Saxenda vs. Contrave

See how Saxenda and Contrave compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Saxenda is a daily injectable GLP-1 approved for adults and teens 12-17, while Contrave is an oral pill approved only for adults.

  • Both drugs commonly cause nausea, constipation, and vomiting, but Saxenda's rates for these effects tend to run higher.

  • Saxenda carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, while Contrave carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts tied to its bupropion component.

Saxenda vs. Contrave Drug Summary

Saxenda

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for chronic weight management in adults and teens ages 12 to 17 with obesity. It is given as a daily subcutaneous injection, with the dose raised gradually over about a month to a 3 mg maintenance level.

Contrave

Contrave combines naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, with bupropion, an antidepressant, to help adults with obesity or overweight manage chronic weight. It is taken as an oral extended-release tablet, with the dose increased over about three weeks to a twice-daily maintenance level.

Saxenda vs. Contrave Side Effects

Saxenda

Most common
nausea (up to 39.3%)
constipation (up to 19.4%)
vomiting (up to 15.7%)
diarrhea (up to 20.9%)

Contrave

Most common
nausea (up to 32.5%)
constipation (up to 19.2%)
vomiting (up to 10.7%)
headache (up to 17.6%)

Saxenda vs. Contrave Dosage

Saxenda

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 0.6 mg once daily Week 1
Maximum dose 3 mg once daily Week 5 onward
Dose changes 4 increases Every week

Contrave

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Saxenda vs. Contrave Indications

Saxenda

Saxenda is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, and in adolescents ages 12 to 17 with obesity. It works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to reduce appetite and slow digestion.

  • Adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition

  • Adolescents 12-17 with obesity

  • Not approved for diabetes treatment

  • Contraindicated with personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

Contrave

Contrave is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased activity. It works through a different mechanism, pairing an opioid antagonist with an antidepressant to curb appetite and cravings.

  • Adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition

  • Must be combined with diet and exercise

  • Not approved for depression or other psychiatric disorders

  • Not approved for pediatric use

Saxenda vs. Contrave Pros and Cons

Saxenda

Saxenda has over a decade of clinical use as a weight-loss GLP-1 and a daily dosing schedule that allows gradual, flexible titration. It carries a boxed warning for thyroid tumors and generally costs more out of pocket than Contrave.

Pros

  • Approved for adolescents 12-17 with obesity

  • Longest track record among GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, approved since 2014

  • Daily dosing allows finer control during titration

  • GLP-1 mechanism is often linked with greater average weight loss

Cons

  • Requires a daily injection rather than a pill

  • Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors

  • Roughly $1,300 to $1,350 per month without insurance, before savings programs

  • GI side effects like nausea tend to be more frequent

Contrave

Contrave offers an oral, pill-based alternative to injectable GLP-1 drugs at a lower typical list price. It carries its own boxed warning for suicidal thoughts tied to the bupropion component and has more contraindications related to seizures and blood pressure.

Pros

  • Oral tablet, no injections required

  • Roughly $750 to $840 per month without insurance, before savings programs

  • No thyroid cancer boxed warning

  • Non-GLP-1 option for those who prefer to avoid injections

Cons

  • Boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors from bupropion

  • Contraindicated with seizure history, uncontrolled hypertension, or opioid use

  • Not approved for adolescents

  • May produce less average weight loss than GLP-1 drugs

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