The question of how many pills is a 30 day supply of Contrave? has two distinct answers depending on whether a patient is in the initial titration phase or has reached the maintenance dosage. The medication, a combination of naltrexone and bupropion, is introduced gradually to help the body adjust and minimize side effects like nausea. For this reason, a new prescription for the first 30 days of treatment will have a different total pill count than a prescription for subsequent months.
Understanding the Contrave Titration Schedule
Contrave has a gradual, four-week dose escalation schedule to help patients adjust to the medication and manage potential side effects. The typical schedule is:
- Week 1: One tablet once daily.
- Week 2: One tablet in the morning and one in the evening.
- Week 3: Two tablets in the morning and one in the evening.
- Week 4 and onward: Two tablets in the morning and two in the evening.
This schedule leads to a maintenance dose of four tablets per day by the fourth week.
Calculating the First 30-Day Supply
Following the standard titration schedule, the total number of pills for the first 30 days can be calculated by adding the pills taken each week:
- Week 1 (Days 1-7): 7 pills (1 tablet/day)
- Week 2 (Days 8-14): 14 pills (2 tablets/day)
- Week 3 (Days 15-21): 21 pills (3 tablets/day)
- Remaining 9 days (Days 22-30): 36 pills (4 tablets/day)
Therefore, the initial 30-day supply is 78 pills.
What Is the Standard Maintenance 30-Day Supply?
After the initial titration, the full maintenance dose is four tablets per day. A 30-day supply at this dose is 4 tablets/day * 30 days = 120 tablets. Pharmacies typically dispense 120 tablets for refills after the titration phase.
Comparison of Contrave Monthly Doses
| Dosing Period | Tablets Per Day | 30-Day Supply (approx.) | Dosing Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Titration (First 30 days) | Varies (1-4) | 78 tablets | Gradual increase to minimize side effects. |
| Maintenance (Ongoing) | 4 tablets | 120 tablets | Standard effective dose. |
Important Considerations for Your Contrave Prescription
Following a Dosing Schedule
- Take doses consistently at the same times each day.
- If a dose is missed, skip it and take the next one at the usual time; do not take extra doses.
- Therapeutic effects may take several weeks to become noticeable.
Proper Tablet Administration
- Contrave tablets should not be cut, chewed, or crushed; swallow them whole. Modifying tablets can affect drug release and increase seizure risk.
- Take with meals, but avoid high-fat meals as they can increase medication absorption and side effect risk.
Refilling Your Prescription
Refills are typically for the 120-tablet maintenance supply. If you are on a lower dose, your prescription quantity may differ. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
Conclusion
The 30-day supply of Contrave depends on the treatment phase. The first 30 days require about 78 tablets due to titration, while subsequent 30-day supplies for the maintenance dose are typically 120 tablets. Always follow your doctor's instructions. For more information, consult resources like Drugs.com.
