Should you take Contrave on an empty stomach? 

Should you take Contrave on an empty stomach? 

You can take Contrave (Naltrexone-Bupropion) on an empty stomach safely as the drug doesn’t necessarily affect you any differently when you take it without having any food in your stomach. 

However, if you feel heavy or bloated after taking Contrave that way, take it in the middle of your meals. The presence of food doesn’t really affect the efficacy of this medication, and it could control the heaviness or acidity that some people may experience after taking this medication. 

However, it’s not recommended to take Contrave with fatty foods. This is because high-fat foods can enhance the absorption of this medication and the active ingredients (Bupropion + Naltrexone) present can cause more side effects. 

Make sure you take this medication as properly as possible to make the most out of it. If you have any other questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Potential benefits and risks of taking Contrave on an empty stomach

When taking Contrave on an empty stomach, there may be potential benefits and risks to consider. Taking Contrave without food may result in faster absorption and quicker onset of action, which could be beneficial for some individuals who want a more immediate effect. 

However, there are also potential risks associated with taking Contrave on an empty stomach. It may increase the likelihood of experiencing gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort. (1)

Additionally, taking Contrave without food may affect the overall effectiveness and absorption of the medication. It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the medication’s labelling to ensure the safest and most effective use of Contrave.

Tips to ensure the safe and effective use of Contrave

Some important tips to ensure the safe and effective use of Contrave include: (2)

  • Always take Contrave exactly as prescribed and follow the recommended dosage instructions.
  • Drink enough water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration, as this can help support your overall well-being while taking Contrave.
  • Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential interactions with Contrave. 
  • If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms while taking Contrave, promptly discuss them with your healthcare provider.
  • Contrave is typically used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. Incorporate healthy eating habits and regular physical activity to maximize the effectiveness of Contrave. (3)

It’s important to prioritize your health and well-being when taking any medication. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

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References

1.-

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012–. Naltrexone-Bupropion. 2020 Jun 5. PMID: 32687293. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559444

2.-

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/

3.-

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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26957883/