldorff. On LinkedIn, he has said the National Institute of Health had failed Americans during the pandemic. Notably, he was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, along with NIH head Jay Bhattacharya, which was an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing harm. He has posted on X in support of the positions of Kennedy, Bhattacharya, and new FDA Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Dr. Vinay Prasad. Kennedy said Kulldorff has served on the Food and Drug Administration's Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee and the CDC's Vaccine Safety Subgroup of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. He noted Kulldorff also developed widely used tools such as SaTScan and TreeScan for detecting disease outbreaks and vaccine adverse events, and said he was an advocate for 'evidence-based approaches to pandemic response.' On Thursday, Endpoints News reported that Kulldorff and Malone were paid hundreds of dollars an hour to be a part of cases challenging the safety and efficacy of drugmaker Merck's HPV and MMR shots. Malone confirmed he had done 'expert witness consultation.' A request for comment from Kulldorff was not immediately returned. Dr. Retsef Levi Dr. Retsef Levi is a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He also serves as the faculty leader for Food Chain Supply Analytics. Prior to working at MIT, he spent nearly 12 years as an officer in the Intelligence Wing of the Israeli Defense Forces. An MIT bio page for Levi says he leads several industry-based collaborative research efforts with local hospitals and that he has been on contract to address risk related to 'economically motivated adulterations of food manufactured in global supply chains.' His pinned tweet claims that mRNA vaccines 'cause serious harm including death, especially among young people.' 'We have to stop giving them immediately!' he urged. 'From what I've seen so far, I think it's obvious that these mRNA vaccines should not be given to anybody young or healthy. It is also not at all clear to me that they should be given to anybody, based on the evidence,' he said in a new interview. 'I am honored with this opportunity and humbled by the responsibility,' he wrote. Vicky Pebsworth A registered nurse and a regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses, Vicky Pebsworth has been listed as a board member and volunteer director for the National Vaccine Information Center, a group previously described in The Washington Post as ' the oldest anti-vaccine advocacy group ' in the country. She earned a doctorate in public health and nursing from the University of Michigan. She has worked in the health care field in various capacities for more than 45 years. She is a former member of the FDA's Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee and the National Vaccine Advisory Committee's 2009 H1N1 Vaccine Safety Risk Assessment Working Group and Vaccine Safety Working Group (Epidemiology and Implementation Subcommittees), according to Kennedy. 'Her son — her only child — experienced serious, long-term health problems following receipt of seven live virus and killed bacterial vaccines administered during his 15-month well-baby visit which sparked her interest in vaccine safety research and policymaking and chronic illness and disability in children,' a bio page for her says. But, there are others on the panel whose vaccine stances aren't as clear. Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln Dr. Joseph Hibbeln has worked at the National Institutes of Health since the late 1990s. He formerly served as the Acting Chief of of the Section on Nutritional Neurosciences. He is also a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, with work focused on how nutrition affects the brain, including the potential benefits of seafood consumption during pregnancy. He attended the University of Chicago for his undergraduate degree and received his medical degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1988. He served his residency at UCLA in 1992. He serves as a Captain in the United States Public Health Service. Recently, he wrote to ask another LinkedIn user about their position regarding 'closing nearly all vaccine research' at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Cody Meissner Dr. Cody Meissner is a former member of the committee and a professor of pediatrics at the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine. He is the Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Tufts Children's Hospital and has served as a member of the Human Health and Services (HHS) Tick-borne Diseases Working Group. He has been the principal investigator for numerous vaccine clinical trials and the HHS Chair of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He's held an advisory role at the Food and Drug Administration. Florida Republican Governor Ron Santis has quoted him as saying that closing schools during the Covid pandemic had 'aggravated the issue of inequity in our society.' Dr. James Pagano Dr. James Pagano is an emergency medicine physician with more than 40 years of clinical experience. He also did his residency at UCLA. 'Dr. Pagano served on multiple hospital committees, including utilization review, critical care, and medical executive boards. He is strong advocate for evidence-based medicine,' Kennedy said. Dr. Michael A. Ross Dr. Michael Ross is a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist who previously served on a CDC breast and cervical cancer advisory committee. He is described as a 'serial CEO and physician leader' in a bio page for Havencrest Capital Management, a private equity investment firm where he is an operating partner. He recently started a position as the chief medical officer for the Maryland-based AI start-up Manta Pharma. He is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University and Virginia Commonwealth University. 'He has advised major professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and contributed to federal advocacy efforts around women's health and preventive care. His continued service on biotech and healthcare boards reflects his commitment to advancing innovation in immunology, reproductive medicine, and public health,' Kennedy said.
