As your local pharmacist, we're always here to provide guidance on how medications might affect your everyday life — especially when it comes to something as important as contraception. If you're taking, or thinking about taking, a GLP-1 medication for type 2 diabetes or weight loss, here’s what you need to know about how these medications could impact your contraception.
GLP-1 agonists are a type of prescription medication that help:
Lower blood sugar
Suppress appetite
Slow down digestion (this is called delayed gastric emptying)
You might know them by brand names such as:
Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Bydureon (exenatide)
Suliqua (contains lixisenatide)
These are often used for managing type 2 diabetes or supporting weight loss.
That depends on which GLP-1 you're using:
There is currently no evidence that these affect how well your oral contraceptive (like the combined pill or mini pill) works.
This one’s a little different. If you're taking tirzepatide, you should use extra contraception (e.g. condoms) for:
Four weeks after starting
Four weeks after any dose increase
Alternatively, you may want to switch to a non-oral method of contraception while on tirzepatide.
Side effects like diarrhoea or vomiting are fairly common with GLP-1 medications, especially in the beginning.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking your pill, or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your pill may not be absorbed properly.
In that case, follow the usual “missed pill” advice, and consider using condoms or switching to a non-oral contraceptive method if sickness continues.
Good news—they don’t.
If you use contraception that isn't taken by mouth (like the coil, implant, injection, patch or ring), there's no known interaction with GLP-1 medications. You don't need to take any extra precautions when using these methods.
If you're switching to tirzepatide from any other GLP-1 medication, the same advice applies: use condoms for four weeks after the switch, and again after any dose increases, while continuing with your pill. Or consider changing to a non-oral option.
We don’t yet know whether oral emergency contraception is affected by GLP-1 medications. If you need emergency contraception:
The copper coil (IUD) is the most reliable option and isn't affected by vomiting or diarrhoea.
Always tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you're taking, including GLP-1s.
No—GLP-1 medications are not recommended in pregnancy. If you are planning to get pregnant, you should stop your GLP-1 in advance:
| GLP-1 Medication | Stop This Many Weeks Before Trying to Conceive |
|---|---|
| Tirzepatide | 4 weeks |
| Semaglutide | 8 weeks |
| Exenatide | 12 weeks |
If you find out you’re pregnant while on a GLP-1, speak to your GP or pharmacist right away.
GLP-1 medications can be life-changing—but they do come with some important things to consider when it comes to contraception. If you're starting, switching, or currently using a GLP-1 and have any concerns about your birth control, don’t hesitate to talk to us.
✅ Always get your GLP-1 medication from a registered pharmacy to ensure it's safe and effective.
�� Need help or advice? We’re here to answer your questions—just give us a call or stop by for a chat.
If you would like to know if GLP1 medications are suitable for you, you can book a free appointment by completing our pre-screening questionnaire below:
To book an appointment for any of our private services such as Flu Vaccinations, Travel Jabs or Weight Loss, please visit https://fasturl.co.uk/02MwKw25
You will be asked to complete some pre-screening questions, after which you can book an appointment time.
Thanks
Ruhana & Kevin
Pharmacists