How long does Contrave stay in your system? (5 + factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the approximate time taken by Contrave to stay in your system. We will also discuss some factors that can affect this time duration and some proper ways to ensure the safe use of this medication.
How long does Contrave stay in your system?
Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave) stays in your system for about 4 days. This duration is based on the half-life of Contrave. Contrave is a combination medication containing Naltrexone and Bupropion.
For Naltrexone-the half-life is almost 5 hours and the elimination half-life of Bupropion is about 21 hours. Half-life is the approximate time taken by the medication to reduce its initial concentration to half.
The remaining concentration of the drug in your system further reduces to half accordingly. This way the drug concentration continues to drop until it is completely eliminated from your body.
Contrave (Bupropion+Naltrexone) is a prescription medication used for weight management (1)
It typically takes several half-lives for a drug to be mostly eliminated from the body. So, Contrave may remain in your system for days to weeks, depending on individual factors.
However, this time duration can vary from person to person. People who are elderly or suffer from kidney or liver disease usually take longer to eliminate the drug, as compared to healthy individuals.
Factors affecting the stay time of Contrave in your body
Several factors can influence the stay time of Contrave in your body. These include:
Dosage
The higher the dose of Contrave, the longer it may stay in your system. This is because higher doses generally take longer time to be processed and eliminated.
If you are taking a lower dose, it might leave your system more rapidly.
Individual metabolism
Each person’s metabolism is unique, and some individuals may metabolise Contrave more quickly or slowly than others. This can affect how long the medication remains in their system.
If you have a fast metabolism, you might process Contrave more quickly, leading to a shorter duration in your system. Conversely, a slower metabolism means Contrave could stay in your body for a longer time (2).
Gastric emptying time
Gastric emptying time or rate can significantly affect the stay time of Contrave or any other drug in your system. This is because the time taken by your stomach to empty its contents can either hinder or accelerate the process of adsorption.
When your gastric emptying time is delayed, this means the drug stays in your stomach for a longer period of time.
Age
Age can impact the clearance rate of Contrave from the body. Older individuals may eliminate the medication more slowly compared to younger individuals.
Underlying health condition
Some underlying health conditions can affect the metabolism and excretion of Contrave.
Liver performance: The liver plays a crucial role in breaking down drugs (3). If your liver is healthy and functioning well, it can efficiently metabolize Contrave, leading to a normal elimination rate. However, if you have liver issues, the drug might take longer to be cleared from your body.
Drug interactions
Certain medications or substances can interact with Contrave and affect its absorption and metabolism. Drug interactions can make your drugs more or less absorbed.
It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, or substances you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Ensuring the safe and effective use of Contrave
The following points are important to ensure the safe and effective use of Contrave (4):
- Always take Contrave as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration of drug administration.
- Ensure that Contrave is prescribed only to individuals who meet the appropriate criteria for weight management.
- If you suspect Contrave is not working for you, do not stop it abruptly and talk to your healthcare provider.
- If you have missed a dose, try taking it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and take the next one on time.
- Keep updating your doctor about the side effects you are experiencing.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as the use of Contrave may need to be adjusted in these situations.
- Combine Contrave with a weight management plan, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
These points are important to make sure that you are using Contrave in the best possible way. If you have any concerns about your treatment with Contrave, you should reach out to your healthcare provider for the best possible advice.
Conclusion
The duration of Contrave’s presence in the system can vary due to the differing elimination half-lives of its components, Naltrexone and Bupropion. Safe and effective use of Contrave involves adherence to prescribed dosages, monitoring for side effects, and ongoing medical supervision. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance and to ensure its appropriate use.
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References
1.-
Sherman MM, Ungureanu S, Rey JA. Naltrexone/Bupropion ER (Contrave): Newly Approved Treatment Option for Chronic Weight Management in Obese Adults. P T. 2016 Mar;41(3):164-72. PMID: 26957883; PMCID: PMC4771085.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4771085/
