Contrave

If you have taken opioids in the last 10 days

Don't start taking this medicine (and tell your doctor) if you've used opioids within the last 10 days, as it could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Examples of opioids include codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl and pethidine.

Before having surgery or a medical procedure

Tell your doctor you are taking Contrave. Opioid medicines are often used as pain relief after surgery or some painful medical procedures. You will need to stop taking Contrave for at least 3 days before starting opioid treatment.

Tests and monitoring

Contrave may cause increased blood pressure or a faster heart rate in some people. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate both before starting Contrave and during treatment.

If you have the following health conditions

If you have the following, please discuss your options with your doctor before taking Contrave; it may not be suitable for you:

• Epilepsy or seizures.
• Bipolar disorder or mood disorders.
• High blood pressure.
• Alcohol or drug withdrawal.
• Pregnancy.
• A history of eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa.

In Aotearoa New Zealand Contrave comes as a tablet.

The usual starting dose is 1 tablet in the morning during the first week. The dose is slowly increased over a 4-week period. Always take Contrave exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions. Here is some guidance.

• Week 1: 1 tablet in the morning.
• Week 2: 1 tablet in the morning AND 1 tablet in the evening.
• Week 3: 2 tablets in the morning AND and 1 tablet in the evening.
• Week 4 onwards: 2 tablets in the morning AND 2 tablets in the evening.

• Taking: Swallow the tablets whole, don't crush, chew, or halve tablets.
• Food: It's best to take Contrave with food but don't take Contrave with high-fat meals. It may increase your risk of side effects.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking Contrave. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while you're taking Contrave, especially when you first start treatment. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects, eg, dizziness and drowsiness. 
• Driving: Contrave can affect your concentration. Don't drive or use tools or machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. 
• Other medicines: Contrave interacts with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you're taking including over the counter medicines, herbal and complementary medicines or recreational drugs. 
• Some people don't respond to Contrave. Treatment shouldn't be continued for more than 16 weeks if you've not lost more than 5% of your initial body weight.

Like all medicines, Contrave can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if they bother you.

• Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick).
• Headache.
• Dry mouth, changes in the way food tastes or loss of taste.
• Tummy pain, constipation or diarrhoea.
• Tinnitus (hearing noise or ringing in your ears).
• Itchy skin, hives.
• Tremor.
• Feeling dizzy: Don’t drink alcohol. Be careful when driving or using tools until you feel better.
• Trouble sleeping: It may help to take the evening dose earlier in the day, but at least 8 hours after the morning dose.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur:

• Seizures.
• Mood changes, anxiety, depression, or worsening depression, low mood, aggressive tendencies, thoughts or talk of suicide and self-harm.
• Signs of problems with your liver such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine or pain in your abdomen.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur:

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.