Interaction reference
GLP-1 receptor agonists with Oral contraceptives
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) reduces oral contraceptive efficacy at initiation and after each dose escalation. Semaglutide-based GLP-1s do not have this interaction.
Tirzepatide users: add a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase. Semaglutide users: no contraceptive interaction documented.
Also known as: birth control pills, combined hormonal contraceptives
Per-GLP-1 breakdown
- Wegovysemaglutide 2.4 mgNo documented interaction
Mechanism: Semaglutide does not significantly affect oral-contraceptive absorption.
What to do: No additional contraceptive precautions required.
- OzempicsemaglutideNo documented interaction
Mechanism: Same as Wegovy — semaglutide does not interfere with combined hormonal contraceptive PK.
What to do: No additional contraceptive precautions required.
- ZepboundtirzepatideMajor
Mechanism: Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying enough to reduce oral-contraceptive Cmax and AUC, particularly at the 0.5 mg starting dose and at each escalation.
What to do: Use a non-oral contraceptive method (IUD, implant, depot injection) or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting Zepbound and after each dose escalation.
- MounjarotirzepatideMajor
Mechanism: Same as Zepbound — tirzepatide is the same active ingredient.
What to do: Use a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose escalation.
- FoundayoorforglipronMonitor
Mechanism: Limited PK data on coadministration with oral contraceptives — orforglipron does not delay gastric emptying as profoundly as tirzepatide.
What to do: Until more data is published, conservative approach is to add a barrier method for the first month. Review with prescriber at 8 weeks.