Bupropion/Naltrexone Extended Release Oral Tablet (NALTREXONE/BUPROPION EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL)

To help lose weight.

Brand Name(s): Contrave

Generic Name: Bupropion/Naltrexone

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Do not take this medicine with a high fat meal.

Try to avoid taking the medicine at bedtime.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It may take several months for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget a dose, just wait. Use the next dose at the usual time. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine may cause you to experience some withdrawal symptoms from your pain medication. Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual sweating, chills, stomach pain, diarrhea, yawning or irritability.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for seizures. Please ask your doctor whether you may be at risk for having a seizure while on this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • change in behavior
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • pain in the eye
  • fainting
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • shortness of breath
  • suicidal thoughts
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • seeing halos or colors around lights

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.