Weight Loss Injections and Contraception: What Women Need to Know

As weight loss injections gain popularity in the UK, female users are now being issued a warning by the UK’s medicines regulator that they must use effective contraception while using GLP-1 medication.¹   

Despite this information being known and available, concerns now grow as it suggests many women aren’t using the drugs safely or getting the right advice. 

The weight loss injection experts at Chemist4U emphasise the importance of obtaining accurate advice and ensuring safe usage. 

Weight loss jabs and the contraceptive pill

James O’Loan, superintendent pharmacist and weight loss injection expert at Chemist4U, said:   

“It’s critical that people understand how to access and use GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro safely.  

When you apply for GLP-1 medication, it’s vital to only obtain medication via NHS services, licensed pharmacies, or regulated private clinics. Avoid all online sellers that are not UK registered, as not only do many sell unsafe and counterfeit drugs, but you won’t receive the proper medical guidance. Using a regulated provider ensures you benefit from essential safety netting, such as professional consultations, ongoing monitoring, and advice tailored to your health needs. 

At Chemist4U we run additional checks on a patient’s health background, including checking their central NHS record, to ensure we are prescribing the correct medication for their individual needs, which not all providers do.”  

Mounjaro and the contraceptive pill 

“When you apply through NHS services or licensed pharmacies, you’ll have a consultation where the medication and its side effects are explained. You’ll also be asked about any current medications, as it’s important to know that Mounjaro can slow down how your body absorbs medicines taken by mouth, including the contraceptive pill.  

This means the pill might not protect you from pregnancy as reliably as usual. To stay safe, you should use an extra method of contraception, like condoms, for at least four weeks after starting Mounjaro or if your dose increases. Alternatively, you might want to consider switching to a non-pill or non–oral method.  

Methods that aren’t affected by Mounjaro and offer excellent protection:  

• Contraceptive implant: This is where a small rod is placed under the skin of your arm, and it can last up to three years.  
• Contraceptive injection: This is given every 8 -13 weeks, depending on the type.  
• Hormonal or copper coil (IUD): This is placed in your womb and lasts from 3 to 10 years.  
• Contraceptive patch or vaginal ring: This is changed weekly or monthly and is easy to use.  

Each method has its pros and cons, and what’s right for one person might not suit another. We understand this might feel like a hassle, but it’s the best way to ensure you’re fully protected when using Mounjaro.” 

What about other GLP-1 medications like Wegovy? 

“The good news is that, for most women, Wegovy doesn’t interfere with how the pill works, you can continue taking your usual contraceptive pill without needing extra precautions. This is because they are a type of medicine known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and they don’t directly interact with how the pill works in your body. 

If you are a patient in England Chemist4U provides free contraception pills to ensure you are fully supported throughout your treatment as part of our partnership with the NHS’ free contraception service.” 

What to do if you’re sick or have diarrhoea when taking the combined pill? 

“Common side effects when using GLP-1 medications include vomiting and/or diarrhoea. If you experience these side effects within a few hours of taking your pill, your body might not absorb it properly. In these cases, it’s safest to use condoms or another backup method for the next seven days. And it’s important to remember that none of these medications are safe to use during pregnancy, so keeping up with effective contraception is essential to ensure you don’t fall pregnant while using your weight loss injection. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or GP for advice.” 

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