Contrave® ER 8/90 mg Tablets for Chronic Weight Management

What Contrave® Is and How It Works

Contrave® ER combines naltrexone and bupropion in extended-release 8/90 mg tablets for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and related conditions. This page explains how it works, how to use it safely, and how to access Canadian pricing from Canada with US delivery, including options for those paying without insurance.

CanadianInsulin connects patients with licensed Canadian pharmacies. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic before dispensing.

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Bupropion is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Together, they act on hypothalamic and mesolimbic pathways involved in appetite and cravings. The combination is designed to help reduce hunger, improve control of eating, and support weight loss when used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. For a broader overview of outcomes and use, see Contrave® For Weight Loss.

Who Contrave® Is For

Contrave ER is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with an initial BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It is not approved for pediatric use.

Do not use Contrave ER if there is a seizure disorder, uncontrolled hypertension, chronic opioid use, acute opioid withdrawal, a current or past diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, use of other bupropion-containing products, or use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days. Do not use during pregnancy. Avoid use if abruptly stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs due to seizure risk.

Dosage and Usage

Each tablet contains 8 mg naltrexone HCl and 90 mg bupropion HCl in an extended-release (12-hour) formulation. Tablets must be swallowed whole; do not cut, crush, or chew. Avoid taking with a high-fat meal, which can increase exposure and raise seizure risk.

1. Week 1: 1 tablet in the morning.
2. Week 2: 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening.
3. Week 3: 2 tablets in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening.
4. Week 4 and thereafter: 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening (maximum 4 tablets daily).

Take morning and evening doses at consistent times, not at bedtime, to reduce the chance of insomnia. Prescribers typically reassess after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose. If adequate weight loss has not occurred, discontinuation may be considered.

Strengths and Forms

• Extended-release tablets: naltrexone/bupropion 8 mg/90 mg (ER 12-hour).
• Pack sizes may vary by listing; availability can change.

Availability of specific counts, such as 120 tablets, can vary over time.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. Keep doses spaced apart morning and evening. Consistency supports tolerability and effectiveness.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, typically 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from moisture and keep in the original child-resistant container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, keep tablets in a carry-on bag with the original labeled container. Avoid extreme temperatures in parked cars or luggage holds.

Benefits

• Oral, non-injectable option for chronic weight management.
• Targets appetite and cravings via central pathways.
• Extended-release design supports twice-daily dosing.
• Used with diet and physical activity to support sustained results.

Some people value an oral alternative to GLP-1 therapies. For background on lifestyle measures alongside medicines, see Diet And Weight Loss.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Dry mouth
• Flushing or sweating
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety or restlessness

Serious risks include seizures, increases in blood pressure or heart rate, angle-closure glaucoma, manic episodes in those with bipolar disorder, hepatic dysfunction, and severe allergic reactions. The product carries a boxed warning related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, primarily associated with antidepressants. Monitor mood and report concerning changes to a clinician. Avoid use with opioids; naltrexone can precipitate withdrawal. Seek emergency help for signs of severe reaction such as swelling, rash with blistering, or trouble breathing.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days. Do not use with other bupropion-containing products. Avoid chronic opioid therapy; naltrexone can block analgesia and cause withdrawal.

• Drugs that lower the seizure threshold: antipsychotics, other antidepressants, theophylline, systemic steroids, tramadol, or abrupt alcohol/benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• CYP2B6 inhibitors or inducers can affect bupropion levels.
• Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, which can raise levels of some SSRIs, antipsychotics, beta blockers, and may reduce tamoxifen efficacy.
• High-fat meals increase exposure; avoid taking doses with high-fat foods.

Alcohol may increase risks such as neuropsychiatric events or seizures; see guidance in Contrave® And Alcohol. Review all prescription, OTC, and herbal products with a clinician and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

Appetite control and craving reduction may be noticed in the first weeks. Weight change generally follows with consistent diet and activity adjustments. Tolerability often improves after the titration period. Clinicians commonly evaluate progress after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose and may discontinue if the response is not adequate.

Compare With Alternatives

Approved alternatives for chronic weight management include orlistat capsules and GLP-1 based injectables. Orlistat reduces fat absorption in the gut. GLP-1 therapies act on appetite and gastric emptying. Options depend on goals, medical history, and tolerability.

Two options available here include Saxenda® 6 Mg and Xenical® 120 Mg. For a head-to-head perspective on injectables, see Saxenda® Vs Zepbound.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can help lower the Contrave ER 8/90 mg tablet price for many patients. You can order Contrave ER 8/90 mg online from Canada with US shipping. Check the current cost, including any self-pay or cash price options, on the product page. If looking for extra savings or a Contrave ER 8/90 mg coupon, see current site offers on our Promotions page. Checkout is encrypted.

Browse related medicines in our Weight Loss Medication Products category. Availability and pricing can change based on supply.

Availability and Substitutions

If Contrave ER is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative based on medical history and goals. Options may include orlistat or GLP-1 therapies. Do not switch medicines without professional guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

• Best suited for adults meeting BMI criteria with weight-related risks.
• Avoid if there is a seizure disorder, uncontrolled hypertension, chronic opioid use, or pregnancy.
• Swallow tablets whole; avoid high-fat meals at dosing times.
• Consider multi-month supplies to reduce per-shipment fees.
• Set refill reminders to prevent gaps in therapy.
• Pair with a structured diet and activity plan to support outcomes.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Am I a good candidate for naltrexone bupropion ER 8/90 mg tablets?
• How will my blood pressure and mood be monitored on therapy?
• What is the plan if I have not lost enough weight after 12 weeks?
• Which medicines or supplements could raise seizure risk for me?
• How should dosing be timed with meals and sleep to reduce insomnia?
• What signs mean I should contact the clinic promptly?

Authoritative Sources

• Contrave Official Site
• FDA Drug Database: Contrave
• DailyMed: Contrave

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