Contrave Vs Mounjaro: Which Should You Choose? (Full Comparison Guide)

Contrave and Mounjaro take distinct paths to help you lose weight, each with its own set of benefits and limitations.

Contrave is an FDA-approved oral pill that combines two medications to reduce appetite and cravings.

Mounjaro, approved for type 2 diabetes, is increasingly used off-label for weight loss—delivering up to 20.9% body weight reduction over 72 weeks at its highest dose.

In this guide, we’ll break down how each works, what results to expect, potential side effects, insurance and cost differences, and which may better suit your personal health goals.

What is Contrave?

Contrave (naltrexone HCl/bupropion HCl) is the only FDA-approved, 2-in-1, oral weight-loss pill designed for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight with weight-related health conditions.

How it Works

Contrave combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, that help reduce appetite and control cravings. Naltrexone targets the brain’s reward system, while bupropion supports mood and appetite regulation. Together, they support weight loss when paired with diet and exercise.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is used for type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar levels and has also been shown to help with weight loss in clinical trials. It's a once-weekly injection containing tirzepatide, a medication that mimics certain hormones in your body.

How it Works

Mounjaro works by activating receptors for two essential hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help regulate blood sugar levels, slow gastric emptying, and promote feelings of fullness. The drug's mechanism involves stimulating insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion, which contributes to both blood sugar control and weight loss.

Contrave Vs Mounjaro: Key Differences

Contrave and Mounjaro help you lose weight in different ways, from how they work in your body to how you take them.

Contrave is a twice-daily pill, ideal if you prefer oral medication. Meanwhile, Mounjaro is a weekly injection, offering less frequent dosing if you're comfortable with needles.

For weight loss, Mounjaro leads the pack with clinical trials showing up to 20.9% body weight reduction at its highest dose. Contrave delivers more modest results, typically 5–10% weight loss with consistent use.

The way they work is also different. Contrave targets the brain to reduce cravings and suppress appetite. Mounjaro, on the other hand, mimics your gut hormones to slow digestion, increase fullness, and improve blood sugar control.

So if you have type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro offers added benefits. It's proven to lower blood sugar and boost insulin sensitivity. At the same time, Contrave isn't approved for diabetes but may help indirectly through weight loss.

Here is a comparison table that outlines the difference between Contrave and Mounjaro in a tabular form:

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Let's see the factors that differentiate Contrave vs. Mounjaro in detail.

Mechanism of Action

Contrave

Contrave combines naltrexone and bupropion to decrease your body weight through appetite suppression and craving reduction. 

The naltrexone blocks reward pathways in the brain, while bupropion affects dopamine and norepinephrine levels that influence hunger and mood.

Studies show this combination can lead to 3.7% to 8.1% weight loss after 56 weeks of treatment.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro works by activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors, helping regulate blood sugar and increase feelings of fullness. 

Its dual-action mechanism slows digestion and improves insulin sensitivity, making it effective for both diabetes and weight loss. 

If you’re considering switching from mounjaro to semaglutide, it’s important to understand how these medications differ in terms of dosing, insurance coverage, and side effect profiles.

Effectiveness for Weight Loss

Contrave

Patients treated with naltrexone/bupropion achieved significant weight reduction when compared with placebo in all four phase 3 studies, with weight loss maintained throughout the 56 weeks.

Clinical studies showed that patients lost an average of 3.7% to 8.1% of their starting body weight after 56 weeks of treatment, depending on the intensity of lifestyle intervention.

The highest weight loss of 8.1% was achieved in the COR-BMOD trial, which included intensive behavioral modification with 28 group sessions over 56 weeks.

In trials with standard lifestyle counseling, weight loss ranged from 3.7% to 6.5% of starting body weight.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 20.9% over 72 weeks for patients on the maximum (15 mg) weekly dose plus healthy lifestyle changes. This represents significantly higher weight loss compared to Contrave's results.

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Effectiveness for Type 2 Diabetes

Contrave

Contrave decreases body weight in patients with diabetes, but its effect on diabetic outcomes is not known. The medication is not specifically approved for diabetes management, though weight loss can indirectly benefit blood sugar control.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar by mimicking hormones that improve insulin response and support better glucose control.

Dosage and Administration

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Contrave

Contrave is taken as oral tablets twice daily with meals. The dosing typically starts with one tablet in the morning for the first week, gradually increasing to the full dose of two tablets twice daily by week four.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection that can be self-administered under the skin. The starting dose is 2.5mg weekly, with potential increases every four weeks based on tolerance and effectiveness.

Benefits

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Contrave

• Oral administration eliminates injection concerns
• FDA-approved specifically for weight management
• Can be integrated into daily meal routines
• Sustained weight loss with behavior and dietary modifications

Mounjaro

• Superior weight loss results in clinical trials
• Once-weekly dosing improves convenience
• Dual benefits for diabetes and weight management
• Proven effectiveness when combined with diet and exercise

Side Effects

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Contrave

Common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, and insomnia. Due to its bupropion component, Contrave carries a boxed warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in individuals under 24 years old. 

Patients should be closely monitored for mood changes and mental health symptoms during treatment.

Mounjaro

The most commonly reported adverse effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

The incidence of any adverse events was higher in the tirzepatide group, but serious adverse events and hypoglycemia were lower.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

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Contrave

Contrave typically costs between $150-$200 per month without insurance. Insurance coverage varies, with some plans covering it for weight management while others may not. Manufacturer discount programs can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro requires prior authorization and may be expensive without insurance coverage. Monthly costs can exceed $1,000 without insurance, though coverage is more likely when prescribed for diabetes.

Explore affordable Mounjaro options with IvyRx's personalized approach to weight management.

Can You Take Contrave And Mounjaro Together?

Taking Contrave and Mounjaro at the same time isn’t recommended unless your doctor specifically advises it. 

Both medications work differently and come with their own side effects; combining them could increase risks without added benefits.

It’s usually better to try one at a time to see how your body responds. If one doesn’t work well for you, your provider may suggest switching instead of using both together.

Warnings and Precautions

Both medications require careful consideration of contraindications and potential risks before starting treatment.

Contrave

Contrave carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and should not be used by people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorders, or eating disorders. It's also contraindicated with MAO inhibitors and opioid medications.

Tip: Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you're taking before starting Contrave.

Mounjaro

Pregnant women should not use Mounjaro for at least 2 months before planning to become pregnant. People with a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia should avoid this medication.

Can You Switch From Contrave To Mounjaro?

Switching from Contrave to Mounjaro is possible under medical supervision. The transition typically involves tapering off Contrave while starting Mounjaro at its lowest dose. Your healthcare provider will consider your response to Contrave, current health status, and treatment goals.

The switch makes sense if you haven't achieved adequate weight loss with Contrave or if you develop diabetes and could benefit from Mounjaro's dual action. However, you'll need to adjust to weekly injections instead of daily oral medication.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey With IvyRx Today

IvyRx provides personalized consultations to determine whether Contrave, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 medications fit your specific needs. 

Our medical team offers ongoing support, dosage adjustments, and convenient

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Discover personalized GLP-1 injections and find the right approach for your goals with IvyRx's expert guidance.

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