WEIGHT LOSS / T2 DIABETES JABS & CONTRACEPTION / HRT

Posted by: debraspencer2 - Posted on:

⚠️ Important Info for Patients Taking GLP-1 Medicines ⚠️

Are you taking a GLP-1 medicine for weight loss or type 2 diabetes?

These medicines are very effective — but they can affect how your body absorbs other medicines taken by mouth.

This is especially important if you’re also taking:
✅ The pill (oral contraception)
✅ Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tablets

Examples of GLP-1 medicines include:

  • Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound*)
    (Note: Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors but has similar effects on stomach emptying.)

🚫 GLP-1 Medicines & The Pill (Oral Contraceptives)

GLP-1 medicines slow down how quickly your stomach empties. This can mean your body doesn’t absorb the pill as well — reducing how effectively it prevents pregnancy.

When is this most important?
🗓️ First 4 weeks after starting your GLP-1 medicine
🗓️ 4 weeks after any dose increase

What should you do?
✔️ Use a backup method of contraception (like condoms) for at least 4 weeks after starting or increasing your GLP-1 medicine.
✔️ Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your options.
✔️ Always read your medicine’s patient leaflet.

🔎 This guidance comes from the UK’s MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and is included in official medicine leaflets.

Click Here for a Leaflet from the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH)

🌡️ GLP-1 Medicines & HRT

If you’re taking HRT for menopause symptoms, delayed stomach emptying can affect how well your body absorbs the hormones.

This could mean your HRT isn’t as effective, and your menopause symptoms might come back, like:

  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood changes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Or significantly, that the oral progesterone you are taking to keep the womb healthy may not be able to work as it should.
  • If you are taking one of these drugs and any part of your HRT is taken orally, please book an appointment with us, to discuss if a dose or formulation change is necessary.

While there’s no specific MHRA warning yet about HRT, the same caution applies to any oral medicine. NICE guidance recommends tailoring HRT to each person’s needs — and switching away from tablets might be safer for some.

What should you do?
✔️ Talk to your prescriber or menopause specialist.
✔️ Ask about non-oral HRT options like patches, gels, sprays, or implants, which bypass your stomach and are not affected.
✔️ Keep an eye on your symptoms and seek medical advice if they return.

✅ What Should You Do Next?

  • Don’t stop taking your medicines without advice.
  • Speak to your healthcare team if you’re using oral contraception or oral HRT and have started a GLP-1 medicine.
  • Stay alert for any changes in symptoms or medication effectiveness.

Your health matters — stay informed and stay safe – and do not hesitate to contact us for more support.