As with any prescription medication, it's important to be aware of the impact it can have on other treatments you are currently taking, including contraceptives, as well as any risks to falling or being pregnant whilst taking them.
Pregnancy and contraception are critical considerations for individuals taking medications like Mounjaro. Mounjaro is primarily a weight loss medication that works by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. However, its effects during pregnancy and on contraceptive efficacy need careful consideration.
Mounjaro is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm fetal growth and development. Additionally, the safety profile of Mounjaro in pregnant women has not been adequately studied, meaning the potential risks and side effects are not fully known.
If you are currently pregnant, our service will not be able to prescribe Mounjaro to you. It's also important that you urgently seek medical advice if you discover you have fallen pregnant whilst on the medication, to discuss discontinuing treatment.
Impact of Mounjaro on Contraception: Mounjaro does not directly interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives like patches, or intrauterine devices (IUDs). However, significant weight loss can affect hormone levels and menstrual cycles, potentially influencing contraceptive effectiveness.
Mounjaro has been found to lower the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive in women (commonly referred to as "the pill"). This means that you will have a greater risk of falling pregnant if you are only using the oral contraceptive.
It is also important to note that, as a side effect of obesity, women may not ovulate and therefore may not currently be using a contraceptive. As your weight decreases whilst taking Mounjaro, your body may start ovulating again, placing you at risk of falling pregnant.
Whilst taking Mounjaro, we strongly recommend using alternative contraception methods to the pill to prevent a pregnancy. It's worth discussing the wide range of options with your GP to see which is the most suitable for you.
Using reliable contraception while taking Mounjaro is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and healthy transition off the medication.