MOUNJARO AND CONTRACEPTION OR HRT
Please read the information below carefully if you are using Mounjaro and a contraceptive or HRT. If you feel this applies to you or you would like to discuss this 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.
Medication Brand Name
Tirzepatide Mounjaro
Semaglutide Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Exanatide Bydureon BCise
Liraglutide Saxenda, Diavic, Victoza
Dulaglutide Trulicity
Lixisenatide Contained in Suliqua
I am taking the pill. Will using a GLP-1 agonist affect my contraception?
This will depend on the type of GLP-1 agonist you are using. If you are using Mounjaro you should use condoms along with your pill for 4 weeks after you start the medication and for 4 weeks after any dose increase. This is because Mounjaro 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 Mounjaro.
For other medicines like Semaglutide, Exanatide, Liraglutide, Dulaglutide or Lixisenatide there is no proof that the pill is 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 with taking GLP-1 agonists and might make the pill less effective. If you vomit within 3 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 the pill or use condoms as well.
What about non-oral methods of contraception eg, 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 is 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 agonist 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 4 weeks after switching and for 4 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 am 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 are taking including GLP-1 agonists.
Can I take a GLP-1 agonist during pregnancy?
It is important to use good contraception when taking a GLP-1 agonist because these medicines should not be used if you are 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.
If you are taking Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) you will need to stop one month before planning a pregnancy.
If you are taking Semaglutide (Ozempic, Weygovy, Rybelsus) you will need to stop two months before planning a pregnancy.
If you are taking Exanatide (Bydureon BCise) you will need to stop 12 weeks before planning a pregnancy.
I am on HRT and taking Mounjaro – what do I need to know?
If you are taking oral progesterone as part of your HRT (for example, Utrogestan, Norethisterone, Medroxyprogesterone) then you need to be aware that Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may have an impact on the effectiveness of your HRT. This means your HRT might not protect your endometrium (womb lining) enough. Please contact the surgery to book an HRT review as we may need to increase your dose or change you to a different form of medication.
If you do not take HRT orally (for example, use a patch, a gel or Mirena coil instead of a tablet) then you do not need to worry.
This information is based on a leaflet from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) and the Primary Care Women’s Health Society.
This is for information only and should not be a substitute for seeking medical advice. Decisions regarding your contraception choices should always include discussion with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have any questions or concerns. No contraception is 100% effective and there is always a risk of pregnancy. The FSRH bears no liability for the choices an individual makes regarding contraception or the outcome of the decision.