Pregnancy and Contraception: Important Information for those Taking GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 Medications

You have been prescribed one of the following medications for weight management or diabetes:

• Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
• Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
• Wegovy® (semaglutide)
• Ozempic® (semaglutide)
• Foundayo® (orforglipron)

These medications belong to a class of drugs that may affect pregnancy and, in some cases, the effectiveness of oral birth control pills. Please read the sections below that apply to your medication.

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Key Takeaways

• Use effective contraception while taking your medication.
• Zepbound®, Mounjaro®, and Foundayo® may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control pills.
• If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop your medication immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
• If you’re planning on becoming pregnant, it is advised to stop your GLP medication at least 2 months prior to planning to conceive. You can stop taking your GLP-1 immediately, no need to taper or reduce dosage.

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Birth Control: Does My Medication Affect Oral Birth Control Pills?

If you take Zepbound® or Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

Tirzepatide slows stomach emptying, which may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of oral hormonal contraceptives.

Choose ONE of the following options:

Option 1: Switch to a non-oral form of contraception (see examples below).

OR

Option 2: Continue taking your birth control pills and use a backup barrier method (such as condoms):

• For 4 weeks after your first injection, and
• For 4 weeks after every dose increase.

Because tirzepatide doses are increased gradually, you may need to use backup contraception more than once during dose titration.

If you take Foundayo® (orforglipron)

Foundayo® slows stomach emptying and may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of oral hormonal contraceptives.

Choose ONE of the following options:

Option 1: Switch to a non-oral form of contraception (see examples below).

OR

Option 2: Continue taking your birth control pills and use a backup barrier method (such as condoms):

• For 30 days after your first dose, and
• For 30 days after every dose increase.

Because Foundayo® doses are increased gradually, you may need to use backup contraception more than once during dose escalation.

If you take Wegovy® or Ozempic® (semaglutide)

Clinical studies have shown that semaglutide does not significantly affect the absorption or effectiveness of oral birth control pills. Therefore, no additional backup contraception is required solely because you are taking semaglutide.

Continue taking your birth control as prescribed and use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking semaglutide.

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Non-Oral Birth Control Options

The following contraceptive methods are not affected by delayed stomach emptying:

• IUD (Mirena®, Kyleena®, Paragard®)
• Birth control implant (Nexplanon®)
• Birth control injection (Depo-Provera®)
• Contraceptive patch
• Vaginal ring

Discuss with your healthcare provider which contraceptive option is best for you.

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Backup Barrier Methods

If you continue taking oral birth control while using tirzepatide or Foundayo®, examples of backup contraception include:

• Male condoms
• Female condoms (also known as vaginal or internal condoms)
• Diaphragm

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Pregnancy

GLP-1 medications may cause harm to a developing baby based on animal studies. Weight loss during pregnancy is not recommended.

While taking any of these medications:

• Use effective contraception throughout your treatment.
• If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop your medication immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
• If your pregnancy plans change while you are enrolled in the Onsera Health program, please notify your Onsera Health clinical team as soon as possible. In accordance with Onsera Health policy, GLP-1 medications should be discontinued at least 2 months before attempting to conceive, and your clinical team will guide you through this process.
• If you were exposed to one of these medications during early pregnancy, do not panic. Current human data have not shown a clear pattern of birth defects, though data remain limited. However, you should stop the medication and notify your healthcare provider promptly.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Onsera Health Clinical Team through the app, or reach out to 1-855-9ONSERA.

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_{This handout is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your Onsera care team before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.}