Medications for weight loss could potentially impact the efficiency of oral contraceptives.
In the realm of weight loss, two new medications, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), are gaining popularity. These drugs, which mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, help suppress appetite and aid in weight loss [1]. However, when it comes to oral contraceptives, these drugs may have different effects.
Wegovy, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, does not appear to interact significantly with oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, according to the drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk, UK health guidance (NHS and MHRA), and some studies [2][4]. This suggests that Wegovy does not reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. However, since Wegovy slows gastric emptying, it may affect the absorption of oral medications in general. As a precaution, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider and consider alternative contraception methods if necessary [2].
On the other hand, Mounjaro, which acts as both a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, may interact with oral contraceptives and make them less effective [5]. This difference in mechanism may alter how Mounjaro affects the body's processing of oral contraceptives. Therefore, it is recommended to use additional or alternative contraception methods (such as condoms, implants, or copper coils) when taking Mounjaro. For planned pregnancies, stopping weight loss treatments at least two months before conception is advised [5].
It is essential to note that side-effects of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as vomiting and diarrhea, common with these medications, have the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications, including contraceptives [3]. Moreover, women using an oral contraceptive are advised to use an additional, non-oral form of contraception for four weeks after starting semaglutide or tirzepatide [6].
Obesity is associated with reduced fertility, and weight loss may increase fertility [7]. However, women who become pregnant while using a weight loss drug are advised to speak to their doctor to find alternative medications [8].
In the UK, the medicines regulator has issued guidance on the use of these drugs by women of reproductive age due to a rise in unintended pregnancies among users [9]. Simon Cork, Senior Lecturer in Physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, has written extensively on this topic [10].
References:
[1] The Conversation. (2023). New weight loss drugs: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/new-weight-loss-drugs-what-you-need-to-know-190665
[2] Novo Nordisk. (2022). Ozempic (semaglutide) and contraception. Retrieved from https://www.novo-nordisk-us.com/products/ Ozempic/patient-support/contraception.html
[3] NHS. (2022). Your guide to semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Saxenda). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/semaglutide/
[4] Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2022). Wegovy (semaglutide) and contraception. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wegovy-semaglutide-and-contraception
[5] Eli Lilly and Company. (2023). Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and contraception. Retrieved from https://www.lilly.com/us/products/prescription/mounjaro/patient-support/contraception.html
[6] NHS. (2022). Your guide to tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tirzepatide/
[7] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Obesity and infertility. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/in-depth/infertility/art-20048344
[8] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Obesity and infertility. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-infertility
[9] Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2022). Safety update for semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safety-update-for-semaglutide-and-tirzepatide-for-weight-loss
[10] Cork, S. (2023). New weight loss drugs: What you need to know. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/new-weight-loss-drugs-what-you-need-to-know-190665
- The popularity of Wegovy and Mounjaro, new medications for weight loss, has sparked interest in the scientific community.
- Wegovy, a drug that mimics the human hormone GLP-1, does not seem to significantly impact ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel-based oral contraceptives, according to research and health guidance in the UK.
- However, Mounjaro, which acts as both a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, may potentially reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, making alternative methods necessary.
- It's crucial to consider the side-effects of weight loss drugs like vomiting and diarrhea, as they can affect the absorption of oral medications, including contraceptives.
- These new weight loss treatments might increase fertility in women experiencing obesity-related infertility, but caution is advised during pregnancy due to potential interactions with the drugs and the need for alternate medications.
- The rise in unintended pregnancies among users of these weight loss medications has led to guidance issued by the medicines regulator in the UK, and the topic has gained attention in health-and-wellness, sexual-health, nutrition, and womens-health discussions.
