GLP-1 medicines (weight loss drugs) and contraception – Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency advice

· All individuals of child-bearing potential (who are able to become pregnant) using GLP-1 medications should take steps to ensure they do not become pregnant.

· GLP-1 medicines should not be taken during pregnancy or just before trying to get pregnant. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking a GLP-1 medicine can cause harm to the baby. In some animal studies, GLP-1 medicines were found to be harmful to the unborn foetus, although more information is needed to see whether or not this same effect would be seen in humans. If you are using a GLP-1 medicine and think you might be pregnant, speak to a healthcare professional straight away.

· As a precautionary measure, you should use contraception or avoid having sexual intercourse where you could become pregnant while taking GLP-1 medicines and for a defined “wash-out” period after (the length of time the medicine should be stopped before trying to get pregnant).

· How many months should GLP-1 be stopped before pregnancy?

· Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus) · At least 2 months

· Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) · At least 1 month

· Liraglutide (All brands) · 0 months*

· *These medicines leave your body much quicker than the other GLP-1 medicines, which means they should be stopped just before trying to become pregnant.

· If you are using Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and take an oral contraceptive (the pill), you should add a non-oral, barrier form of contraception (e.g. condom) for four weeks after starting GLP-1 medicines, and for four weeks after any increase in dose. This is because GLP-1 medicines may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight or obese. Alternatively, you may wish to switch to a non-oral form of contraception, like the coil or implant which are not as affected by GLP-1s. Not all methods of birth control become effective immediately, please discuss your chosen

method with a healthcare professional or consult the patient information leaflet to ensure you are effectively covered. · For further information on GLP-1s and contraception use, please see guidance from The College of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH) (previously known as The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH)). If you have any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.

 

GLP-1 medicines and breastfeeding

· GLP-1 medicines should not be taken by people who are breastfeeding. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking a GLP-1 medicine can cause harm to the baby. If you have any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.