Bupropiondosage

CONTRAVE dose escalation schedule: Morning Dose Evening Dose Week 1 1 tablet None Week 2 1 tablet 1 tablet Week 3 2 tablets 1 tablet Week 4 – Onward 2 tablets 2 tablets

2.1 Recommended

Dosage Initiate and escalate the dosage of CONTRAVE according to the schedule in Table 1: Table 1. Dosage Initiation and Escalation Schedule for CONTRAVE Morning Dose Evening Dose Week 1 1 tablet None Week 2 1 tablet 1 tablet Week 3 2 tablets 1 tablet Week 4 – Onward 2 tablets 2 tablets A total daily dosage of 32 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride (HCl) and 360 mg bupropion HCl (two CONTRAVE 8 mg/90 mg tablets twice daily) is reached at the start of Week 4. CONTRAVE should be taken by mouth in the morning and in the evening. The tablets should not be cut, chewed, or crushed. Total daily doses greater than 32 mg/360 mg per day (two tablets twice daily) are not recommended. In clinical trials, CONTRAVE was administered with meals. However, CONTRAVE should not be taken with a high-fat meal because of a resulting significant increase in bupropion and naltrexone systemic exposure. Patients may develop elevated blood pressure or heart rate during CONTRAVE treatment; the risk may be greater during the initial three months of therapy. Because patients with hypertension may be at increased risk for developing blood pressure elevations, such patients should be monitored for this potential effect when initiating treatment with CONTRAVE. Response to therapy should be evaluated after 12 weeks at the maintenance dosage. If a patient has not lost at least 5% of baseline body weight, discontinue CONTRAVE, as it is unlikely that the patient will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.

2.2 Dose Adjustment in

Patients with Renal Impairment In patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, the maximum recommended daily dose for CONTRAVE is two tablets (one tablet each morning and evening). CONTRAVE is not recommended for use in patients with end-stage renal disease.

2.3 Dose Adjustment in

Patients with Hepatic Impairment In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum recommended daily maintenance dose of CONTRAVE is two tablets (one tablet each morning and evening). CONTRAVE is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

2.4 Switching a

Patient To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Antidepressant At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of therapy with CONTRAVE. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping CONTRAVE before starting an MAOI antidepressant.

2.5 Concomitant

Use with CYP2B6 Inhibitors During concomitant use with CYP2B6 inhibitors (e.g., ticlopidine or clopidogrel), the maximum recommended daily dose of CONTRAVE is two tablets (one tablet each morning and evening).