Many patients are now using weight loss medications. These medications work partly by slowing down how your stomach empties – which can effect how well other medications (like the contraceptive pill or oral HRT tablets) are absorbed by your body.
You may be currently prescribed one of these on the NHS or purchasing it privately.
| Medication | Brand name examples |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus |
| Exenatide | Bydureon BCise |
| Liraglutide | Saxenda, Diavic, Victoza |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity |
| Lixisenatide | Contained in Suliqua |
If you take the contraceptive pill:
If you are using tirzepatide (mounjaro) this medicine may reduce how well the pill works. You should:
- Use a non-oral method (e.g. coil or implant or
- Add a barrier method (like condoms) for 4 weeks after starting or increasing the dose.
- Use extra protection (like condoms) if you have vomiting or diarrhoea and follow the missed pill rules (see patient information leaflet which comes with your pill) if you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill or have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours.
There is currently no evidence that semaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide or lixisenatide reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception (i.e. the combined pill, or the progestogen only pill “mini-pill”).
Please click this link for further information:
If you’re taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
This applies if your HRT includes progesterone tablets like:
- Progesterone or Utrogestan
- Norethisterone
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate
It does not apply to HRT patches or the mirena coil.
There is come concern that weight loss medication – such as Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) – may reduce how well these tablets are absorbed. This could lead to irregular bleeding and may affect the protection of your womb lining (potentially leading to an increased risk of endometrial cancer).
What are the best options? Please contact us to talk about the best choice for you.
Options include:
Mirena coil (IUS):
- The ideal option in most cases.
- Works for 5 years as part of HRT and is also a contraceptive.
Combined HRT patch:
- It contains both hormones (oestrogen + progestogen) and bypasses the stomach.
Increased oral progesterone dose:
- Your GP may recommend a higher dose for 4 weeks after starting or increasing the dose of your weight loss medication. This will need to be discussed with a GP.