GLP-1 treatment, pregnancy and contraception: the rules

Pregnancy and trying to conceive #

Do not use these weight-management medicines during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are planning pregnancy, agree when to stop and how to manage your health with your prescriber.

• Semaglutide (Wegovy injection or tablets): stop at least 2 months before trying to conceive.
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): stop at least 1 month before trying to conceive.
• Orforglipron (Foundayo): stop at least 3 weeks before a planned pregnancy.

These intervals come from MHRA guidance and Foundayo UK product information, section 4.6. Continue effective contraception during the relevant interval. If pregnancy occurs, stop the medicine and contact your prescriber, GP or midwife promptly for individual advice.

Medicines and the contraceptive pill #

For Mounjaro, use a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method, such as condoms, for 4 weeks after starting and for 4 weeks after every dose increase. See MHRA contraception guidance.

For Foundayo, use a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method for 30 days after starting and for 30 days after each dose increase. See Foundayo UK product information, section 4.5.

Wegovy does not carry the same additional contraceptive precaution. Vomiting or severe diarrhoea can affect oral contraception with any treatment: follow your contraceptive leaflet and ask a pharmacist or contraception service if you need advice, including emergency contraception. Some methods take time to become effective after switching.

A note on fertility #

Do not rely on irregular periods or previous difficulty conceiving as contraception. Discuss a suitable method with a clinician if pregnancy is possible. These medicines are not fertility treatments.

HRT and other oral medicines #

Tell your prescriber about all medicines, including HRT, thyroid treatment, supplements and contraception. Delayed stomach emptying and other interactions may affect individual medicines. Do not change HRT or other prescribed treatment yourself; ask your clinician whether your current formulation or monitoring needs to change.