For Patients Taking GLP-1 Medications and Oral Contraception or HRT

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Important Information for Patients Taking GLP-1 Medications and Oral Contraception or HRT

Are you taking a GLP-1 medicine for weight loss or Type 2 diabetes?

Examples include:
• Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
• Exenatide
• Liraglutide
• Dulaglutide
• Lixidenative

If you are also using an oral contraceptive or oral HRT (hormone replacement therapy), please read the following information carefully.

 Why is this important?

1. GLP-1 Medications (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide) & Oral Contraceptive Pill

GLP-1 medications slow down stomach emptying, which can reduce how well your body absorbs oral medications, including the contraceptive pill.

This may lower the effectiveness of your contraceptive, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

When is this most relevant?

    • During the first 4 weeks after starting a GLP-1 medicine
    • For 4 weeks after any dose increase

    What should you do?

    • Use extra protection, such as condoms, for at least 4 weeks after starting or increasing your GLP-1 dose
    • Consider non-oral contraception options (e.g. coil, implant, patch, injection). Speak to your GP for advice
    • See further information: Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf

    2. GLP-1 Medications (Semaglutide or Tirzepatide)  & Oral HRT

    Recent guidance suggests GLP-1 medications may reduce the absorption of oral progesterone, which is used in some forms of HRT.

    This could reduce protection of the womb lining (endometrium) and potentially increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

    What should you do?

    Book an appointment with your GP to discuss safer alternatives, such as non-oral forms of HRT (e.g. patches, gels, or vaginal progesterone).

    3. GLP1 ( All of the above) and Oral Contraception If You Experience Diarrhoea or Vomiting

    Diarrhoea and vomiting are common side effects of GLP-1 medications and can make the contraceptive pill less effective.

    • If you vomit within 3 hours of taking your pill, or
    • Have severe diarrhoea lasting more than 1 day, you should follow the usual guidance for missed pills (take another pill as soon as possible and use additional protection).

    If diarrhoea or vomiting continues, consider:

    • Using a different type of contraception that is not a pill (e.g., implant, coil)
    • Using condoms alongside your pill to ensure extra protection
    • See missed pill advice: What to do if you miss a combined pill or take an extra one – NHS

    Need Support?

    If you think this applies to you, or if you’d like to discuss your options, please contact the surgery to book an appointment with your GP or prescribing clinician.