Contrave vs Wegovy For Weight Loss | Best Weight Loss Medication

• Dr. David Nazarian
• February 7, 2025
• 0 Comment
• Weight Loss

Contrave vs Wegovy For Weight Loss: Pick The Right One

In the quest for effective weight loss solutions, two medications have emerged as strong contenders: Contrave and Wegovy. Both have shown promising results in clinical studies and are helping people shed pounds and improve their overall health. But which one is right for you? This blog will dive deep into a comparison of Contrave and Wegovy, examining their effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more to help you make an informed decision.

If you’re ready to take control of your weight loss journey, visit Best Weight Loss Medication to book a consultation and learn how these options could work for you.

Contrave vs. Wegovy for Weight Loss

Contrave combines two active ingredients: Naltrexone (32 mg) and Bupropion (360 mg). These medications target the brain’s reward system, reducing cravings and emotional eating. Paired with healthy lifestyle changes, Contrave helps users achieve significant weight loss.

Wegovy, on the other hand, contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates appetite and slows digestion. Taken as a weekly injection, Wegovy has been shown to produce substantial weight loss over time.

Contrave vs. Wegovy Results

Clinical studies highlight the effectiveness of both medications:

Contrave:

A study revealed that participants using Contrave lost significantly more weight than those taking a placebo.

• By week 28, 55.6% of Contrave users had lost at least 5% of their body weight compared to 17.5% in the placebo group [1].
• By week 56, 50.5% of Contrave users maintained their success compared to 17.1% in the placebo group.

Beyond weight loss, users experienced better heart health, improved eating habits, and a higher quality of life.

Wegovy:

Participants using Wegovy (4 mg weekly) lost an average of 14.91% of their starting weight over 68 weeks. Those who continued for two years saw even better results, with a total weight loss of 15.42% [2].

These numbers make Wegovy one of the most effective weight loss medications available today.

Contrave vs. Wegovy Side Effects

Both medications have unique side effect profiles that you should consider:

Contrave Side Effects:

Common issues include nausea (27%-34%), headache (14%-24%), constipation (15%-24%), dizziness (7%-14%), and dry mouth (8%). Some users also experienced temporary increases in blood pressure, though blood pressure improved overall by the end of the study [3].

Wegovy Side Effects:

Wegovy may impact blood sugar levels and the absorption of other medications due to its effect on digestion. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely while on Wegovy, as combining it with other glucose-lowering drugs can increase the risk of hypoglycemia [4].

Contrave vs. Wegovy Costs

Cost can be a determining factor when choosing a weight loss medication:

Contrave:

Through an access program, Contrave offers a $99 monthly price via mail-order pharmacy without requiring proof of insurance. Depending on your insurance coverage, you could pay even less.

Wegovy:

Wegovy offers a discount card, saving $225 per month with insurance or $500 per month without it. However, if you lack insurance coverage, Wegovy can cost $1,000 or more per month.

Can I Take Contrave and Wegovy Together?

While both medications are effective independently, combining them is not recommended without medical supervision. Their mechanisms of action target different areas, and taking them together could increase the risk of side effects or drug interactions. Always consult your healthcare provider before considering combination treatments.

Contrave vs. Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is another GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to Wegovy. It works by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. While it shows promising results, its availability for weight loss is currently limited compared to Wegovy.

Contrave vs. Saxenda

Saxenda, like Wegovy, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist but requires daily injections instead of weekly ones. It is less potent than Wegovy but still effective for weight loss. When compared to Contrave, Saxenda may work better for those who prefer injectable medications over pills.

Contrave vs. Phentermine

Phentermine is a stimulant that suppresses appetite, making it a popular short-term weight loss solution. Unlike Contrave, which can be used long-term, Phentermine is only approved for a few weeks of use due to potential side effects and dependency risks. Contrave’s multi-faceted approach to weight loss offers a safer, more sustainable solution.

Final Words

Both Contrave and Wegovy are excellent tools for weight loss, but the right choice depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and medical history. Contrave may be ideal for those who prefer oral medication and need help with cravings and emotional eating. Wegovy, on the other hand, is a powerful option for those looking for a long-term injectable solution.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Best Weight Loss Medication and book your consultation today. Our experts will guide you through your options and create a personalized plan tailored to your weight loss goals.

Let’s make your journey to a healthier, happier you a reality!

References:

1. Apovian CM, Aronne L, Rubino D, et al. A randomized, phase 3 trial of naltrexone SR/bupropion SR on weight and obesity‐related risk factors (COR‐II). Obesity. 2013;21(5):935-943. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20309

2. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183

3. Ornellas T, Chavez B. Naltrexone SR/Bupropion SR (Contrave): A New Approach to Weight Loss in Obese Adults. P T. 2011;36(5):255-262.4. Pharmaceutical Research: Recent Advances and Trends Vol. 6.; 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/prrat/v6