Contrave

What is Contrave?

One of the latest medications to gain FDA approval for weight loss in overweight or obese patients is Contrave (naltrexone HCL/bupropion HCL) 8mg/90mg extended-release tablets.

Contrave takes two older, well established medications, and combines them in a special extended release tablet at a lower dose than available as separate medications.

Contrave has shown to increase weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle changes. It works in about two thirds of patients that take the medication to produce clinically meaningful weight loss safely.

While Contrave is not for everyone, we can determine at your visit if you are a candidate. Insurance coverage is fairly good with many patients insurance plans covering the majority of the cost of the medication. If you don’t have insurance, or your plan doesn’t cover the cost of the medication, the manufacturer has a rebate program you may be entitled to.

The ideal patient for Contrave is someone with cravings for carbohydrates as one of the main issues in the battle with their weight. It is also helpful in patients who cannot tolerate other weight loss medications that might make them feel jittery, like phentermine or Qsymia.

To support patients in their weight loss journey, Contrave offers a support program called Scale Down. This program allows you to receive extra support information as well as a wireless scale that will connect to your smart phone, for free! Click here for more information.

To find out if you can take Contrave and if we think it will help you, please call the office to setup your consultation with Dr. Pinto.