Important

Please read the information below carefully if you are using both Mounjaro and a Contraceptive.  If you feel this applies to you or would like to discuss further, please contact the surgery.

What are GLP-1 agonists?

GLP-1 agonists are medicines like tirzepatide and semaglutide. They might have other brand names too. These medicines can only be given by a doctor or nurse. They are used for people with type 2 diabetes or to help with losing weight. They work by making food leave the stomach more slowly.

I am taking the pill. Will using a GLP-1 agonist affect my contraception?

This depends on the type of GLP-1 agonist that you are using.

If you are using tirzepatide (Mounjaro), you should use condoms along with your pill for four weeks after you start the medicine and for four weeks after any dose increase. This is because tirzepatide works a bit differently from other similar medicines. You might also think about using a different type of contraception that isn’t a pill while on tirzepatide.

For other medicines like semaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, or lixisenatide, there is no proof that they make the pill less effective.

I have diarrhoea and vomiting with my GLP-1 agonist, and I take the contraceptive pill, what should I do? 

Diarrhoea and vomiting can happen when taking GLP-1 agonists and might make the pill less effective. If you vomit within three hours of taking your pill, or have bad diarrhoea for more than a day, follow the guidance for missed pills. If diarrhoea or vomiting continues, think about using a different type of contraception that isn’t a pill, or use condoms as well.                                                                                                                                     

What about non-oral methods of contraception e.g. the coil, implant, injection, patch or ring, could these be affected by GLP-1 agonists?

GLP-1 agonists do not affect contraception methods that aren’t pills. So, it’s safe to use these other options without any extra precautions when taking a GLP-1 agonist.  

I am planning to switch from one type/brand of GLP-1 to another, does the contraception advice remain the same?

If you are changing to tirzepatide (Mounjaro) from any other GLP-1 agonist, use condoms for four weeks after switching and for four weeks after any dose increase. Keep taking your pill too. Or you might want to switch to a different type of contraception that isn’t a pill while using tirzepatide

I need emergency contraception and I’m taking a GLP-1 agonist; will it work?

We don’t know yet if GLP-1 agonists affect emergency contraception pills. The copper IUD (coil) is the best emergency contraception and isn’t affected by diarrhoea or vomiting. If you need emergency contraception, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you’re taking, including GLP-1 agonist                                                   

Can I take a GLP-1 agonist during pregnancy?

It’s important to use good contraception when taking a GLP-1 agonist because these medicines shouldn’t be used if you’re pregnant. If you get pregnant while on these medicines, talk to your doctor. You should also stop taking GLP-1 agonists several weeks before trying to get pregnant. The table below shows how many weeks you should stop the medicine before planning a pregnancy for some GLP-1 agonists.