Key takeaways
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both medications used for long-term weight management in adults with a high body mass index (BMI) and weight-related conditions. However, they belong to different medication classes and have important differences. Contrave combines an opioid antagonist and a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, while Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Contrave is taken orally as a tablet twice daily, whereas Wegovy is injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects of Contrave include nausea, constipation, and headache, while Wegovy often causes nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Additionally, Contrave should not be taken with opioids, and Wegovy is not recommended if you have a history of certain thyroid cancers.
