If you’re taking private weight loss medication such as GLP-1 agonists – including Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – please be aware that these can affect how other medication work, in particular how well your contraception or HRT works.
As they slow the emptying of the stomach they can also interact with other medication, especially diabetic medication, warfarin and digoxin.
It is vital that your private provider is aware of all the medication you are taking and your medical history to provide safe care for you.
Contraception and HRT
- Recent guidance has been published stating that these medicines may make oral contraception less effective and increasing the risk of pregnancy, especially if you have side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea.
- GLP-1 agonists may also interfere with how your body absorbs HRT tablets, potentially reducing their effectiveness and their ability to protect the womb lining. This does not apply to transdermal HRT.
What should you do?
- First, contact your private provider, as they are best placed to advise you quickly and accurately about how your weight loss treatment might affect your contraception or HRT.
- If you’re still concerned or need further advice, please contact the surgery via anima to request a routine medication review with a pharmacist.
In the meantime:
- If in doubt, consider using additional contraception (e.g. condoms) while taking GLP-1 medications, especially for four weeks after each dose change. You may benefit from switching to a non-oral method of contraception such as implant or coil.
- If you’re on HRT and notice any changes in your symptoms such as irregular bleeding, don’t ignore them – get in touch.
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