Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is a prescription medication approved in Canada for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It combines two active ingredients—naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an aminoketone antidepressant—to work on the brain’s hunger and reward centers, helping reduce appetite and control cravings.
Unlike GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic or Wegovy, Contrave is an oral tablet taken twice daily, making it appealing for people who prefer pills over injections. It is not subsidized by most provincial drug plans in Canada, so patients usually pay the full private prescription price. As demand for weight-loss medications remains high in 2025, many Canadians want clear, up-to-date information on how much Contrave costs and what factors influence the price.
Pricing can vary depending on the pharmacy, province, dosage strength, and whether any manufacturer discounts or third-party coupons are applied. This article provides a comprehensive 2025 overview of Contrave costs in Canada, including typical retail prices, ways to save, insurance considerations, and practical steps to find the best deal.
How Contrave Is Priced in Canada
Contrave is sold as a fixed-dose combination tablet containing 8 mg naltrexone and 90 mg bupropion per tablet. The standard dosing regimen is two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening (total 32 mg naltrexone / 360 mg bupropion daily). A 120-tablet bottle (30-day supply at maintenance dose) is the most common package size dispensed.
Because Contrave is not listed on any provincial formulary or the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program for weight loss, patients pay out-of-pocket at private pharmacies. The manufacturer (Currax Pharmaceuticals, formerly Bausch Health in Canada) sets a recommended retail price, but pharmacies have some flexibility to adjust within a reasonable range.
As of late 2025, the average private prescription price for a 30-day supply of Contrave in Canada ranges from CAD $280 to $450 before any discounts. Prices tend to be slightly lower in Ontario and British Columbia and higher in Atlantic provinces and the territories due to distribution and pharmacy overhead costs.
How Much Is Contrave in Canada: The Direct Answer
As of December 2025, a 30-day supply (120 tablets) of Contrave costs between CAD $280 and $450 at most Canadian retail pharmacies. The majority of patients pay around $320–$380 when filling a private prescription without insurance or special discounts. Prices are not regulated, so they vary by pharmacy chain, independent store, and geographic region.
Online pharmacies and mail-order services sometimes offer slightly lower prices (as low as $280–$320), while smaller independent pharmacies in rural areas or high-cost cities may charge closer to $420–$450. Manufacturer assistance programs and third-party discount cards can reduce the cost further for eligible patients.
Step 1: Obtain a Valid Prescription from a Canadian Prescriber
Schedule an appointment with a licensed Canadian physician (family doctor, endocrinologist, or obesity specialist). Discuss your weight, BMI, comorbidities, and previous weight-loss attempts. The doctor must determine that Contrave is medically appropriate and safe for you.
Receive a private prescription specifying Contrave 8 mg/90 mg tablets, quantity (usually 120 tablets for 30 days), and dosing instructions (titration schedule: start with 1 tablet daily, increase gradually to 4 tablets daily). Keep a digital or paper copy for the pharmacy.
Step 2: Compare Prices Across Canadian Pharmacies
Call or visit at least three pharmacies in your area. Major chains such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs, Jean Coutu (Quebec), and Lawtons Drugs (Atlantic Canada) typically carry Contrave. Ask for the cash/private prescription price for 120 tablets.
Use online price comparison tools such as PharmacyChecker.ca or call independent pharmacies, which sometimes offer lower rates. Check mail-order options like PocketPills or Felix Health if home delivery is preferred. Prices can differ by $50–$100 between pharmacies.
Step 3: Apply Any Available Savings or Assistance Programs
Ask the pharmacist if they participate in any Contrave-specific discount programs through Currax Pharmaceuticals. Although no widespread patient assistance program exists in Canada, some pharmacies apply small professional discounts or price-match competitors.
If you have private health insurance with an extended health benefits plan, submit the receipt for reimbursement. Some plans cover a portion of non-PBS prescription drugs, though coverage for weight-loss medications is rare. Save all receipts for tax purposes (medical expense tax credit).
| Pharmacy / Source | Typical 30-Day Cost (120 tablets) | Notes & Availability (Dec 2025) | Additional Savings Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major chains (Shoppers, Rexall, Loblaws) | $340 – $420 | Widely available; consistent stock | Price match possible; some offer loyalty discounts |
| Independent / smaller pharmacies | $320 – $450 | Prices vary more; rural areas sometimes higher | Often willing to negotiate or match competitors |
| Mail-order / online pharmacies (PocketPills, Felix) | $280 – $360 | Home delivery; requires valid Canadian prescription | Occasionally lower due to reduced overhead |
| Manufacturer direct / patient programs | Not widely available | Limited assistance in Canada; no broad PAP | Check Currax website for occasional promotions |
| With private insurance reimbursement | $0 – $300 (partial) | Depends on plan; weight-loss drugs rarely covered fully | Submit receipts for possible partial reimbursement |
This table shows approximate 30-day costs for Contrave across different sources in Canada as of December 2025.
Why Contrave Is Not Covered by Public Drug Plans in Canada
Contrave is not listed on any provincial or federal public drug formulary (e.g., Ontario Drug Benefit, BC PharmaCare, RAMQ in Quebec) for weight management. The Common Drug Review (CDR) and pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) have not recommended public reimbursement due to cost-effectiveness concerns compared to other options.
The manufacturer has not yet achieved a price that meets public payer thresholds for broad coverage. As a result, patients pay the full private prescription price unless they have private insurance with extended health benefits.
Some private insurance plans provide partial reimbursement for weight-management medications, but this is plan-specific and often limited. Always check your policy details and submit claims for possible coverage.
Dosage and Titration Schedule Affecting Cost
Contrave follows a gradual titration to improve tolerability. Week 1: 1 tablet in the morning. Week 2: 1 tablet morning and evening. Week 3: 2 tablets in the morning, 1 in the evening. Week 4 onward: 2 tablets twice daily (total 4 tablets/day).
Because titration uses fewer tablets in the first month, the first prescription is often less expensive than maintenance refills. After the first month, a 120-tablet bottle covers 30 days at the full dose.
Some pharmacies dispense a starter pack or split the first prescription to match the titration schedule. This can save money in the initial month. Ask your pharmacist about partial fills if needed.
Where to Buy Contrave in Canada
Most community pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Guardian, Pharmasave, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Lawtons, etc.) stock Contrave or can order it within 24–48 hours. Major grocery store pharmacies (Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro) also carry it.
Online pharmacies licensed in Canada (PocketPills, Felix Health, Maple Pharmacy, etc.) offer home delivery and sometimes slightly lower prices. Ensure any online pharmacy is licensed by a provincial college of pharmacists.
Avoid international or unregulated online sources claiming to sell Contrave without a Canadian prescription. These products may be counterfeit, expired, or unsafe.
Additional Costs to Consider
Doctor consultation fees add to the overall expense. Initial visits with a GP or obesity specialist typically cost $80–$200 (private pay). Follow-up appointments every 3–6 months are usually less.
Blood tests and monitoring (if required) may be covered by provincial health plans, but private lab fees can apply if done outside the public system.
Delivery charges for mail-order pharmacies range from $0–$15 per shipment. Some offer free delivery for regular refills.
Summary
How much is Contrave in Canada in late 2025? A 30-day supply (120 tablets) at the full maintenance dose typically costs between CAD $280 and $450 at private pharmacies, with most patients paying around $320–$380. Prices vary by province, pharmacy chain vs independent, and whether mail-order or discount options are used.
Contrave is not covered by public drug plans (PBS-equivalent) in Canada, so patients pay the full private prescription price. Private health insurance may reimburse a portion in some cases, but coverage for weight-loss medications remains limited. Comparing pharmacies, using mail-order services, and checking for any manufacturer promotions can help reduce costs.
Work with a licensed Canadian prescriber to obtain a valid prescription, then shop around for the best price. Regular follow-up ensures the medication remains appropriate and effective for your weight management goals.
FAQ
Is Contrave covered by provincial drug plans in Canada?
No, Contrave is not listed on any provincial formulary or public drug plan for weight management in Canada as of 2025. Patients pay the full private prescription price. Coverage is only possible through private insurance extended health benefits, and even then it is often partial or excluded.
What is the average monthly cost of Contrave in Canada?
The average cost for a 30-day supply (120 tablets) at full maintenance dose is approximately CAD $320–$380 at most pharmacies. Prices range from $280 (some online/mail-order) to $450 (higher-cost regions or smaller independents). Using discount services or price comparison can save $50–$100.
Why is Contrave so expensive in Canada?
Contrave is not subsidized by public drug plans because it has not met the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) or pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) cost-effectiveness criteria for reimbursement. Without public coverage, patients pay the full private manufacturer and pharmacy price.
Can I get Contrave cheaper online in Canada?
Yes, licensed Canadian online pharmacies (PocketPills, Felix Health, Maple Pharmacy, etc.) often offer prices in the $280–$360 range with home delivery. Always use pharmacies licensed by a provincial college of pharmacists and require a valid Canadian prescription. Avoid international or unregulated sites.
Does private insurance cover Contrave in Canada?
Some private insurance plans provide partial reimbursement for Contrave under extended health benefits, but coverage for weight-loss medications is rare and plan-specific. Check your policy details and submit receipts for possible reimbursement. Many plans exclude or limit obesity treatments.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.