Bupropion/Naltrexone is a new anorexigenic drug (appetite suppressant), which is already available for sale in the US. It helps people to consume small amounts of food, and not experience painful feelings of hunger at the same time.
Combined medication Bupropion/Naltrexone is administered to patients with obesity (BMI of 30 or more). It can also be used by overweight patients (BMI between 27 and 30), if other risk factors are present, e.g.:
- Diabetes
- Primary hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia.
If you live in the US, you can buy Bupropion/Naltrexone under the brand name Contrave. Marketing authorization is owned by the pharmaceutical company Nalpropion. The drug was approved by the FDA at the end of 2014.
You can not buy Bupropion/Naltrexone in Canada, Australia, India and many other countries of the world. The drug will be available though, when government regulatory agencies of these countries approve it.
How do I take Bupropion/Naltrexone for the first time?
Bupropion/Naltrexone is used otherwise, compared to other anti-obesity drugs. Treatment begins with the lowest dose, which should be increased in a gradual manner.
Recommended dosing schedule:
- 1 tablet: first week
- 2 tablets: second week
- 3 tablets: third week
- 4 tablets: the fourth week and further.
The total daily Bupropion/Naltrexone dose must be administered in two divided doses (except for the first week). The first dose is taken in the morning, and the second – in the evening. If the doses are different (third week), the highest of them should be taken in the morning.
Do not exceed the recommended dose in an attempt to increase the appetite suppressing effect. Administration of excessive doses will not affect the number of kilograms that you lose, yet it can cause severe side effects.
Side effects and cautions
The side effects most commonly associated with combination Bupropion/Naltrexone include:
- Nausea
- Feeling hot
- Motion sickness
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reactions.
If you experience adverse reactions, you should take any more of weight loss pills and you should consult with a doctor. If your condition worries you, seek emergency medical help without thinking twice.
Familiarize yourself with Bupropion/Naltrexone prescribing information. Make sure that the drug is not contraindicated to you. These weight loss pills should not be used by patients with nervous anorexia, uncontrolled hypertension, bulimia and certain other medical conditions.
Cost of Bupropion/Naltrexone
Contrave is the only appetite suppressant in the US that contains a combination of Bupropion and Naltrexone. This drug does not have generic versions, so its price is still high.
If your health insurance does not cover the cost of obesity treatment, you will pay over $300 for 120 Bupropion/Naltrexone pills. Coupons can lower your expenses, yet these will still remain quite significant.