Generic Contrave

Introduction

Contrave is a prescription‑only combination therapy that contains the pharmacologically active compounds bupropion and naltrexone. The product is classified within the weight‑loss medication group and is primarily indicated for the chronic management of obesity in adults whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is ≥ 30 kg/m², or ≥ 27 kg/m² when accompanied by at least one weight‑related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidaemia. In the United Kingdom, Contrave is not currently listed on the NHS formulary; however, it can be accessed through private prescribing and specialised import channels for patients who meet the clinical criteria and have exhausted first‑line lifestyle interventions.

What is Contrave?

Contrave is a fixed‑dose oral tablet that combines two established agents:

• Bupropion – a norepinephrine‑dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) traditionally used for depression and smoking cessation.
• Naltrexone – an opioid‑receptor antagonist employed in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence.

The tablet is manufactured by Currax Pharmaceuticals (formerly by Orexo) and is marketed in the United States and several European jurisdictions under the brand name Contrave. The combination exploits complementary central‑nervous‑system pathways that regulate appetite, reward, and energy expenditure.

Note: Contrave is a brand formulation; generic versions containing the same active ingredients are also available from licensed suppliers. Our online pharmacy supplies the generic alternative at a cost‑effective price while adhering to the same quality standards.

How Contrave Works

The therapeutic effect of Contrave stems from the synergistic action of bupropion and naltrexone on hypothalamic and mesolimbic pathways:

1. Bupropion component – Increases synaptic concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine, which stimulates pro‑opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Activation of POMC reduces appetite and boosts basal metabolic rate.
2. Naltrexone component – Blocks µ‑opioid receptors that normally provide an autoinhibitory feedback to POMC neurons. By antagonising this feedback, naltrexone sustains the appetite‑suppressing signal initiated by bupropion.

The combined effect leads to a modest but clinically meaningful reduction in caloric intake and a modest increase in energy expenditure. Pharmacokinetic data indicate that bupropion reaches steady‑state concentrations within 7 days, while naltrexone steady‑state is achieved in approximately 2 weeks. Both agents are primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism (CYP2B6 for bupropion and hepatic glucuronidation for naltrexone) with half‑lives of 21 hours and 4 hours respectively, supporting once‑daily dosing.

Conditions Treated with Contrave

• Obesity (primary indication) – Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) such as the COR‑I and COR‑II studies demonstrated an average weight loss of 7–9 % of baseline body weight over 56 weeks when combined with lifestyle counselling.
• Overweight with comorbidities – In participants with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² plus hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or impaired glucose tolerance, Contrave conferred improvements in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and HbA1c compared with placebo.
• Adjunct to behavioural weight‑management programmes – Real‑world data from UK bariatric centres show that patients who add Contrave to structured diet‑exercise regimens achieve faster attainment of clinically significant weight loss milestones (≥ 5 % body weight) than lifestyle alone.

While the drug’s mechanism suggests potential benefits in addiction‑related eating disorders, such off‑label uses remain investigational and are not approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Who is Contrave For?

• Adults with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (obesity) who have not achieved sufficient weight loss through diet, exercise, and behavioural therapy alone.
• Adults with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² who also present at least one obesity‑related health condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea).
• Patients who can tolerate both bupropion and naltrexone – contraindications such as uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorder, or opioid dependence must be ruled out.
• Individuals committed to ongoing lifestyle modification – Contrave is not a stand‑alone solution; sustained weight loss requires simultaneous dietary caloric restriction and regular physical activity.

Contraindicated or unsuitable

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Patients with a history of seizures, eating disorders (e.g., bulimia, binge‑eating disorder) not under specialist supervision.
• Persons on chronic opioid therapy, because naltrexone may precipitate withdrawal.
• Individuals with severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C) or uncontrolled hypertension (systolic > 160 mmHg or diastolic > 100 mmHg).

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea (most frequent during dose‑escalation).
• Constipation.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Insomnia or vivid dreams (attributable to bupropion).

Rare

• Elevated blood pressure or heart rate.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially when standing quickly.
• Dyspepsia or abdominal discomfort.

Serious

• Seizures – bupropion lowers seizure threshold; risk increases with higher doses or in predisposed individuals.
• Severe hypertension or hypertensive crisis.
• Hepatic injury – rare cases of transaminase elevation reported.
• Psychiatric adverse events such as suicidal ideation, particularly in patients with underlying mood disorders.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Concomitant use may precipitate hypertensive reactions; a 14‑day washout is required before initiating Contrave.
• CYP2B6 inhibitors (e.g., ticlopidine, clopidogrel): May increase bupropion plasma concentrations, heightening seizure risk.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, rifampicin): Can reduce naltrexone exposure, potentially diminishing efficacy.
• Opioid analgesics: Naltrexone antagonises opioid effects, leading to loss of analgesia and possible precipitated withdrawal.
• Other central nervous system stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate): Additive risk of insomnia, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure.

Patients should provide a full medication list, including over‑the‑counter supplements and herbal products, to the prescribing clinician before commencing treatment.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Initiation (titration phase):

  • Week 1–3: One tablet (bupropion 150 mg + naltrexone 8 mg) taken in the morning.
  • Week 4–6: Two tablets daily (morning and evening) reaching the full therapeutic dose of bupropion 300 mg + naltrexone 16 mg per day.

• Maintenance: Continue the twice‑daily regimen as long as the therapeutic benefit outweighs adverse effects. Dose reduction or discontinuation should be guided by a physician.

• Missed dose:

  • If less than 12 hours remain before the next scheduled dose, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule.
  • Do not double‑dose to compensate.

• Overdose:

  • Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, agitation, seizures, or hypertensive crisis.
  • Seek emergency medical care immediately; provide details of the ingested amount. Activated charcoal may be considered if presentation is early.

• Precautions:

  • Take tablets with food to minimise gastrointestinal upset.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, which can potentiate CNS stimulation and increase seizure risk.
  • Patients with renal impairment require no dose adjustment but should be monitored for accumulation of metabolites.

Buying Contrave from Our Online Pharmacy

Contrave can be legally obtained in the United Kingdom through our online pharmacy. We specialise in providing high‑quality, cost‑effective generic formulations of bupropion plus naltrexone for adult patients who meet the clinical criteria for weight‑management therapy.

Key benefits of purchasing from our platform:

• Affordable pricing: Our supply chain works directly with GMP‑certified overseas manufacturers, allowing us to price the medication near the original manufacturer’s cost.
• Verified quality: Every batch is sourced from licensed, inspected facilities and undergoes independent potency testing before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging is shipped via express courier (typically 7 days) or standard airmail (approximately 3 weeks), with tracking available for every order.
• Online‑only access: For patients residing in regions where Contrave is not stocked in local pharmacies, we provide a reliable import route that complies with UK personal‑use import regulations.
• Privacy‑focused brokerage: As a pharmacy‑broker service, we collaborate with overseas licensed pharmacies while maintaining strict confidentiality of patient information.

Our service is intended for individuals who have a valid prescription from a UK‑registered prescriber. We do not dispense without appropriate medical documentation, ensuring safe and regulated use of this medication.

FAQ

• What is the recommended storage condition for Contrave tablets?
  Contrave should be stored at controlled room temperature (15–25 °C). Keep the medication in its original blister pack, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources such as radiators.

• Can Contrave be taken with other weight‑loss medications like orlistat or GLP‑1 agonists?
  Co‑administration is not routinely recommended because of overlapping mechanisms that may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects or hypotension. Any combination therapy must be approved by a healthcare professional after careful assessment.

• Does the generic version differ in appearance from the brand‑name tablet?
  Generic tablets may vary in colour, shape, or imprint, but they contain the same amounts of bupropion (150 mg) and naltrexone (8 mg) per tablet. In the UK, the generic tablet is typically round, white, and scored for easy splitting.

• Is it safe to travel internationally with Contrave?
  Yes, provided the medication is kept in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some countries may require a medical certificate; checking the destination’s import rules before travel is advisable.

• How does alcohol consumption affect Contrave therapy?
  Alcohol can lower the seizure threshold associated with bupropion and may intensify the sympathetic stimulation that leads to hypertension. Moderate consumption (≤ 2 units per day) is generally acceptable, but patients should discuss personal risk with their prescriber.

• Are there any known differences between the US and EU formulations of Contrave?
  The active ingredients are identical, but excipient composition can differ due to regional regulatory requirements. For example, the US formulation contains lactose, whereas some EU generic versions use maize starch, which may be relevant for patients with specific intolerances.

• Can Contrave affect drug testing for employment or sports?
  Bupropion and naltrexone are not listed on standard narcotics panels, but certain specialised tests for antidepressants may detect bupropion metabolites. Athletes should verify compliance with the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, which currently do not prohibit these substances.

• What is the rationale for the two‑phase titration schedule?
  Gradual dose escalation reduces the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal adverse effects, particularly nausea, which is most pronounced during the initial exposure to naltrexone. It also allows clinicians to monitor blood pressure and seizure risk as the dose increases.

• Is there any evidence that Contrave improves long‑term cardiovascular outcomes?
  Long‑term outcome data are limited. However, secondary analyses of obesity trials have shown modest reductions in systolic blood pressure and improvements in lipid profiles, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefit when combined with lifestyle modification.

• Can the medication be substituted with individual bupropion and naltrexone tablets?
  While the individual agents are available separately, the fixed‑dose combination ensures synchronized pharmacokinetics and convenience, which have been shown to improve adherence. Any substitution should be prescribed and monitored by a clinician.

Glossary

Pro‑opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons

Specialized hypothalamic cells that release α‑melanocyte‑stimulating hormone, which suppresses appetite and increases energy expenditure.

Seizure threshold

The level of neuronal excitability required to provoke a seizure. Certain drugs, such as bupropion, can lower this threshold, making seizures more likely in susceptible individuals.

Gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance

The ability of a patient’s digestive system to tolerate a medication without significant nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Pharmacokinetic steady‑state

The condition where the rate of drug administration equals the rate of elimination, resulting in a stable concentration in the bloodstream.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Contrave is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Contrave for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.