Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain factors, including the risk of fetal harm, may determine whether you should take the drug during this time.

FDA warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In people who have depression or other mental health conditions, antidepressants such as bupropion can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Bupropion is one of the active ingredients in Contrave.

This risk is higher in children, teenagers, and young adults (up to age 24 years), especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose is adjusted.

While taking Contrave, you should pay close attention to any unusual changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Also ask loved ones, caregivers you may have, and healthcare professionals you may see to watch for such changes.

If you have thoughts of suicide during Contrave treatment, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the United States, you can also call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. You can also refer to this suicide prevention support article.

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If you may be or can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Contrave is a safe option for you.

Doctors recommend that you avoid taking Contrave while pregnant. Studies show that Contrave hasn’t caused problems with fetal development, pregnancy loss, or other pregnancy-related effects. But experts suggest that you do not try to lose weight while pregnant. This is because weight loss during pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus.

If you become pregnant while taking Contrave, your doctor will likely recommend that you discontinue this drug.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Contrave could have on you or the breastfed child.

Contrave’s active ingredients, bupropion and naltrexone, can pass into breast milk and may harm a breastfed child. As a result, doctors suggest avoiding breastfeeding while taking Contrave.

If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can recommend other treatment options for your condition.

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Contrave could affect your birth control options.

Experts do not recommend taking Contrave while you are pregnant. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Contrave.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.