What you’ll learn:
- Contrave® is a combination of two medications that work together to reduce hunger and curb cravings by targeting the brain’s appetite and reward systems.
- Studies show Contrave® can help people lose about 5 to 10% of their body weight when combined with diet, exercise, and behavior changes.
- The list price of Contrave® can exceed $500 per month without insurance, but savings programs can bring the cost down to as little as $99/month.
The topic of weight-loss medications has gained momentum in recent years, especially with the rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic®. While these medications can be highly effective, they can also be expensive without insurance. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that may be covered by insurance, Contrave® is worth considering.
Contrave® is a pill that helps with weight management by reducing hunger and cravings, but it works differently from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®. GLP-1s mimic a natural hormone to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar. Contrave® is a combination of two different medications that work together on the brain’s appetite control center, helping you feel less hungry and reducing cravings.
Research shows that when combined with diet, exercise, and behavior changes, Contrave® can help people lose a moderate amount of weight over the course of a year. While it may not lead to as much weight loss as GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, it can be a more affordable, accessible alternative for some people.
Let’s take a closer look at the costs, insurance coverage, and potential benefits of Contrave® to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your health goals and budget.
What is Contrave®?
Contrave® is a prescription medication that’s FDA-approved for weight loss. It was approved by the FDA in 2014 and is made by Currax Pharmaceuticals. Contrave® comes in tablet form, and you take it by mouth twice per day. There’s no generic version available because it’s still under patent protection.
What makes Contrave® unique is that it’s actually a combination of two medications—bupropion (used to treat depression, help people quit smoking, and off-label to treat symptoms of ADHD) and naltrexone (used to treat addiction). Together, these ingredients affect the brain’s hunger and reward system, helping to reduce cravings and control appetite. Due to the specialized manufacturing used for the extended-release type, Contrave® can be expensive at $500-$700 per month without insurance. But don’t worry, there are ways to save even if insurance doesn’t cover it.
Lose 48% more weight
with Noom than just meds alone
How much weight can I lose with Contrave®?
Studies show that people taking Contrave® lost an average of 8% of their body weight in a little over a year. Of course, results vary from person to person, and Contrave® works best when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise.
How does that stack up to GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®) or tirzepatide (Zepbound®, Mounjaro®)? These medications do tend to lead to more significant weight loss: an average of 15% of body weight with semaglutide and 21% of body weight with tirzepatide.
While Contrave® might not be as powerful as these newer drugs, it could still be a solid option, especially if you’re looking for a non-injectable alternative. The best choice depends on your health, goals, and what works best for your body.
Does insurance cover Contrave®?
Most insurance plans don’t cover Contrave® because coverage for weight loss medication is rare. Here’s a look at how different insurance programs treat Contrave®:
Private insurance plans
Many private insurance plans don’t cover Contrave®. But it’s worth checking with your plan for details.
Government-sponsored insurance plans
- Medicare: Contrave® isn’t typically covered under Medicare Part D plans.
- Medicaid: Coverage for Contrave® under Medicaid varies by state and is often limited.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) and TRICARE: Coverage for Contrave® through VA health benefits and TRICARE may be limited.
How much does Contrave® cost with insurance?
If your plan does happen to cover Contrave®, out-of-pocket costs and copays can vary. The total cost of Contrave® will depend on your specific plan and provider. If your insurance does cover Contrave®, you can use the Contrave® Savings Card to lower the price to as little as $20 per month. The maximum you will pay with the savings card program is $199, depending on your pharmacy and coverage.
Disclaimer: Prices may change and are accurate as of the time of publication
Can you get Contrave® for free with insurance?
You’re unlikely to get Contrave® completely free, even with insurance coverage. The Contrave® Savings Card can significantly lower any out-of-pocket costs, though. Call your insurance company to ask about Contrave®, copay amounts, and any prior authorization requirements.
How much does Contrave® cost without insurance?
Contrave® can cost over $500-$700 per month without insurance. One of the best ways to save is with the manufacturer’s CurAccess™ Patient Support Program. This program offers Contrave® for $99 per month with free shipping for people living in the United States. It’s available to those whose prescriptions are processed as cash-paying customers, including Medicaid, Medicare Part D, and people with TRICARE benefits. In order to be eligible, you can’t be using those benefits to cover a portion of medication costs.
What factors affect the cost of Contrave®?
The cost of Contrave® can vary based on several factors, including dosage, insurance coverage, pharmacy, location, and available discounts.
- Manufacturer pricing – Contrave® is a brand-name medication, and because it uses a special extended-release formula, the manufacturer sets the price pretty high. That’s why, without insurance, it usually costs anywhere from $500 to $700 a month.
- Insurance coverage – If your insurance covers Contrave®, the amount you pay depends on your specific plan. Different plans provide different levels or tiers of coverage or require different copay amounts for certain medications. Some people pay as little as $25 per month, while others face higher costs.
- Dosage – Higher doses mean more pills per month, leading to higher costs. Your doctor will typically start you on one pill once per day for the first week before increasing to one pill twice per day the next week, up to two pills twice per day.
Tips to reduce Contrave® costs without insurance
Here are some of the best strategies to lower your out-of-pocket expenses:
- Again, with the CurAccess™ program, you can get Contrave® for as low as $99 per month with free shipping, regardless of insurance coverage. You’ll need to have a valid prescription, and then you can create an account with Ridgeway Mail Order Pharmacy and have their physician transfer the prescription there.
- Compare pharmacy prices – The price of Contrave® can vary significantly between pharmacies. Some retailers offer their own discount programs, and online price comparison tools can help you find the best deal in your area.
- Consider buying in bulk – A 30-day supply of Contrave® typically costs between $600 and $800, but some pharmacies may offer discounts for a 90-day supply, reducing the overall monthly cost.
How to get a Contrave® prescription for weight loss
Thinking about trying Contrave® for weight loss? You’ll need a prescription first. Here’s what to know about how to get one—and whether it might be the right fit for you.
Who can prescribe Contrave®?
Most doctors, nurse practitioners, and other licensed providers can prescribe Contrave®. If you’re curious about it, just book a visit with someone who handles general health or weight management. You can also check if you’re eligible for Noom Med—if you qualify, you’ll be matched with a clinician who can see if Contrave® is a good fit and write a prescription if it makes sense for you.
Can you get Contrave® without diabetes or prediabetes?
You don’t need to have diabetes or prediabetes to qualify for Contrave®. The medication is typically approved for:
- People with a BMI of 30 or higher
or
- People with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Who shouldn’t take Contrave®?
While Contrave® can be effective for weight loss, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions and medications may make it unsafe for some people, including those who are:
- Using opioids
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have a history of seizures
- Have a history of eating disorders
- Are taking certain medications, including other forms of bupropion
- Are pregnant
How to get and where to get your prescription filled
Once you have your prescription, you’ll need to decide where to fill it. Where you fill your Contrave® prescription can make a significant difference in price, as pharmacy costs vary. Here are the current estimated prices from GoodRx:
1. Warehouse clubs and supermarkets
Warehouse clubs and supermarkets often provide competitive pricing on prescription medications. Here’s a look at some of the options available for a 30-day supply of 120 tablets:
- Costco: $698.57
- Walmart: $562.83
- Target: $530.03
2. Retail pharmacies
Retail pharmacies might offer discount programs that can help lower the price of Contrave®. Here’s what you can expect from major pharmacy chains for a 30-day supply of 120 tablets:
- CVS: $580.03
- Walgreens: $568.33
- Rite Aid: $568.33
3. Get it through the manufacturer
Again, if you’re insurance doesn’t cover Contrave®, your best bet might be to get it filled through the CurAccess™ program for $99 per month.
Disclaimer: Prices may change and are accurate as of the time of publication. They may vary based on your zip code.
Will I have trouble finding Contrave® due to shortages?
As of now, there aren’t any reported shortages of Contrave®. It remains widely available at most pharmacies.
While some injectable GLP-1 medications have experienced supply issues, Contrave® has maintained a stable supply chain. This reliability is partly due to recent efforts to enhance production capabilities. In July 2024, Currax Pharmaceuticals announced the approval of an additional manufacturing site in the European Union, effectively doubling the global production capacity of Contrave®.
Contrave®: Side effects and warnings
The warnings and potential side effects of Contrave® are generally grouped into two categories: common side effects that may improve with time, and rare but serious ones that need immediate medical attention. Here are the key ones to know:
Common side effects
These side effects are frequently reported, especially when first starting Contrave®. In many cases, they lessen as your body adjusts to the medication.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
More serious side effects and warnings
While less common, some side effects of Contrave® can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
- Seizures – Contrave® may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures or those taking higher doses. If you experience a seizure, seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Suicidal thoughts or mood changes – Some people may experience depression, increased anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. If you notice significant changes in mood, contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent support.
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate – Contrave® may cause spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. Regular monitoring is important, especially for people with a history of hypertension or heart conditions.
- Liver damage – Signs of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, persistent nausea, and pain in the upper abdomen. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking Contrave® and seek immediate medical attention.
- Severe allergic reactions – Symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing could indicate an allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical care if you experience these symptoms.
- Angle-closure glaucoma – Contrave® may increase eye pressure in some people, leading to acute eye pain, vision changes, or redness in the eyes. If you develop sudden vision problems, get immediate medical attention.
Contrave® boxed warning
Contrave® carries a boxed warning due to the bupropion, which is an antidepressant. Although Contrave® isn’t approved for depression or smoking cessation, bupropion has been linked to an increased risk of serious mental health side effects, including mood changes, anxiety, agitation, or suicidal thoughts, particularly in people using it for smoking cessation. As a result, Contrave® includes the same class warning for these potential risks.
For more details on safety information and a comprehensive list of side effects, visit here.
Alternatives to Contrave®
While Contrave® can be the right tool to help some people lose weight, there are other medications that may be worth considering, including GLP-1s and other types.
GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, leading to significant weight loss for many people.
| Medication | Brand names and uses | Cost per month (without insurance) | Effectiveness | How it’s taken |
| Semaglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist | Wegovy®: weight loss/heart disease Ozempic®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Rybelsus®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss | Wegovy®: $1,349 $499 through NovoCare® Pharmacy Learn more Ozempic®: $998 Learn more Rybelsus®: $998 Learn more | Wegovy®/Ozempic®: People lost an average of 15% of body weight in 68 weeks with injectable semaglutide Rybelsus®: People lost about 4% of their body weight | Wegovy®/Ozempic®: Weekly injection Rybelsus®: Daily pill |
| Tirzepatide – GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist | Mounjaro®: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Zepbound®: weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) | Mounjaro®: $1,080 Learn more Zepbound®: Pens: $1,087 Vials: $349 (2.5 mg) $499 (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg) Learn more | People lost an average of 21% of body weight at 72 weeks. | Weekly injection |
| Liraglutide – GLP-1 receptor agonist | Victoza® type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss Saxenda®: weight loss and heart disease Generic liraglutide: type 2 diabetes, off-label weight loss | Victoza®: $800 to $1,400 Saxenda®: $1,349 Generic liraglutide: $470 – $700 | People lost an average of 5-6% of body weight in one year. | Daily injections |
Other medications
These medications work in different ways and can help people lose weight if needed.
| Medication | Brand names | Cost per month (without insurance) | Effectiveness | How it’s taken |
| Metformin (off-label weight loss) | Glucophage®, Fortamet®, Glumetza® | Generic: $4–$15 Brand name: $100–$500+ Learn more. | People lost an average of about 6% of their body weight over six months while taking metformin. | Pill taken up to two times daily |
| Phentermine | Lomaira®, Adipex-P® | $27-$100 | About 80% of people with a BMI of 30 or more lost at least 5% of their body weight in 6 months. | Daily pill |
| Diethylpropion | Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan® | $40-$85 | People lost an average of 10% of their body weight in 6 months. | Pill taken one to three times daily |
| Orlistat | Xenical®, Alli® | $50-$800 | People in a study lost about 10% of body weight after taking Orlistat for 1 year | Pill taken three times daily with meals |
Lose 48% more weight
with Noom than just meds alone
Making informed choices about your health
If you’re considering Contrave® for weight loss, understanding its costs, insurance coverage, and available alternatives can help you make an informed decision. While Contrave® can be an effective tool for weight management, it’s just one option—other prescription medications, lifestyle interventions, and behavioral support programs may also be worth exploring based on your goals and budget. Manufacturer savings programs, prescription discount cards, and pharmacy price comparisons can help lower the cost and make Contrave® more accessible.
Before starting Contrave® or any weight-loss medication, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if it’s the right fit for you, explain insurance requirements, and discuss potential side effects. Taking control of your weight and health is a big step, and finding the right plan can make all the difference.
