Can You Take GLP-1 Medications with Birth Control Pills?
- Lori Fauquier, APN-C, WHNP
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are powerful tools for medical weight loss, helping individuals manage hunger, regulate blood sugar, and achieve sustainable weight loss. But if you’re taking birth control pills, you might be wondering:
Can GLP-1 medications affect birth control effectiveness?
Should I use a backup contraceptive method while on GLP-1s?
Let’s break it down.
How GLP-1 Medications May Impact Birth Control Pills
GLP-1 medications slow down gastric emptying, meaning food and medications stay in your stomach longer before being absorbed. Since oral contraceptives rely on proper absorption to be effective, there is a potential risk that GLP-1 medications could delay or reduce absorption, especially if you're experiencing side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The biggest concern is that if you vomit within three to four hours of taking your birth control pill, your body may not have fully absorbed it, which could decrease its effectiveness and put you at risk for unintended pregnancy.
When You Should Use a Backup Contraceptive Method
During the First 4 Weeks of Starting a GLP-1 Medication – Your body needs time to adjust to the medication, and side effects like nausea and vomiting are more common in the beginning. Use a backup method (such as condoms) for at least the first four weeks.
Each Time You Increase Your GLP-1 Dose – Higher doses can intensify gastrointestinal side effects, which may impact birth control absorption. It is recommended to use backup protection for at least four weeks after each dose increase.
If You Experience Frequent GI Issues – If you're regularly dealing with vomiting, diarrhea, or severe nausea, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative birth control options that do not rely on digestion for effectiveness.
Consider Non-Oral Birth Control Options
If you're concerned about birth control effectiveness while on GLP-1s, talk to your healthcare provider about switching to a non-oral contraceptive method, such as:
IUD (Intrauterine Device) – Available in hormonal (Mirena, Kyleena) or non-hormonal (copper IUD - Paragard) options.
Birth Control Patch (Xulane, Twirla) – Delivers hormones through the skin, avoiding absorption issues.
Birth Control Injection (Depo-Provera) – Given every three months, making it a convenient long-term option.
Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing, Annovera) – A flexible ring inserted into the vagina, delivering consistent hormone levels.
Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon) – A small rod placed under the skin that provides up to three years of pregnancy prevention.
Non-oral birth control methods bypass the digestive system, eliminating concerns about absorption delays or effectiveness issues caused by GLP-1 medications.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can take GLP-1 medications and birth control pills together, but there is a small risk of decreased effectiveness, particularly if you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To stay protected:
Use a backup contraceptive method for at least four weeks when starting GLP-1s and after each dose increase.
Take your birth control pill at a different time of day than your GLP-1 injection to reduce potential interference.
Consider switching to a non-oral contraceptive method if you're experiencing frequent GI side effects.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best contraceptive options for you.
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Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications or contraceptive methods.
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