NAVIGATING BIRTH CONTROL AND MOUNJARO/ZEPBOUND: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In the realm of women’s health, birth control pills have long been a popular contraceptive choice. Meanwhile, the rise of medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound for weight loss and diabetes management has prompted questions about their compatibility with oral contraceptives. To shed light on this topic, we’ve consulted with Dr. Yael Cooperman, MD, to explore the relationship between Mounjaro/Zepbound and birth control pills.

UNDERSTANDING THE INTERACTION

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, operates by slowing down the transit of contents through the digestive system. This mechanism of action can potentially interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives. The delayed gastric emptying caused by tirzepatide may reduce the absorption of medications taken orally, including birth control pills.

IMPLICATIONS FOR BIRTH CONTROL USERS

For individuals utilizing oral contraceptives, it’s essential to be aware of the potential interaction with Mounjaro/Zepbound. The decrease in effectiveness of oral contraception is most pronounced during the initial stages of tirzepatide treatment and tends to improve over time.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BIRTH CONTROL USERS

If you’re considering Mounjaro/Zepbound treatment and currently rely on oral contraceptives, here are some recommendations:

1. Combination Approach: During the first four weeks after initiating Mounjaro/Zepbound treatment and following each dosage increase, continue using your oral contraceptive method. Additionally, incorporate a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, to enhance pregnancy prevention during this period.
2. Consider Alternatives: Alternatively, you may opt to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant, before commencing Mounjaro/Zepbound treatment. This eliminates the risk of decreased effectiveness associated with oral contraceptives.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND GUIDANCE

It’s crucial to prioritize safety and open communication with your healthcare provider when navigating the use of Mounjaro/Zepbound alongside birth control pills. Your provider can offer personalized guidance based on your medical history, current medications, and contraceptive needs.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ZEPBOUND

Before initiating Zepbound treatment, ensure you review the full Important Safety Information provided by the manufacturer. Understanding potential warnings and safety considerations is essential for informed decision-making regarding your health.

CONCLUSION

While Mounjaro and Zepbound offer promising benefits for weight loss and diabetes management, individuals using birth control pills must be mindful of potential interactions. By staying informed and collaborating closely with healthcare providers, individuals can make informed decisions about their contraceptive and treatment options.

DISCLAIMER

For personalized medical advice and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. The information presented in this article is based on peer-reviewed research and reputable sources but should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your healthcare provider is the best resource for addressing any medical questions or concerns you may have.

SOURCES:

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). “Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch, and Ring.” Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/combined-hormonal-birth-control-pill-patch-and-ring
2. Chilton, M., Dunkley, A. J., Carter, P., Davies, M. J., Khunti, K., & Gray, L. J. (2019). “The effect of anti-obesity drugs on waist circumference: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Obesity Reviews, 20(11), 1547-1558.
3. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). “Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use: Highlights of Prescribing Information.” Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/214270s000lbl.pdf
4. Novo Nordisk. (n.d.). “Wegovy.” Retrieved from https://www.wegovy.com
5. Udell, J. A., Yuan, Z., Rush, T., Sicignano, N. M., Galitz, L., Rosenthal, N., & Cushman, W. C. (2021). “Cardiovascular outcomes in patients who experienced weight loss after treatment with semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo: Insights from the STEP 4 trial.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 23(2), 477-486.