This article describes Contrave’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Contrave. If you want to know more about Contrave, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Contrave is a brand-name medication that comes as extended-release tablets that you swallow. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Contrave.
Note: “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Contrave has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Form and strength of Contrave
Contrave comes as follows:
- Form: extended-release tablets that you swallow
- Strength: 8 milligrams (mg) naltrexone/90 mg bupropion
Dosage of Contrave
This article describes the recommended dosage for Contrave. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Contrave without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosage of Contrave in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Contrave. Then, they’ll increase your dosage over time until the recommended dosage is reached.
Dosage for weight loss and weight management
The following table shows the recommended dosage schedule of Contrave for weight loss.
| Week | Morning dose | Evening dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | one tablet | none |
| 2 | one tablet | one tablet |
| 3 | two tablets | one tablet |
| 4 and on | two tablets | two tablets |
Dosage adjustments for Contrave
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Contrave based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you take
Missed dose of Contrave
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Contrave. They may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Contrave and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Contrave and its dosage.
How long does it take Contrave to start working?
Every person responds differently to Contrave. But in studies, most participants experienced significant weight loss after 4 weeks of starting Contrave.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor.
When is the best time to take the evening dose of Contrave?
The drugmaker hasn’t specified the best time to take the evening dose of Contrave. Take your evening dose of Contrave at a time that works for you. But keep in mind that your morning and evening dose of Contrave should be taken 12 hours apart.
If you have more questions about when to take Contrave, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How many hours should there be between my doses of Contrave?
You should take your morning and evening doses of Contrave 12 hours apart.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Contrave taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Contrave as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term. But if Contrave doesn’t work for you within 12 weeks, your doctor may have you stop taking the drug.
If you have questions about how long you should take Contrave, talk with your doctor.
How Contrave is taken
You’ll swallow Contrave twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You can take it with or without food. But avoid taking it with a high fat meal. Doing so can affect the absorption of Contrave and increase your risk of side effects.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Swallow Contrave tablets whole. You should not cut, chew, or crush them. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Contrave coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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