Compare Contrave vs. Wegovy
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)Wegovy (semaglutide)
Summary of Contrave vs. Wegovy
Summary for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitorPrescription onlyContrave (naltrexone / bupropion) is used along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise routine to help with weight loss for certain adults. This combination medication is a tablet that's taken by mouth. The dosage is slowly raised over the first 3 weeks of treatment until you reach the maintenance dosage of two tablets twice daily. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and headache. But it can also have more serious risks, such as unusual changes in behavior.
Summary for GLP-1 agonistPrescription onlyWegovy (semaglutide) is used in addition to a lower-calorie diet and exercise plan to help with weight loss in certain adults and children 12 years of age and older. It's also proven to lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease. This medication belongs to the drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The dosing schedule for Wegovy (semaglutide) is once a week, and the medication is injected under your skin. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Indications of Contrave vs. Wegovy
Indications for•Long-term treatment for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater; or BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and a weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)Indications for•Long-term treatment for weight management in:•Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater; or BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and a weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)•Children 12 years of age and older with a baseline BMI at the 95th percentile or greater•Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with heart disease and a larger body sizePros and Cons of Contrave vs. Wegovy
Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitorPros•Is a tablet that's taken by mouth•Can see results in as early as 4 weeks (when it's taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise)•Combines 2 different medications into a single pill to help with weightCons•Must take twice a day (after the dose ramp-up at the beginning)•Might raise your risk for unusual behavior and thoughts of self-harm•Not available as a lower-cost genericPros and Const for GLP-1 agonistPros•Can help you lose weight when it's used along with a nutritious diet and regular exercise•Approved for use for weight loss in certain children aged 12 years and older (BMI at or above the 95th percentile)•Injected once a weekCons•Must inject under the skin•Can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrheaCommon Side Effects of Contrave vs. Wegovy
Common Side Effects for•Nausea (33%)•Constipation (19%)•Headache (18%)•Vomiting (11%)•Dizziness (10%)•Trouble sleeping (9%)•Dry mouth (8%)•Diarrhea (7%)Common Side Effects for•Nausea (44%)•Diarrhea (30%)•Vomiting (24%)•Constipation (24%)•Stomach pain (20%)•Headache (14%)•Tiredness (11%)Warnings of Contrave vs. Wegovy
Common Side Effects for•Suicidal thoughts and behavior•Changes in thoughts, behavior, and mood•Seizures•Don't take Contrave with opioid medications•High blood pressure and fast heart rate•Liver problems•Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)•Worsening of glaucoma•Potential risk for low blood sugar in certain people with Type 2 diabetesCommon Side Effects for•Possible risk for thyroid cancer•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)•Gallbladder problems•Low blood sugar•Kidney damage•Allergic reactions•Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)•Faster heart rate•Possible risk for self-harmPrices with our coupons for Contrave vs. Wegovy
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