Mounjaro vs. Contrave
See how Mounjaro and Contrave compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Mounjaro is an injectable diabetes drug used off-label for weight loss, while Contrave is an oral pill FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
Both drugs commonly cause nausea and vomiting, but Contrave's GI side effects tend to occur at higher rates than Mounjaro's.
Mounjaro carries a boxed warning for thyroid tumors, while Contrave carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts tied to its bupropion component.
Mounjaro vs. Contrave Drug Summary
Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved to control blood sugar in adults and children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection with a gradual dose increase over several months. Many prescribers also use it off-label for weight loss.
Contrave
Contrave combines naltrexone and bupropion in an extended-release tablet FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or a weight-related condition. It is taken twice daily by mouth after a two-week dose titration. It works on brain pathways involved in appetite and reward rather than gut hormones.
Mounjaro vs. Contrave Side Effects
Mounjaro
Contrave
Mounjaro vs. Contrave Dosage
Mounjaro
Contrave
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 15 mg once weekly | Week 21 onward |
| Dose changes | 5 increases | Every 4 weeks |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 8 mg/90 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 16 mg/180 mg twice daily | Week 3 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every week |
Mounjaro
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2.5 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 15 mg once weekly | Week 21 onward |
| Dose changes | 5 increases | Every 4 weeks |
Contrave
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 8 mg/90 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 16 mg/180 mg twice daily | Week 3 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every week |
Mounjaro vs. Contrave Indications
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. It is not approved for type 1 diabetes. Many people also use it off-label for weight loss, though that use is not on the FDA label.
Type 2 diabetes blood sugar control in adults
Type 2 diabetes blood sugar control in children 10+
Weight loss (off-label use)
Contrave
Contrave is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults who have obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition. It is meant to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not approved to treat depression, help with smoking cessation, or for use in children.
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity
Chronic weight management with a weight-related condition
Used alongside diet and exercise
Mounjaro vs. Contrave Pros and Cons
Mounjaro
Mounjaro's dual incretin action tends to produce substantial weight loss, though this benefit is achieved through off-label use rather than an FDA-approved indication for weight loss. It requires a weekly injection and a slow dose ramp-up over about five months to reach the highest maintenance dose.
Pros
Once-weekly injection instead of a daily pill
Also improves blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes
FDA-approved for pediatric type 2 diabetes as young as age 10
Lower rates of nausea and vomiting than Contrave
Cons
Requires a self-injection rather than a pill
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies
Contraindicated with personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
Weight loss use is off-label, not FDA-approved
Contrave
Contrave is taken as a pill, which appeals to people who want to avoid injections, and it is FDA-approved specifically for weight management. Its bupropion component brings a boxed warning and several contraindications that require careful screening before starting.
Pros
Oral tablet, no injections or needles required
FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management
Roughly $750 to $840 per month without insurance
No thyroid tumor boxed warning
Cons
Boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Contraindicated with seizure disorders or opioid use
Higher rates of nausea, constipation, and headache
Twice-daily dosing after titration
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