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
Contrave
Saxenda vs. Contrave Dosage
Saxenda
Contrave
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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