Contrave cost with and without insurance

Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is a prescription drug approved for weight management in people who are obese or overweight with at least one health issue related to weight, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It can help you lose weight when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Cost is a major concern for patients because not everyone can afford to pay hundreds of dollars each month for a weight loss pill, especially without insurance. If the medicine is too expensive, people might stop taking it or avoid starting it altogether. This can affect their ability to reach their health goals.

Contrave costs $700 per month without insurance. Learn how to save with manufacturer coupons, assistance programs, and prescription discount cards.

What is Contrave?

Contrave is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to help with long-term weight management in people who are overweight with at least one other weight-related health condition or have obesity. It is used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in those who meet the defined body mass index (BMI) criteria:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher (obese), or
• A BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight), plus at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia)

Bupropion is often used to treat depression and help people stop smoking, while naltrexone is used to treat alcohol and drug addiction.

Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs called opioid antagonists, which block opioid receptors in the brain to reduce food cravings and the reward response to eating.

Bupropion belongs to a class of atypical antidepressants and is also used as a smoking cessation aid. It works by affecting brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can help reduce appetite.

Contrave’s mechanism

Contrave helps with weight loss by targeting areas in the brain that control hunger and cravings. It combines two medicines:

Naltrexone locks brain signals linked to food cravings and affects the “reward center” in the brain that controls pleasurable activities, like eating.

Bupropion is an antidepressant that can reduce appetite and may help your body burn more energy.

It works on the part of your brain that controls pleasure, like eating, to help reduce food cravings. It may also help you feel less hungry and burn more calories.

How much does Contrave cost per month without insurance?

If you have health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for Contrave will depend on a few factors. Firstly, you need to check if the drug is listed on your plan’s formulary (drug list). If it is, find out if it’s a preferred medication, as this will affect your co-pay.

You’ll also want to verify if prior authorization is needed; this means your insurance company may ask your doctor to explain why you need Contrave. They might check factors like your BMI or whether you’ve tried other weight loss methods or medications before.

Without insurance, the retail price of Contrave is around $830 for a one-month supply (120 tablets). Since you take two tablets twice a day, that works out to about $27 per day or nearly $10,000 per year. Prices can vary depending on the pharmacy.

As a cheaper option, the generic forms of the two drugs in Contrave, bupropion and naltrexone, cost much less. For example, 150 mg tablets of 12-hour extended-release bupropion may cost around $100 for 60 tablets, and 50 mg tablets of naltrexone for about $135 for 30 tablets.

However, the doses don’t exactly match the combination (8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion per tablet) in Contrave, so using two separate generic drugs instead would require your doctor to adjust the doses carefully. You should talk to your healthcare provider so they can decide if this is medically appropriate for you.

Here’s a comparison table for monthly Contrave (8 mg/90 mg, 120 tablets) prices at CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger using SingleCare and GoodRx coupons:

Why is Contrave so expensive?

Contrave is so expensive because:

• It’s a brand-name medication that combines two active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, in a special extended-release formulation.
• While each ingredient is available as a cheaper generic on its own, there’s no FDA-approved generic version of the combined formula, which keeps the price high.
• Developing and marketing a brand-name combination drug involves high research, testing, and manufacturing costs, which companies try to recover through pricing.
• Lack of competition allows the manufacturer to maintain a higher price, often reaching over $800 per month without insurance or discounts.

Does insurance cover Contrave?

Many insurance plans, especially government-funded ones like some state Medicaid programs and Medicare, don’t cover weight loss medications like Contrave. These plans often view weight loss drugs as non-essential or lifestyle-related, making it harder for people to get coverage for them.

Aetna’s Standard Control Plan and a Humana Medicare plan are examples of plans that don’t include it in 2024.

Insurance coverage for weight loss drugs varies by plan. Some plans may even prefer Contrave over more expensive glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) medications like Saxenda, Wegovy, or Zepbound.

Coverage under private or commercial insurance plans can vary from one company to another. While some may cover Contrave fully or partially, others may not cover it at all or require prior approval first. However, it’s still a good idea to check your plan’s drug list (formulary) to be sure.

Prior authorization (PA) is when your insurance company asks your doctor to explain why you need a specific medication, like Contrave, before they agree to cover it. If the PA is denied or not submitted, you may have to pay the full price of Contrave yourself, which can be very expensive.

Work closely with your healthcare provider. Make sure they send all required information, such as your BMI, related health problems (like high blood pressure or diabetes), and a summary of past efforts to lose weight. This improves your chances of getting approval.

Deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance are important elements of your health insurance that affect how much you pay out of pocket, even if Contrave is covered.

A deductible is the amount you must pay each year before your insurance starts helping with costs. A co-pay is a set fee you pay for each prescription, regardless of the total cost of the medication. Co-insurance means you pay a percentage of the drug’s price, often after meeting your deductible.

Even with coverage, these costs can make your monthly expenses for Contrave higher than expected.

Private/commercial insurance

Coverage can vary widely depending on the plan and employer. Some major private insurers include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Aetna
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente
• Anthem
• Highmark
• Molina Healthcare

Some of these plans require prior authorization or do not cover Contrave at all.

Medicare

Most Medicare Part D plans do not cover weight loss medications like Contrave.

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer broader drug coverage, but they often exclude weight-loss drugs.

Medicaid

State Medicaid programs typically do not cover Contrave, viewing it as a lifestyle or non-essential drug.

A few states may allow limited coverage under specific medical conditions, but prior authorization is usually required.

Always check the plan’s formulary (drug list) or call the insurance provider for the most up-to-date information.

Who should choose Contrave?

The FDA has approved Contrave for long-term weight management in adults who meet specific BMI requirements:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher (obese), or
• A BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight), plus at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia)

Contrave can be a good option for those who meet the above criteria with these preferences:

• Adults looking for mild to moderate weight loss
• Adults who also have depression or binge eating disorder as Contrave may help with mood and cravings
• Those who prefer taking a daily pill instead of weekly injections

How to save on Contrave

Contrave is only sold as a brand-name drug, which can make it expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to save money by using the manufacturer’s savings card programs as explained below.

CurAccess Patient Support Program

The manufacturer of Contrave, Currax, offers a savings program called CurAccess Program. It’s available to people with insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or Tricare, as long as they meet certain eligibility rules.

The CurAccess Program is designed to help patients save money on Contrave, often bringing the monthly cost down to $99 or less. It makes treatment more affordable, especially for those paying out of pocket.

This program is typically available to commercially insured patients, whether or not their insurance covers Contrave, as well as to uninsured patients.

Patients can enroll online, and healthcare providers can send prescriptions directly to a participating mail-order pharmacy, making the process simple and convenient.

Patients with Medicare Part D, Medicaid, TRICARE, or other government-funded insurance may still access the program, but they often need to pay full cash price (the discount doesn’t count toward insurance deductibles or out-of-pocket limits). Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand how your insurance type affects eligibility and cost.

Contrave Savings Coupon Card

The Contrave Savings Coupon Card helps lower the cost of Contrave for both insured and uninsured patients. For those with insurance, it can reduce the co-pay to as low as $20 per month. For uninsured patients, it may cap the monthly cost at $199.

You can get the coupon card from the manufacturer’s website at contrave.com.
Simply show the card at the pharmacy when you fill your prescription. Some programs may also allow you to use the card through participating mail-order pharmacies.

This card can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs each month. In many cases, it also offers the convenience of free home delivery through selected pharmacies.

Pharmacy discount cards

Pharmacy discount cards have pre-negotiated discounts on prescription medications including Contrave. These discounts are applied at the pharmacy when you fill your prescription.

They’re free to use and can be found online or through mobile apps like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx. No insurance or sign-up required.

These cards can save you money, especially if you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover Contrave. In many cases, they’ll lower the price well below retail.

Simply show the card or coupon to your pharmacist when you fill your prescription.

Use these tools to compare prices at different local pharmacies, as prices can vary from one store to another. This will help you find the best deal near you.

Mail order pharmacies

Mail order pharmacies often have lower prices than local drugstores because they operate on a larger scale and have less overhead. This can result in significant savings, especially for long-term medications like Contrave.

They offer home delivery so you don’t have to leave the house. You can save time by avoiding trips to the pharmacy, a bonus for those with busy schedules or limited mobility.

Before using a mail order service, make sure the pharmacy is reputable, licensed, and approved by your doctor or insurer. Always check for secure payment methods and clear customer support options.

Consider generic bupropion and naltrexone separately

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and naltrexone (Revia) are both available as lower-cost generic medications. Some people explore using these two generic drugs together as a substitute for Contrave to save money.

However, this approach is not the same as taking Contrave. It involves taking two separate prescription drugs, and the doses and timing are different from Contrave’s specially formulated extended-release tablets designed for weight loss.

You’ll need your doctor’s approval to try this off-label combination. Even then, it may not provide the same effectiveness, safety profile, or convenience as Contrave.

Is a generic for Contrave available?

There is no generic version of Contrave yet, and it may take a few more years until one becomes available because of patent protection. However, the two medicines in Contrave, bupropion and naltrexone, are available as separate generics.

Bupropion is usually used to treat depression and help people quit smoking, while naltrexone is used for alcohol and opioid addiction. Together, they may help reduce hunger and cravings.

Some people consider taking the two generic drugs as a substitute for Contrave, but this is called “off-label” use since the FDA hasn’t approved them for weight loss when used separately.

Using the two generic drugs separately may help you save money compared to buying brand-name Contrave. However, it requires getting two separate prescriptions—one for bupropion and one for naltrexone.

Also, the doses in Contrave are different from the standard doses of these generics. A healthcare professional would need to carefully adjust the doses, and this could be risky, especially for people with certain health problems like a history of seizures.

Be sure to tell your doctor about your full medical history before changing your dose or trying a new medicine.

Contrave side effects

Common side effects of Contrave are usually mild and temporary. Many people experience them initially, but they often subside as the body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Contrave include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety, shaking
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Hot flashes

Rare side effects

Serious side effects from Contrave are rare, but they can happen. If you notice any unusual or severe symptoms, it’s important to get medical help right away.

The most serious side effects of Contrave are:

• Seizures (especially with high-fat meals or certain pre-existing conditions)
• Liver problems or hepatitis
• Vision changes or eye pain
• Suicidal thoughts
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Severe allergic reactions
• Angle-closure glaucoma

Who should not use Contrave?

Contrave is not approved for children and should be avoided in people with certain health conditions. It is not safe for people who have:

• A seizure disorder or a history of seizures (you are more likely to have a seizure if you’ve had one before or if you’re taking other medicines that increase the risk of seizures)
• A history of eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)
• Opioid dependence or have recently used opioids
• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• A history of suicidal thoughts or actions
• Taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs (antidepressants)
• Allergic to its ingredients

If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before starting Contrave, as it could increase the risk of serious side effects.

What should you tell your healthcare provider before using Contrave?

Before starting Contrave, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other medicines, vitamins, herbs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements you are taking. This helps them decide if Contrave is safe for you.

Be sure to talk about any mental health issues. One of the ingredients in Contrave, bupropion, can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially when you first start taking it. Let your doctor know if you have ever had:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Thoughts of suicide or a past suicide attempt

Also, tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following:

• Liver or kidney problems
• Diabetes or low blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Head injury or seizures
• Stroke, heart attack, or other heart problems
• Brain or spine tumors, infections, or blood vessel problems
• Low sodium levels
• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Is Contrave worth the cost?

In the 56-week COR-I study, people with a BMI of 27 or more took Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), participants lost about 4.8% more weight on average than those who took a fake pill (placebo). Also, 48% of people on Contrave lost at least 5% of their body weight, while only 16% of those on the placebo experienced similar weight loss.

In another study, people taking Contrave lost an average of 5–10% of their body weight over 12 months when the medicine was combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

If Contrave is too expensive or not effective for you, consider discussing these alternatives with your doctor:

• Generic medications: Phentermine, Orlistat (Alli), Metformin (off-label)
• GLP-1 drugs (if covered): Wegovy or Saxenda, effective but often more expensive unless covered by insurance
• Bariatric surgery: For those with severe obesity and related health issues, surgery may be a long-term solution

Talk to your doctor to find a cost-effective option based on your health needs and budget.

Tips for success on Contrave

To get the most benefit from Contrave, it’s important to take a proactive approach. Stay in regular contact with your healthcare provider and share how you’re feeling throughout your treatment.

• Always take Contrave exactly as prescribed and don’t change the dose on your own.
• Be honest with your doctor about your medical history and any other medications or supplements you take.
• Keep a diary of any symptoms or side effects to track how you’re doing.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or report any new or worsening symptoms.
• Contrave works best as part of a full weight loss plan that includes healthy eating and regular exercise.

FAQs

Can I get Contrave for free?

You can’t get Contrave completely for free, but there are ways to lower the cost. Eligible patients may pay $99 or less per month with free shipping through the CurAccess Patient Support Program, and commercially insured patients may pay as little as $20 per month using the Contrave Savings Coupon Card, depending on your insurance and eligibility.

Does Walmart offer Contrave discounts?

Walmart itself doesn’t offer a specific Contrave savings program, but you can use manufacturer coupons or discount cards there. By showing the Contrave Savings Coupon Card or a GoodRx/SingleCare coupon at a Walmart Pharmacy, you can reduce the price, sometimes down to around $143–$660, depending on the coupon and dosage.

Is there a generic version of Contrave?

There is no generic version of Contrave currently available; only the brand-name extended-release combo of naltrexone and bupropion is FDA‑approved at this time. Although the individual ingredients (naltrexone and bupropion) are available as generics, taking them separately is not the same dose or formulation as Contrave and is not officially approved for weight loss.

Why do pharmacies charge different prices for Contrave?

Pharmacies charge different prices for Contrave because their costs and pricing methods vary. This includes differences in what they pay to source the drug (wholesale cost), how much profit they add (markup), service fees (dispensing fees), and whether they accept coupons or discount programs. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare prices or use savings cards.

What if I can’t afford Contrave even with discounts?

If you can’t afford Contrave even with discounts, talk to your doctor about other options. They may suggest lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, other weight loss medications, or even surgery if needed. There are many safe and effective ways to lose weight besides Contrave.

What if I miss a dose or take too much?

If you miss a dose of Contrave, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time; don’t take two at once. If you take too much, call your doctor or get medical advice right away, as it can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Contrave can be an effective tool for weight management, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle changes and healthy habits.

Contrave may be better for people with mild to moderate weight loss goals, those who prefer a daily pill, or those with emotional eating or depression, as it can help with brain reward signal cravings.

Without insurance, Contrave can cost $500-800 for a 30-day supply (120 tablets).

With insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can be as low as $20 per month with a copay card. If you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover it, you may qualify for an access program that provides a month’s supply for $99 or less.