Compare Contrave vs. Ozempic
Contrave and Ozempic represent two fundamentally different approaches to weight loss medication in Australia. Contrave is a daily oral tablet combining naltrexone and bupropion that targets brain reward pathways, producing ~5-8% weight loss. Ozempic is a weekly GLP-1 injection that achieves ~15% weight loss but is only PBS-subsidised for diabetes.
Compare Contrave vs Ozempic at a Glance
Compare Contrave vs Ozempic Cost in Australia
Private prescription cost per month in AUD.
Compare Contrave vs Ozempic Weight Loss Efficacy
Contrave Clinical Trials
COR-I
6.1% weight loss vs 1.3% placebo
COR-II
6.4% weight loss maintained
COR-BMOD
9.3% with intensive behaviour modification
Ozempic Clinical Trials
SUSTAIN 1-12
5-7kg weight loss (diabetes population)
STEP 1 (higher dose)
14.9% body weight reduction
Clinical trial data at highest approved doses. Individual results vary.
Compare Contrave vs Ozempic Side Effects
Contrave
Very common
- Nausea (32%)
- Constipation (18%)
- Headache (14%)
Common
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhoea
Serious (rare)
- Seizures (contraindicated in seizure disorders)
- Increased blood pressure
- Hepatotoxicity
- Suicidal thoughts (bupropion, young adults)
- Cannot be used with opioids
Ozempic
Very common
- Nausea (20-44%)
- Diarrhoea (8-30%)
- Vomiting
Common
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney injury
- Thyroid tumours (animal studies)
- Suicidal ideation (under investigation)
Compare How Contrave and Ozempic Work
Contrave
Opioid antagonist + NDRI combination
Targets two brain pathways. Naltrexone (opioid antagonist) blocks reward/craving pathways in the mesolimbic dopamine circuit. Bupropion (NDRI) acts on the hypothalamic appetite centre to reduce hunger. The combination addresses both biological hunger drive and reward-based food cravings.
Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. Slows gastric emptying, increases insulin production, reduces glucagon, and acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger. Once-weekly injection in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Compare Contrave vs Ozempic Dosing Schedule
Contrave
Daily oral tablets
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tab morning | Week 1 | Starting dose |
| 1 AM + 1 PM | Week 2 | Escalation |
| 2 AM + 1 PM | Week 3 | Escalation |
| 2 AM + 2 PM | Week 4+ | Maintenance (4 tablets/day) |
Ozempic
Weekly subcutaneous injection
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Dose escalation |
| 1mg | Week 9+ | Maintenance dose |
Compare Contrave vs Ozempic Australian Regulatory Status
Contrave
- TGA Status
- Registered on ARTG for chronic weight management
- PBS Listed
- No PBS listing
- Supply Status
- No supply issues
- Key Advantage
- Only combination oral weight loss drug in AU; no injections needed
- UK Name
- Marketed as Mysimba in the UK
Ozempic
- TGA Status
- Registered on ARTG for type 2 diabetes
- PBS Listed
- Yes, for type 2 diabetes (Authority Required)
- Off-label Use
- Restricted since Oct 2024 for new weight loss prescriptions
- Supply Status
- Ongoing shortage since 2022; improving but not resolved
- Compounding
- Compounded versions banned from 1 October 2024
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We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.
The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.