HOME DELIVERY

The benefits of having medication delivered

Non-adherence to medication is a major reason why treatments shown to be effective in trials are often less effective in clinical practice.​

Medicine home delivery helps improve care by ensuring patients have their Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) when they need it, which increases treatment adherence.

That’s why 92% of users of the Chemist2U app report that the app is a helpful tool to maintain their healthcare.*

Learn more about the benefits of home delivery of medication in this article reviewed by our medical team.

Here Is Some Important Information About Contrave

There is growing interest in medications that may assist weight loss, including Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion). If you’ve been prescribed this medication, or you plan to discuss medication options with your doctor, it’s worth noting some important insights about it.

This article, written by the experts at Chemist2U, will guide you through its usage, and discuss how it interacts with other medications. We’ll also provide insights on how you can conveniently order home delivery of your medications, so read along.

1. How does Contrave work? 

This medication is prescribed for adults who are overweight or obese and are experiencing weight-related health issues. It contains two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. Bupropion, known primarily as an antidepressant, aids in reducing appetite. Naltrexone, used in addiction treatment, helps suppress hunger and cravings.[1]

While the precise neurochemical interactions of these active ingredients are still being studied, it’s believed that they act on the hypothalamus and the mesolimbic dopamine circuit, leading to a feeling of fullness, reduced food intake, and increased energy expenditure.[2]

When you’re interested in topics like ‘Contrave benefits’, it’s important to note that it’s not a cure-all. It doesn’t directly treat other conditions linked to obesity, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.[3] ​​Moreover, Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) should be part of a broader weight management strategy, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

2. How do you take Contrave?

Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) is only available as an extended-release tablet, unlike other weight loss tablets like Phentermine and Topiramate, which are available in both extended-release and other forms.

This means it gradually releases its active ingredients to work over time. Generally, those prescribed Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) start with one tablet each morning for the first week. In the second week, your doctor may add an evening tablet to your routine. 

The Contrave dosage usually increases gradually each week. By the start of week four, you may be taking two tablets in the morning and two in the evening.[4]

It’s important not to exceed the dosage in your Contrave prescription. It is often taken with meals, but you may be asked to avoid high-fat meals to prevent increased exposure to the active ingredients. Also, remember that the tablets must be swallowed whole – no cutting, chewing, or crushing.

3. Who can take Contrave? 

Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) may be prescribed to adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more (classified as obese) or those with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or more (overweight), who also have weight-related health issues like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.[5]

However, there are specific conditions where using Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) is not advised. If you are pregnant, allergic to Naltrexone or Bupropion, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, have a history of seizures or eating disorders, have a history of bipolar disorder, are taking opioids regularly or intermittently or are dealing with opioid addiction, it might not be suitable for you.

4. Side effects of Contrave

Like any weight loss medication such as Xenical and Topomax, Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) has potential side effects. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, constipation, trouble sleeping, headaches, dry mouth, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

It’s crucial to be aware of serious side effects too, such as seizures, increased suicidal thoughts, the risk of opioid overdose, sudden opioid withdrawal, and allergic reactions.[6] If you experience any side effects, immediately reach out to your doctor, whether it’s through face-to-face or online consultation, for advice. 

5. Contrave and other medications

When searching online for terms like ‘Contrave Australia’ or ‘Contrave for sustainable weight loss’, keep in mind that its effectiveness can be influenced by other medications you may be taking.

Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) is metabolised by the enzyme CYP2D6. When co-administered with drugs that are also metabolised by this enzyme, like certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and Type 1C antiarrhythmics, it can increase the exposure of this enzyme in the body. This may necessitate a dosage adjustment.

Moreover, bupropion is broken down in the body by another enzyme called CYP2B6. Certain drugs, like ticlopidine and clopidogrel, can change how the body is exposed to bupropion and hydroxybupropion, and may also necessitate dosage adjustment. Other drugs, like Ritonavir, Lopinavir, and Efavirenz, can lower bupropion levels, which might make Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) less effective.[7]

Discussing your current medication regimen with your doctor is crucial to preventing any adverse interactions and tailoring the treatment to your unique needs. 

6. Medicines you should not use with Contrave 

A key interaction to note is with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Since Bupropion, a component of Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion), inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, it can significantly increase the risk of hypertensive reactions when used with MAOIs.[8]

To ensure safety, your doctor may instruct a gap of at least 14 days between discontinuing an MAOI and starting Contrave, and vice versa.

Additionally, opioid analgesics, including common cough and cold remedies and antidiarrheal preparations, may not work as effectively with Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion). If you require intermittent opioid treatment, it’s recommended to temporarily stop Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) therapy.[9] 

Always discuss with your doctor all the medications you’re taking to ensure that taking Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) is safe and effective for you. 

7. How to order home delivery of Contrave through Chemist2U

At Chemist2U, we’re making medication easy. For those prescribed Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) or those chronically ill, we understand that going back and forth to the pharmacy to access essential medications isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer a convenient way for you to order home delivery of your medications.

To begin, download our user-friendly app or visit our website, where you can easily upload your eScript. You can also choose from a wide range of over-the-counter goods, so you can add items to your cart just as you would to a basket in your local pharmacy. Each order is meticulously filled by a qualified pharmacist from a partner pharmacy in your local community, ensuring accuracy and safety.

And at Chemist2U, we provide convenient doorstep delivery. You could even enjoy same-day delivery in metro and major regional areas across Australia if you place your order before the cutoff (around 2 p.m. in most areas). You can also register for free delivery on qualifying orders. 

Chemist2U will then send you handy reminders when it’s time to reorder your medication, helping to ensure you always have your important medication when you need it.

Plus, our Ask a Pharmacist feature allows you to chat with professionals in case you have any general questions or concerns about your medicine. 

Order home delivery of your medications with Chemist2U today!

 

References

*Chemist2U Survey, August 2021

[1] ​​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8314402/ 

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4771085/

[3] https://www.drugs.com/contrave.html 

[4] https://www.drugs.com/dosage/contrave.html 

[5] https://www.drugs.com/pro/contrave.html#s-43685-7 

[6] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/200063s020lbl.pdf 

[7] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/200063s020lbl.pdf 

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/ 

[9] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/200063s020lbl.pdf

Disclaimer

Chemist2U does not endorse the therapeutic benefit of any medication. Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.