How Much Does Contrave Cost? Insurance & Savings Guide

If you have been prescribed Contrave or are considering it for weight loss, cost is likely one of your first questions. The good news: while the retail sticker price can feel steep, most patients end up paying significantly less through insurance coverage or the manufacturer savings program. This guide breaks down every cost scenario so you know exactly what to expect.

Contrave retail pricing

Contrave is the brand name for a combination of naltrexone 8 mg and bupropion 90 mg in an extended-release tablet. Note that naltrexone interacts with alcohol — review our Contrave and alcohol guide for important safety information. At maintenance dose, patients take four tablets per day (two in the morning and two in the evening), which means a full month of treatment requires approximately 120 tablets.

Pricing as of early 2026. Actual costs vary by pharmacy, insurance, dose, and location. Check with your pharmacy or manufacturer for current pricing.

Without insurance, brand-name Contrave typically costs $300–$400 per month at most retail pharmacies. The exact price depends on the pharmacy and your location. Here is what you can generally expect:

• Major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid): approximately $350–$400/month for brand-name
• GoodRx discount pricing: as low as $250–$300/month depending on pharmacy
• Costco pharmacy: Often among the lower retail options (membership not required for pharmacy)
• Independent pharmacies: Prices vary widely; some match or beat chain pharmacy pricing

One important note: your first month may cost less than subsequent months. Contrave uses a four-week titration schedule where you start with one tablet per day in week one and gradually increase to the full four-tablet dose by week four. This means your first prescription may contain fewer tablets than a standard maintenance refill.

Is there a generic Contrave?

There is currently no FDA-approved generic equivalent to Contrave. Contrave uses a proprietary three-layer extended-release tablet that combines naltrexone 8 mg and bupropion 90 mg in a single formulation. This unique design controls how each ingredient is released into the body, and it is the only prescription medication that contains naltrexone in an extended-release oral formulation.

While naltrexone and bupropion are each available individually as inexpensive generics, the individual medications are not the same dose or formulation used in Contrave and are not FDA-approved for weight loss when used on their own. Some providers prescribe naltrexone and bupropion as separate tablets as a lower-cost off-label alternative — but this is a different approach than taking Contrave.

How Contrave differs from separate naltrexone + bupropion

• Formulation: Contrave is a proprietary three-layer extended-release tablet designed to release both ingredients at a controlled rate. Prescribing the components separately uses different formulations and dosage forms.
• Dosing: Contrave contains naltrexone 8 mg / bupropion 90 mg per tablet. Standard naltrexone tablets come in 50 mg doses (for addiction treatment), and standard bupropion ER comes in 150 mg or 300 mg doses. Matching the Contrave dose with individual generics requires splitting or compounding.
• Clinical evidence: The COR clinical trial program (COR-I, COR-II, COR-BMOD, COR-Diabetes) that demonstrated Contrave’s efficacy for weight loss used the brand-name formulation. These results have not been replicated with separately prescribed naltrexone and bupropion.
• FDA approval: Only brand-name Contrave is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Prescribing naltrexone and bupropion separately for weight loss is considered off-label use.

The off-label alternative

Some clinicians do prescribe generic naltrexone (typically at a lower dose, often requiring a compounding pharmacy) alongside generic bupropion SR or XL as a cost-saving strategy. This approach may cost $40–$100 per month compared to Contrave’s $300–$400 retail price. However, patients should understand that this is not an FDA-approved substitution and the extended-release profile may differ from authentic Contrave.

At PEAK, your clinician will discuss both options transparently — including the trade-offs between the FDA-approved brand-name formulation and the lower-cost off-label approach — so you can make an informed decision.

Insurance coverage for Contrave

The majority of commercial insurance plans cover Contrave on their formulary. Coverage details vary by plan, but here is what patients typically experience across major insurers.

Commercial insurance

Most large commercial insurance carriers cover Contrave, though almost all require prior authorization before they will approve the prescription. Common coverage patterns by insurer:

• Anthem / Blue Cross Blue Shield: Covers with PA
• Cigna: Covers with PA; may require step therapy (phentermine trial first)
• UnitedHealthcare: Covers with PA
• Aetna: Covers with PA; BMI documentation required

Typical insured copays for Contrave range from $30–$75/month depending on your plan’s formulary tier and deductible status. The Contrave Savings Card (see below) can reduce this further. High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) may require you to meet your deductible before copay pricing applies.

TRICARE

TRICARE covers Contrave with documented medical necessity. You will need to meet BMI criteria (BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related comorbidity) and your provider must submit prior authorization documentation. PEAK regularly works with TRICARE-covered patients in the Hampton Roads area.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D coverage for Contrave varies by plan. Some Part D plans include it on their formulary, while many have restrictions or do not cover weight loss medications. If your Part D plan does not cover Contrave, talk to your provider about whether an off-label naltrexone/bupropion approach may be an option. Note that manufacturer savings cards cannot be used with Medicare.

Note: PEAK accepts commercial insurance and TRICARE. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage for Contrave varies significantly by state. Virginia Medicaid currently has limited coverage for weight loss medications. If you are covered by Medicaid, check with your Medicaid plan about which weight loss medications are covered. Note that PEAK does not accept Medicaid, but your primary care provider or a Medicaid-participating clinic may be able to prescribe Contrave.

Prior authorization for Contrave

Prior authorization (PA) is a process where your insurance company requires documentation from your clinician before they will approve coverage for a medication. Nearly all insurance plans that cover Contrave require PA. Here is what the process looks like and what you need to know.

What PA means for you

In practical terms, PA means your clinician cannot simply write a prescription and have the pharmacy fill it immediately. Instead, your clinician submits clinical documentation to your insurance company demonstrating that Contrave is medically necessary for you. The insurer reviews this documentation and issues an approval or denial, usually within 3–7 business days.

Common PA requirements

Insurance companies typically require the following documentation before approving Contrave:

• BMI criteria: BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obstructive sleep apnea)
• Documented lifestyle modification: Evidence that you have attempted diet and exercise changes, typically for at least 3–6 months
• No contraindications: Confirmation that you do not have uncontrolled seizure disorder, active eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia), or current use of opioid medications
• No chronic opioid use: Contrave contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, so patients on chronic opioid therapy are not candidates

Timeline and what to expect

Initial PA decisions typically take 3–7 business days. Some insurers have electronic PA systems that can process approvals faster, sometimes within 24–48 hours. PEAK submits PA requests electronically whenever possible to expedite the process.

If your PA is approved, the approval is usually valid for 6–12 months before renewal is needed. PEAK tracks your approval dates and submits renewals proactively so there is no gap in your coverage.

If your PA is denied

PA denials happen, but they are not the end of the road. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, not meeting BMI criteria on file, or the insurer requiring step therapy (trying a different medication first). PEAK handles the appeal process, which involves submitting additional clinical documentation and, in some cases, a peer-to-peer review between your clinician and the insurance company’s medical reviewer.

Savings cards and coupons

several programs exist to reduce your out-of-pocket cost for Contrave for both commercially insured and cash-pay patients.

Contrave Home Delivery Program ($99/month)

The manufacturer offers a Home Delivery Program where all patients may pay $99 or less per month with free nationwide shipping, regardless of insurance status. This program is available through partner pharmacies and is open to a wide range of patients, including those with commercial insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and TRICARE. Here’s how it works:

• Your PEAK clinician submits your Contrave prescription to the partner pharmacy
• The partner pharmacy contacts you to confirm insurance details and shipping address
• They check your insurance benefits and assist with prior authorization if needed
• You pay $99 or less upfront, and your medication ships to your door in 2–4 business days

For most patients, this is the most affordable way to get authentic, brand-name Contrave. Ask your PEAK clinician for enrollment details or visit contrave.com.

Contrave Savings Coupon Card

For patients filling at a retail pharmacy, the manufacturer offers a Savings Coupon Card that can reduce your copay to as little as $20 per month if your insurance covers Contrave. The card is available at contrave.com and through your PEAK clinician. Key details:

• Insured patients with a copay up to $125 may pay as little as $20/month
• Insured patients with higher copays ($125–$644) receive up to $445 off per fill
• Uninsured or uncovered patients receive up to $445 off retail price, paying approximately $199/month
• Medicare Part D and TRICARE patients are eligible but treated as cash-paying (payments do not count toward out-of-pocket maximums)
• Not valid for Medicaid beneficiaries at retail pharmacies
• Cannot be combined with the Home Delivery Program or other discount programs
• Must be presented at the pharmacy at the time of fill

GoodRx and discount cards

If you are not using the Home Delivery Program, discount platforms like GoodRx, RxSaver, and SingleCare can reduce the retail pharmacy price. These discount cards are free to use and accepted at most pharmacies.

Manufacturer patient assistance

Currax Pharmaceuticals also offers a patient assistance program for qualifying low-income patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Eligibility is based on household income and insurance status. Your PEAK team can help determine if you qualify and assist with the application.

How PEAK helps with Contrave costs

At PEAK, we believe cost should never be a barrier to effective weight loss treatment. Our team takes an active role in making sure you get the most affordable access to Contrave or whichever medication is right for you. Here is what that looks like in practice.

Prior authorization handled for you

PA submission is included with your PEAK clinical visits. Our clinical team prepares and submits all documentation to your insurer, follows up on pending requests, and handles appeals if your initial request is denied. You do not need to call your insurance company or manage the PA process on your own.

Cost-effective alternatives when appropriate

When brand-name Contrave is not affordable or not covered by insurance, your PEAK clinician can discuss whether an off-label naltrexone/bupropion approach may be an appropriate lower-cost alternative for your situation.

Savings card enrollment assistance

If brand-name Contrave is the right choice for you, our team will help you enroll in the manufacturer savings card and ensure it is applied at your pharmacy. We walk you through the process so you are not leaving money on the table.

Alternative medication discussion

If Contrave is too expensive or your insurance does not cover it, PEAK clinicians can discuss alternative medications that may be more affordable or better covered. Options include:

• Phentermine: Often low cost, covered by virtually all insurance plans, effective for many patients. See our Contrave vs. phentermine comparison.
• GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Zepbound): Higher retail cost but often covered by commercial insurance with PA; may produce greater weight loss in some patients
• Topiramate or metformin (off-label): Very low cost options that may be appropriate depending on your medical profile

Transparent pricing

PEAK is upfront about all costs. Your visit fees cover clinical visits ($199 initial, $135 follow-up, $75 dietitian), PA submissions, and ongoing monitoring. Medication cost is separate and depends on your insurance, pharmacy, and which medication you use. We explain all of this before you start treatment so there are no surprises.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generic version of Contrave?

No. There is currently no FDA-approved generic equivalent to Contrave. Contrave uses a proprietary three-layer extended-release tablet, and it is the only prescription medication that contains naltrexone in an extended-release oral formulation. Some providers prescribe the individual components (naltrexone and bupropion) separately as a lower-cost off-label alternative, but this is not the same formulation and has not been studied in the same clinical trials. Your PEAK clinician can discuss whether this approach may be appropriate for you.

Does insurance cover Contrave for weight loss?

Most commercial insurance plans cover Contrave with prior authorization. To qualify, you typically need a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. Some plans also require step therapy — trying another medication like phentermine before Contrave is approved. PEAK verifies your coverage and handles the PA process.

How do I get the Contrave savings card?

Visit contrave.com to enroll online, or ask the PEAK team to help you during your visit. The savings card is available for patients with commercial (private) insurance and can reduce your brand-name copay. It is not valid for patients with Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or other government-funded insurance programs. The card must be presented at the pharmacy when you fill your prescription.

What if my insurance denies Contrave?

A denial is not the end of the process. PEAK handles appeals on your behalf. Common reasons for denial include not meeting BMI documentation requirements, not completing required step therapy medications (like phentermine), or missing clinical documentation. Your clinician will review the denial reason, submit additional documentation, and if necessary, conduct a peer-to-peer review with the insurer’s medical director. If the appeal is unsuccessful, PEAK will discuss alternative medication options that may be covered or more affordable.

What if Contrave is too expensive for me?

If brand-name Contrave is not affordable even with insurance and the savings card, your PEAK clinician can discuss alternatives. These include the off-label naltrexone/bupropion approach (significantly cheaper but not FDA-approved for weight loss), other FDA-approved medications like phentermine (very affordable as a generic), or GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Zepbound which may be covered by your plan. The right medication is one you can afford to take consistently.

Important safety information: Contrave carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behavior, primarily associated with the bupropion component. It is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders, eating disorders (bulimia/anorexia), current opioid use, or uncontrolled hypertension. Do not use with MAO inhibitors. Discuss your full medical history with your clinician before starting treatment.

The PEAK Clinical Team

PEAK Wellness & Aesthetics

Evidence-based guidance from our board-certified clinicians specializing in medical weight loss and obesity medicine.