Can you take Contrave and Wegovy together?

In this article:

• Can you take Contrave and Wegovy together?
• Can I lose more weight with Contrave or Wegovy?
• Is Contrave or Wegovy better for me?
• Contrave vs. Wegovy: Comparison

In this article

• Can you take Contrave and Wegovy together?
• Can I lose more weight with Contrave or Wegovy?
• Is Contrave or Wegovy better for me?
• Contrave vs. Wegovy: Comparison

If you take a prescription weight loss drug such as Contrave or Wegovy, you are not alone. Wegovy’s quarterly sales surged more than eightfold in just one year.

Contrave is an oral extended-release medication that contains two active ingredients: bupropion (an antidepressant, also found in the medicine Wellbutrin) and naltrexone (an opioid antagonist). This medicine works on parts of the brain associated with appetite and reward, although the exact way it works is not completely understood. Contrave is made by Currax Pharmaceuticals and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. It is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (obesity) or 27 or more (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or high cholesterol.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection, or injection under the skin. Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by acting like a natural hormone called GLP-1, helping control appetite by affecting areas of the brain that manage food intake. Wegovy is made by Novo Nordisk and was approved by the FDA in 2021. It is approved for weight management in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with obesity, as well as adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition. It is also FDA approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events (such as death, heart attack, or stroke) in adults with heart disease and either obesity or overweight. 

If you are using one of these medications, you might be wondering whether combining two weight-loss drugs could offer additional benefits. For example, if you are using Wegovy, you might be interested in whether taking it alongside Contrave could enhance your results. However, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer, as combining weight loss medications involves considerations of factors such as potential side effects, interactions, effectiveness, and safety—all of which should be determined by a licensed healthcare provider.

Can you take Contrave and Wegovy together?

If you are considering taking both Wegovy and Contrave, it is important to know that, while these medications do not interact chemically, combining weight-loss drugs should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Always discuss any medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and supplements, with your healthcare provider before combining treatments. Combining weight-loss medications without professional advice can lead to harmful interactions and should be avoided.

Obesity is a chronic health condition, just like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are. Just as combining different treatments is common for managing these conditions, it might seem logical to combine weight-loss medications for better results. Contrave is already a combination drug, with the active ingredients bupropion and naltrexone, which are not individually approved for weight loss but work together to aid in chronic weight management. Adding Wegovy, another weight-loss medication, would mean using three different drugs. While some healthcare providers might consider combining Contrave and Wegovy, there is limited data supporting this approach. Because the combination has not been studied, the safety and efficacy of such a combination are not well-established. This is why it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any decisions about combining treatments. They can provide personalized advice based on the most current clinical guidelines, research, and your specific health needs.

Can I lose more weight with Contrave or Wegovy?

There have been no direct studies comparing Contrave and Wegovy, but we can look at the individual weight loss results for each drug.

In clinical trials, people taking Contrave lost an average of about 8% of their initial body weight after 56 weeks, compared to less than 2% in those who took a placebo (inactive medicine). When used in combination with intensive lifestyle modifications, the average weight loss with Contrave increased to more than 11% of their starting body weight, compared to 7% who took a placebo. 

In clinical studies, people taking Wegovy lost an average of about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to a 2.4% loss in people who took a placebo.

Is Contrave or Wegovy better for me?

While Wegovy generally results in more weight loss, other factors must be considered to determine the best option for you. The best weight-loss medication for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who will evaluate your individual medical conditions and history. In adults with obesity or overweight who have not achieved adequate results from lifestyle changes (like a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity) alone, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends adding medication to the lifestyle changes rather than continuing with lifestyle modifications alone. It’s important to note that both Wegovy and Contrave are generally recommended to be used along with diet and exercise. 

For some individuals, Contrave might be a suitable option. The AGA notes that Contrave can be considered for those also trying to quit smoking or experiencing depression, as bupropion may be beneficial in these situations. However, Contrave should be avoided in patients with seizure disorders or those taking opioid pain medications, among other restrictions (see table below).

On the other hand, Wegovy might be a better option for some people. It is frequently recommended for long-term weight management due to its notable benefits. Besides aiding weight loss, its active ingredient, semaglutide, also helps manage blood sugar levels and is approved for Type 2 diabetes under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus. While Wegovy can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, gradually increasing the dose with the guidance of a healthcare professional can help reduce these effects. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Wegovy.

The table below outlines some information about each drug.

Because there is extensive safety information about each drug, be sure to thoroughly discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Tell your provider about all your medical conditions (including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding) as well as all of the medications you take, so they can check for drug interactions.