Contrave® ER Tablets for Weight Management

What Contrave Is and How It Works

Contrave® ER is a prescription extended-release tablet for chronic weight management in adults. It combines naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride, two medicines that act on brain pathways that influence appetite and cravings. You can order with US shipping from Canada and see options for Contrave ER without insurance. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine works as part of a plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, while bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Together, the combination may help reduce hunger and control eating urges. Results vary by individual and treatment adherence.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with a body mass index consistent with obesity or for adults who are overweight with weight-related conditions such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes. It is used alongside lifestyle changes for weight management and is not a stand-alone solution. Your clinician will assess medical history and concurrent medicines to decide if this option fits your plan.

Do not use it if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a seizure disorder, an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, chronic opioid use or acute opioid withdrawal, or if you recently stopped alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptics. Avoid use during pregnancy, with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or with other bupropion-containing products. People with bipolar disorder, glaucoma risk, or severe liver or kidney disease may require different strategies.

For additional context around conditions, review our categories for Weight Management, Obesity, and Overweight.

Dosage and Usage

The usual schedule starts low and increases weekly to the maintenance dose if tolerated. Many adults begin with one tablet in the morning and add an evening tablet in week two. In week three, two tablets may be taken in the morning and one in the evening. From week four, the typical maintenance is two tablets in the morning and two in the evening, as directed by your prescriber.

Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush. Take with a low-fat meal to limit exposure increases. Avoid high-fat meals because they can raise blood levels of the active ingredients. Do not exceed the maximum daily number of tablets. If you do not achieve meaningful weight reduction by week 12 at the maintenance dose, your clinician may advise stopping since further benefit is unlikely per labeling.

For a stepwise overview of the schedule, see our Dosage Guide. Never change your dose without your prescriber’s advice.

Strengths and Forms

Each extended-release tablet contains naltrexone hydrochloride 8 mg and bupropion hydrochloride 90 mg. Bottles are commonly supplied in counts such as 120 tablets. Availability can vary by pharmacy and time. Your prescription will specify quantity and refills.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up to make up a missed dose. Space morning and evening doses as directed to maintain steady exposure and reduce side effects. If you miss multiple doses, contact your prescriber for guidance.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature and protect them from moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from excessive heat and direct light. Dispose of expired or unused tablets according to local guidance.

When you travel, carry your medication in the original labeled container. Pack it in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription. Bring enough supply for your trip length plus a small buffer. If customs officials ask, present the label and prescription details. Use child-resistant caps and keep tablets away from food items in your bag.

Benefits

This combination can help reduce appetite and manage cravings when used with diet and activity changes. Oral dosing may be convenient for adults who prefer tablets. Extended-release design allows twice-daily use. Many people find the structured titration helps tolerance during initiation.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain

Serious risks can include increases in blood pressure and heart rate, seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, liver-related concerns, and severe allergic reactions. This medicine contains bupropion, which carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults with antidepressants. Monitor mood, behavior, and blood pressure, especially during dose changes.

Avoid opioids while taking this treatment, as naltrexone can block their effects and may precipitate withdrawal. Alcohol can increase certain risks. If you have diabetes and use insulin or sulfonylureas, your clinician may monitor for hypoglycemia during weight reduction.

For more on adverse effects and precautions, read our educational overview: Side Effects. If you experience severe symptoms such as fainting, confusion, or chest pain, seek urgent care.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of MAOI use. Avoid other bupropion-containing therapies, including smoking-cessation products with bupropion. Opioid pain medicines, opioid-dependence treatments, or opioid cough suppressants are contraindicated due to naltrexone blockade.

Use caution with drugs that lower seizure threshold, such as systemic steroids, tramadol, antipsychotics, theophylline, or abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or benzodiazepines. Strong inducers or inhibitors of CYP2B6 can alter bupropion levels. Nicotine replacement, particularly patches, may raise the risk of hypertension when combined with bupropion. Always provide a full medication list to your prescriber and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

During the first weeks, you may notice reduced appetite and fewer cravings as the dose increases. Some people experience nausea or insomnia early, which can improve as the body adjusts. Consistent use with a calorie deficit usually supports better outcomes than sporadic dosing. If expected progress is not seen by week 12 at full dose, your prescriber may reassess therapy.

Plan regular follow-ups to review response, side effects, and blood pressure. Focus on daily routines that support adherence, such as taking doses with breakfast and dinner, meal planning, and activity goals. Keep a simple log of dosing and any side effects to discuss at appointments.

Compare With Alternatives

Other prescription options for weight management include a GLP-1 injection and a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor. For example, semaglutide injection is available as Wegovy®, while orlistat is available as Xenical® Capsules. Your prescriber will help choose a class that matches your medical profile and preferences.

Pricing and Access

Check current Contrave ER price, compare pack sizes, and review cash-pay options on the product page. Some patients look for a Contrave ER coupon to lower out-of-pocket costs. We offer transparent Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada. Use our Promotions page for current offers when available. Pricing can vary by supply, quantity, and pharmacy dispensing fees. We use encrypted checkout to help protect your information.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can change, and certain pack sizes may be limited at times. If Contrave ER 120 tablets is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a clinically suitable alternative from the same therapeutic area. We cannot guarantee restock dates. Your clinician may also adjust refill timing to maintain continuity of care.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit adults who prefer an oral option and can follow a twice-daily schedule. It may not suit people with a history of seizures, uncontrolled hypertension, chronic opioid therapy, or those who are pregnant. Discuss mental health history, alcohol intake, and all medicines before starting.

To manage costs, consider multi-month fills if appropriate for your therapy plan. Set refill reminders so you do not miss doses between shipments. Ask your prescriber if therapeutic alternatives could meet your goals at a lower out-of-pocket expense. Review plan changes annually to keep your regimen aligned with clinical needs and budget.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this the right class for my medical history?
• What side effects should I watch for early on?
• How will we track weight, blood pressure, and mood?
• When should we reassess benefit if progress stalls?
• Which medicines or supplements should I stop or separate?
• What is the plan if I need pain control without opioids?
• Are multi-month prescriptions reasonable for me?

Authoritative Sources

See official product information for detailed prescribing and safety data:

• FDA DailyMed labeling for naltrexone/bupropion: review full prescribing details on DailyMed in the official monograph on this page.
• Manufacturer patient site with safety information: view the sponsor’s consumer information and links to prescribing resources on the manufacturer site.
• FDA Medication Guide: consult the FDA’s patient-focused guide for boxed warnings and use directions on this resource.

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.