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Compare Ozempic vs. Contrave

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ozempic (semaglutide) and Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) are both medications that can cause weight loss, although Ozempic is only approved for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but is sometimes used off-label for weight loss. Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist that is injected under the skin once a week, while Contrave is a combination of an opioid antagonist and a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and comes as oral tablets taken twice a day. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, whereas Contrave can cause nausea, constipation, and headache. Ozempic may increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with other diabetes medications, while Contrave should not be taken with opioids due to the risk of overdose or withdrawal. Additionally, Contrave carries a risk of unusual behavior and suicidal thoughts, which is not a concern with Ozempic.

Ozempic (semaglutide)
Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion)
Summary of Ozempic vs. Contrave
Summary for GLP-1 agonist
Prescription only
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection used with diet and exercise to help manage Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also FDA approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in those with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it can reduce the risk of worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that's injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Summary for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Prescription only
Contrave is a combination medication that helps with weight loss for certain adults. It's taken along with a balanced diet and exercise plan. Contrave is a tablet with two active ingredients that help regulate your appetite. They are naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) and bupropion (a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Your dosage will slowly increase over the first 3 weeks. Then, you take the maintenance dose of two tablets by mouth twice a day. Some side effects are nausea, constipation, and headache. But it can also have serious risks, like unusual changes in behavior. Contrave is brand name only; there isn't a generic version available yet.
Indications of Ozempic vs. Contrave
Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes

•Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

•Lower the risk of worsening kidney problems and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Indications for

•Long-term weight management in certain adults

•Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater

•Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and a weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
Pros and Cons of Ozempic vs. Contrave
Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
Pros

•Only given once per week

•Might help you lose weight

•Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes

•Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeks

Cons

•Is an injection given under the skin

•Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

•Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications

•Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes

Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist / Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Pros

•Comes as a tablet that you take by mouth

•Might start to notice results in as early as 4 weeks (when taken along with a balanced diet and regular exercise)

Cons

•Must take twice a day (after the dose ramp-up at the beginning)

•Might raise your risk of unusual behavior and thoughts of self-harm

•Interacts with a lot of medications
Common Side Effects of Ozempic vs. Contrave
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (16-20%)

•Diarrhea (9%)

•Vomiting (5-9%)

•Stomach pain (6-7%)

•Constipation (3-5%)

Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (33%)

•Constipation (19%)

•Headache (18%)

•Vomiting (11%)

•Dizziness (10%)

•Trouble sleeping (9%)

•Dry mouth (8%)

•Diarrhea (7%)
Warnings of Ozempic vs. Contrave
Common Side Effects for

•Risk of thyroid tumors

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Eye problems

•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications

•Kidney damage

•Severe stomach problems

•Severe allergic reactions

•Gallbladder problems

•Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Possible changes in thoughts, behavior, and mood

•Seizures

•Don't take Contrave with opioid medications

•Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate

•Liver problems

•Mania (extreme enthusiasm or excitement)

•Worsening of glaucoma in certain people

•Potential risk of low blood sugar in people taking certain medications for Type 2 diabetes
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Compare Ozempic vs. Contrave

Key takeaways

Summary of Ozempic vs. Contrave

Indications of Ozempic vs. Contrave

Pros and Cons of Ozempic vs. Contrave

Common Side Effects of Ozempic vs. Contrave

Warnings of Ozempic vs. Contrave

Prices with our coupons for Ozempic vs. Contrave

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