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Contrave vs Rybelsus: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Cheaper for Americans?
Contrave vs Rybelsus: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Cheaper for Americans?
- Jason K
With prescription weight loss options on the rise, more Americans are asking: Is Contrave or Rybelsus more affordable—and which one works better for me?
Both medications can support weight loss, but cost, effectiveness, and how they work differ. In 2025, affordability has become a major concern, especially for those paying out of pocket.
In this article, we break down:
- How Contrave and Rybelsus work
- Monthly pricing in the U.S. vs Canada
- Which offers better value for weight loss
- How to order your prescription from Canada and save
What Are Contrave and Rybelsus?
Contrave is a combination medication made up of bupropion (an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid) and naltrexone (used to curb cravings and reward-driven eating). Together, they act on areas of the brain that regulate appetite and reward.
Rybelsus is an oral version of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and lowers blood sugar. While approved for type 2 diabetes, it is increasingly used off-label for weight loss when Wegovy is not available or not covered by insurance.
How Are They Taken?
Contrave:
- Standard dose: 2 tablets in the morning and 2 in the evening
- Total: 4 tablets per day (120 tablets/month)
- Requires a gradual titration over 4 weeks
Rybelsus:
- Standard dose: 7 mg or 14 mg once daily
- Total: 30 tablets/month
- Must be taken on an empty stomach with no food or drink for at least 30 minutes after
Daily Cost Breakdown (Canada Source)
| Medication | Cost per Day |
|---|---|
| Rybelsus | ~$9.93 |
| Contrave | ~$12.66 |
What About Insurance or Coupons?
In the U.S., Rybelsus is often not covered for weight loss, as it’s approved for diabetes. Contrave is sometimes covered, but prior authorizations or step therapy may apply. Manufacturer coupons are available but often only cover a few months or require insurance denial letters.
By ordering from Canada, you bypass the insurance hurdles and get the same medication, shipped for personal use, at a consistent and lower cost.
Which Medication Is Better for Weight Loss?
Effectiveness varies by patient, but here’s what studies show:
Rybelsus (semaglutide):
- Can lead to 8–12% body weight loss over 6–12 months
- Most effective when used at 14 mg daily
- Helps reduce appetite and delay gastric emptying
- Similar compound to Ozempic and Wegovy
Contrave:
- Typically leads to 5–9% body weight loss
- Best for patients who struggle with emotional eating or cravings
- May increase energy due to bupropion
- Some patients may experience nausea or insomnia
Side Effect Comparison
| Side Effect | Contrave | Rybelsus |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | Common | Common |
| Constipation | Possible | Possible |
| Headache | Common | Less common |
| Insomnia | Common | Rare |
| Appetite Suppression | Moderate | Strong |
How to Order Contrave or Rybelsus from Canada
At Over the Border Meds, we help Americans order medications safely from licensed Canadian pharmacies. Here’s how:
1. Get a valid U.S. prescription for Rybelsus or Contrave
2. Upload it to: https://overthebordermeds.com/upload-prescription-document/
3. Place your order and choose your shipping method
4. Medications are shipped directly to your home
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re focused on cost, Rybelsus is currently the better value—especially when ordered from Canada. It also tends to deliver greater weight loss in most clinical trials.
However, if you’ve struggled with emotional eating or have found GLP-1s difficult to tolerate, Contrave may still be a strong option, despite the slightly higher price.
Whichever medication you choose, make sure you are working with your healthcare provider, monitoring side effects, and considering Canadian pricing if affordability is a concern.