contrave

Q: What is the recommended dosage?

At the start of treatment, your doctor will determine your weekly dosage of Contrave.

Q: When should you take the medication?

Contrave should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day.

Q: What are the common side effects of Contrave?

As with any medication, Contrave treatment may cause side effects, although most are mild and typically resolve within days to weeks. The most common side effect is nausea. Other possible side effects include vomiting, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, constipation or diarrhea, and dry mouth. It’s important to remember that your physician, particularly if specialized in obesity treatment, can advise you on significantly reducing or even preventing these side effects. Dynamic and real-time adjustments to medication dosage and careful monitoring of interactions with other medications can greatly enhance patient adherence and significantly lower treatment dropout rates.

Q: What are the rare side effects of Contrave?

Rare side effects may include increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, increased intraocular pressure, liver damage, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts and seizures.

Q: Who should avoid Contrave, and who should exercise caution during treatment?

Contrave should not be used by individuals with uncontrolled hypertension or those with seizure disorders. Additionally, Contrave must not be taken concurrently with antidepressants from the MAO inhibitor family, medications containing opioids, or medications containing the active ingredient bupropion. For patients treated with insulin or blood sugar-lowering medications, dosage adjustments may be required under medical supervision. During the initial phase of treatment and when increasing dosages, monitoring of heart rate is recommended.

Q: How much does Contrave cost, and is it included in the national health basket?

The price of Contrave in the U.S. is approximately \$310 per package. The medication has not yet been approved for use in Israel. However, Contrave can be obtained in Israel with a doctor's prescription and by submitting a special request (Form 29 Gimel) to the Ministry of Health through your physician.

Mysimba / Contrave - Medication for Obesity Treatment

Mysimba (Contrave) is a capsule approved in the U.S. for weight loss, functioning through a combined mechanism of appetite reduction, increased calorie burning, and modulation of the brain’s reward system. This helps control cravings for foods like sugars and fats. Mysimba is not registered in Israel and is available under special authorization.

Eligibility Criteria for Receiving the Medication

Age 18 or older.
BMI of 30 or higher, classified as severe obesity.
BMI of 27 or higher, classified as overweight, but only if at least one additional obesity-related risk factor is present, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, etc.

To Check Eligibility for Medication-Based Treatment (BMI Calculator)

Medication Name

Contrave®

Method of Administration

Contrave is administered as capsules taken once daily on an empty stomach.

Active Ingredient in the Medication

Contrave contains two active ingredients: Naltrexone and Bupropion, in an extended-release formulation.

Manufacturer of the Medication

Nalpropion Pharmaceuticals

Medication Manufacturing Policy

The medication is manufactured in the United States.

When Was the Medication Approved for Use?

Contrave is not yet approved in Israel (information accurate as of 2022).

Is a Prescription Required?

Yes, taking Contrave requires a medical prescription and submission of Form 29 Gimel (as detailed below).

What Is the Medication Intended For?

Contrave is a medication prescribed for weight loss.

How Is the Medication Used?

Contrave is prescribed as part of a personalized treatment program that includes medication along with dietary modifications and physical activity as needed.

כיצד משתמשים בתרופה

It's Not Just About Willpower. It's About Science!

Studies Show:

Participants who took Contrave alongside dietary changes lost 5% or more of their body weight after one year.

% 0

Reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in overweight individuals who lose 5% of their body weight.

% 0

Reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels among individuals taking Contrave.

% 0

How does Mysimba (Contrave) work in the body?

Contrave contains a combination of two active ingredients, both FDA-approved for therapeutic use. The active ingredient **Bupropion** increases brain activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, reducing appetite and increasing energy expenditure (calorie burning) by influencing POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) neurons. The other active ingredient, **Naltrexone**, further enhances the activity of these POMC neurons.

Together, these ingredients regulate the mesolimbic “reward system,” a dopamine-based brain circuit involved in pleasure responses associated with food and addictive substances. By targeting this system, Contrave helps control cravings, urges, and desires for specific foods, such as sugars and fats, as well as reduce overeating.

The unique advantage of Contrave lies in its combination of two active ingredients acting through different mechanisms to suppress appetite, enhance calorie burning, and control food cravings.

Additionally, both active ingredients feature an extended-release mechanism, usually allowing a convenient once-daily dosage.

What is the scientific basis for the effectiveness of Mysimba / Contrave?

The efficacy and safety of the medication have been evaluated in several large-scale, long-term clinical studies:

1. COR-1 Study: All participants were instructed to follow a reduced-calorie diet, increase physical activity, and receive behavioral counseling.

At the conclusion of 56 weeks, 62% of participants taking Contrave lost 5% or more of their body weight, compared to only 23% in the placebo group. Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more.
Average weight loss for Contrave users was 8.2%, compared to just 1.8% for placebo—a four-fold difference favoring Contrave.
Participants taking Contrave also experienced significantly greater reductions in waist circumference compared to placebo.
Furthermore, weight loss with Contrave positively impacted additional metabolic markers, including improved blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.

2. COR-BMOD (Behavioral Modifications) Study: A study examining the effectiveness of Contrave treatment combined with a personalized, multidisciplinary program including professional nutritional guidance, psychological support, and a tailored physical activity plan.

At the conclusion of 56 weeks, 80% of participants taking Contrave achieved a weight loss of 5% or more, compared to only 60% in the placebo group, both groups having received multidisciplinary support. This highlights that professional multidisciplinary support significantly enhances medication treatment outcomes.
Average weight loss was 11.5% among Contrave users, compared to 7.3% in the placebo group.
Participants taking Contrave also experienced significantly greater reductions in waist circumference.
Additionally, weight loss with Contrave positively influenced other metabolic markers, including blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.

3. COR-Diabetes Study: A study evaluating the effectiveness of 56-week Contrave treatment among participants with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes (some also had hypertension and elevated blood lipids).

It was found that a higher percentage of patients taking Contrave (36%) achieved weight loss of 5% or more compared to the placebo group (18%).
Contrave users lost more weight on average (3.7%) compared to placebo users (1.7%).
A significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels was also observed among Contrave users (−0.6%) compared to placebo (−0.1%).

The Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Treatment

The most effective method for weight loss through medication is a personalized treatment plan, supported and monitored by a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Various clinical studies \[4,5] conducted in recent years have shown that the most successful approach to weight loss combines individually tailored medications at adjustable dosages, including medication combinations, with medical supervision and ongoing nutritional follow-up by a clinical dietitian within a structured treatment framework. This process significantly improves patient adherence and supports long-term weight maintenance.

The Obesity Treatment Center offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary weight loss program combined with medication-based treatment. This program includes:

Combined Treatment

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To enhance the effectiveness of treatment and achieve maximum results in minimal time, Dr. Raz may combine the medication with additional weight-loss drugs that operate through different mechanisms and adjust dosages based on treatment needs. The Obesity Treatment Center offers innovative and advanced medications at the forefront of weight loss science, and we specialize in creating customized treatment protocols that utilize drug combinations to deliver fast, safe results.

Personal Guidance

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Demonstration and guidance on how to administer the weight-loss medication and how to gradually increase the dosage as needed to achieve maximum results in minimal time.

Diagnosis

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The diagnostic process includes a comprehensive physical examination, measurement of body circumference, weight, metabolic rate, water balance, and body fat and muscle mass percentages. These assessments are performed using advanced technology based on bioelectrical impedance. Each patient undergoes a thorough questionnaire to assess their physical and emotional condition, medical history, underlying health issues, and ongoing medication use, in order to create a fully personalized treatment plan.

Personal Follow-Up

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Dr. Raz maintains personal contact with each patient throughout all treatment stages. Patients attend monthly consultation sessions for tailored treatment adjustments. The Obesity Treatment Center offers 24/7 availability for immediate support. Patients are encouraged to directly contact the center at any time with questions, concerns, or side effects. Immediate responses and guidance are provided without delay. Patients can also monitor their personal treatment progress using a dedicated app. The app provides continuous real-time updates regarding each patient's individual status.

Reducing Side Effects

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Any medication may cause side effects alongside its therapeutic benefits. Many patients have previously tried medication-based weight loss treatments but discontinued due to unmanaged side effects. At the Obesity Treatment Center, we emphasize precise medication dosing tailored to each patient, alongside nutritional adjustments and ongoing monitoring. Clinical experience shows that dynamically adjusting medication doses as needed and ensuring proper drug combinations can prevent or minimize side effects. Additionally, the center provides 24/7 availability to promptly address any side effects in real-time.

Continuity of Care

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As with any medical treatment, weight loss through medication must be carried out consistently as part of a routine. One of the main challenges in this area is patient adherence and their ability to persist with treatment, including medication-based weight loss. Close follow-up at the Obesity Treatment Center, combined with personalized support, side-effect monitoring, and emotional guidance, greatly increases each patient's adherence and significantly reduces dropout rates.

Personally Guided Nutritional Program

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Patients at the center receive ongoing guidance, treatment, and support from a clinical dietitian, with a personalized nutritional plan that addresses all aspects of the patient’s lifestyle, without restricting favorite foods. Moreover, dietary treatment isn't just about a meal plan; at our center, we emphasize not only what to eat but also how to eat. We provide patients with practical behavioral tools to optimally adjust to their medication treatment, helping them reconnect with their natural hunger and fullness signals. This approach keeps the body satisfied and calm throughout the process, enabling significant and lasting weight loss.

Lifestyle Habits

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Many patients come to us frustrated and discouraged from previous failed attempts. Some arrive feeling hopeless, doubting their ability to maintain results, no matter how successful the treatment was. That's exactly where we step in. We focus on providing practical lifestyle tools to help you maintain a healthy weight, even after completing treatment at the clinic. Treatment at the Obesity Medical Center is your first step toward a healthier life and lasting weight management.

טבלת קליקים וויגובי - כל המינונים

Wegovy 0.25mg

Wegovy 0.25mg
מינון	קליק
0.006	1
0.013	2
0.02	3
0.027	4
0.033	5
0.04	6
0.047	7
0.054	8
0.06	9
0.067	10
0.074	11
0.081	12
0.087	13
0.094	14
0.1	15
0.108	16
0.114	17
0.121	18
0.128	19
0.135	20
0.141	21
0.148	22
0.155	23
0.168	24
0.168	25
0.175	26
0.182	27
0.189	28
0.195	29
0.202	30
0.209	31
0.216	32
0.222	33
0.229	34
0.236	35
0.243	36
0.25	37

Wegovy 0.5mg

Wegovy 0.5mg
מינון	קליק
0.0135	1
0.027	2
0.0405	3
0.0541	4
0.0676	5
0.0811	6
0.0946	7
0.1081	8
0.1216	9
0.1351	10
0.1486	11
0.1622	12
0.1757	13
0.1892	14
0.2027	15
0.2162	16
0.2297	17
0.2432	18
0.2568	19
0.2703	20
0.2838	21
0.2973	22
0.3108	23
0.3243	24
0.3378	25
0.3514	26
0.3649	27
0.3784	28
0.391	29
0.405	30
0.418	31
0.432	32
0.445	33
0.459	34
0.472	35
0.486	36
0.5	37

Wegovy 1mg

Wegovy 1mg
מינון	קליק
0.013	1
0.026	2
0.04	3
0.053	4
0.066	5
0.08	6
0.093	7
0.106	8
0.12	9
0.133	10
0.146	11
0.16	12
0.173	13
0.186	14
0.2	15
0.213	16
0.226	17
0.24	18
0.253	19
0.266	20
0.28	21
0.293	22
0.306	23
0.32	24
0.333	25
0.346	26
0.36	27
0.373	28
0.386	29
0.4	30
0.413	31
0.426	32
0.44	33
0.453	34
0.466	35
0.48	36
0.493	37
0.506	38
0.52	39
0.533	40
0.546	41
0.56	42
0.573	43
0.586	44
0.6	45
0.613	46
0.626	47
0.64	48
0.653	49
0.666	50
0.693	51
0.693	52
0.706	53
0.72	54
0.733	55
0.746	56
0.76	57
0.773	58
0.786	59
0.8	60
0.813	61
0.826	62
0.84	63
0.853	64
0.866	65
0.88	66
0.893	67
0.906	68
0.92	69
0.933	70
0.946	71
0.96	72
0.973	73
0.986	74
1	75

Wegovy 1.7mg

Wegovy 1.7mg
מינון	קליק
0.022	1
0.045	2
0.068	3
0.09	4
0.113	5
0.136	6
0.158	7
0.181	8
0.204	9
0.226	10
0.249	11
0.272	12
0.294	13
0.317	14
0.34	15
0.362	16
0.385	17
0.408	18
0.43	19
0.453	20
0.476	21
0.498	22
0.521	23
0.544	24
0.566	25
0.589	26
0.612	27
0.634	28
0.657	29
0.68	30
0.702	31
0.725	32
0.748	33
0.77	34
0.793	35
0.816	36
0.838	37
0.861	38
0.884	39
0.906	40
0.929	41
0.952	42
0.974	43
0.997	44
1.02	45
1.04	46
1.065	47
1.088	48
1.11	49
1.133	50
1.156	51
1.178	52
1.201	53
1.224	54
1.246	55
1.269	56
1.292	57
1.314	58
1.337	59
1.36	60
1.382	61
1.405	62
1.428	63
1.45	64
1.473	65
1.496	66
1.518	67
1.541	68
1.564	69
1.586	70
1.609	71
1.632	72
1.654	73
1.677	74
1.7	75

Wegovy 2.4mg

Wegovy 2.4mg
מינון	קליק
0.032	1
0.064	2
0.096	3
0.128	4
0.16	5
0.192	6
0.224	7
0.256	8
0.288	9
0.32	10
0.352	11
0.384	12
0.416	13
0.448	14
0.48	15
0.512	16
0.544	17
0.576	18
0.608	19
0.64	20
0.672	21
0.704	22
0.736	23
0.768	24
0.8	25
0.832	26
0.864	27
0.896	28
0.928	29
0.96	30
0.992	31
1.024	32
1.056	33
1.088	34
1.12	35
1.152	36
1.184	37
1.216	38
1.248	39
1.28	40
1.312	41
1.344	42
1.376	43
1.408	44
1.44	45
1.472	46
1.504	47
1.536	48
1.568	49
1.6	50
1.632	51
1.664	52
1.696	53
1.728	54
1.76	55
1.792	56
1.824	57
1.856	58
1.888	59
1.92	60
1.952	61
1.984	62
2.016	63
2.048	64
2.08	65
2.112	66
2.144	67
2.176	68
2.208	69
2.24	70
2.272	71
2.304	72
2.336	73
2.368	74
2.4	75

מונג'רו / מאונג'רו טבלת קליקים - מינונים

Mounjaro 2.5mg

מונג’רו 2.5mg
מינון	קליק
0.0417	1
0.0833	2
0.125	3
0.1667	4
0.2083	5
0.25	6
0.2917	7
0.3333	8
0.375	9
0.4167	10
0.5	12
0.625	15
0.75	18
0.8333	20
1	24
1.25	30
1.5	36
1.6667	40
2	48
2.5	60

Mounjaro 5mg

מונג’רו 5mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.0833
2	0.1667
3	0.25
4	0.3333
5	0.4167
6	0.5
7	0.5833
8	0.6667
9	0.75
10	0.8333
12	1
15	1.25
18	1.5
20	1.6667
24	2
30	2.5
36	3
40	3.3333
48	4
60	5

Mounjaro 15mg

מונג’רו 15mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.25
2	0.5
3	0.75
4	1
5	1.25
6	1.5
7	1.75
8	2
9	2.25
10	2.5
12	3
15	3.75
18	4.5
20	5
24	6
30	7.5
36	9
40	10
48	12
60	15

Mounjaro 7.5mg

מונג’רו 7.5mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.125
2	0.25
3	0.375
4	0.5
5	0.625
6	0.75
7	0.875
8	1
9	1.125
10	1.25
12	1.5
15	1.875
18	2.25
20	2.5
24	3
30	3.75
36	4.5
40	5
48	6
60	7.5

Mounjaro 10mg

מונג’רו 10mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.1667
2	0.3333
3	0.5
4	0.6667
5	0.8333
6	1
7	1.1667
8	1.3333
9	1.5
10	1.6667
12	2
15	2.5
18	3
20	3.3333
24	4
30	5
36	6
40	6.6667
48	8
60	10

Mounjaro 12.5mg

מונג’רו 12.5mg
קליק	מינון
1	0.2083
2	0.4167
3	0.625
4	0.8333
5	1.0417
6	1.25
7	1.4583
8	1.6667
9	1.875
10	2.0833
12	2.5
15	3.125
18	3.75
20	4.1667
24	5
30	6.25
36	7.5
40	8.3333
48	10
60	12.5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended dosage?

When should you take the medication?

What are the common side effects of Contrave?

What are the rare side effects of Contrave?

Who should avoid Contrave, and who should exercise caution during treatment?

How much does Contrave cost, and is it included in the national health basket?

The information on this page does not replace medical consultation or serve as a basis for diagnosis. For detailed information regarding the medication, please refer to the patient information leaflet as approved by the Ministry of Health. For any additional questions, please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.