Mounjaro and Contraception: Important Guidance for Women

If you're a woman of reproductive age considering Mounjaro, understanding how it interacts with contraception is important for preventing unintended pregnancy.

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How Mounjaro Affects Oral Contraceptives

Mounjaro slows gastric emptying (the rate at which your stomach empties its contents). This can affect how oral contraceptives (the pill) are absorbed, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

This effect is most significant during:

• The dose escalation period when your body is adjusting
• The first few weeks at each new dose level

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Recommendations for Contraception

If You Use Oral Contraceptives

The Mounjaro prescribing information recommends that women using oral contraceptives:

• Use an additional barrier method (such as condoms) as backup contraception
• Be especially vigilant during dose escalation periods
• Consider switching to a non-oral contraceptive method

Non-Oral Alternatives

Contraceptive methods not affected by Mounjaro include:

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) – hormonal (Mirena) or copper
• Contraceptive implants (Jadelle)
• Contraceptive injections (Depo-Provera)
• Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms)
• Vaginal rings (NuvaRing) – though these contain hormones, absorption is not affected

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Pregnancy and Mounjaro

Do Not Use During Pregnancy

Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown potential risks to the developing foetus.

Planning Pregnancy

If you're planning to become pregnant:

• Stop Mounjaro at least 2 months before trying to conceive
• This allows the medication to clear from your system
• Discuss your plans with your prescriber

If You Become Pregnant While on Mounjaro

Stop taking Mounjaro immediately and contact your doctor. Your prescriber will discuss next steps and monitor your pregnancy.

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Breastfeeding

It's not known whether tirzepatide passes into breast milk. Mounjaro is not recommended while breastfeeding. If you're breastfeeding or planning to, discuss alternative options with your doctor.

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Weight Loss and Fertility

An important consideration: significant weight loss can improve fertility in women with obesity-related fertility issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you weren't previously ovulating regularly, you may become more fertile as you lose weight.

This makes reliable contraception even more important if you don't wish to become pregnant.

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Discuss with Your Doctor

Before starting Mounjaro, have an open conversation with your prescriber about:

• Your current contraception method
• Whether you need to switch or add backup contraception
• Your future pregnancy plans

At Well Revolution, our doctors can help you navigate these considerations and ensure you have appropriate contraception in place before starting treatment.

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References

• Medsafe - Mounjaro Data Sheet