Recent developments in the use of weight management medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have raised questions regarding their potential interactions with oral contraceptives. While Ozempic and its counterpart Wegovy do not carry explicit warnings about interfering with birth control efficacy, emerging evidence suggests that Mounjaro may impact hormone absorption from oral contraceptive pills. Specifically, the medication's labeling indicates it could lower the effectiveness of these contraceptives, prompting recommendations for supplementary contraception during treatment .
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says it is not known whether taking the medicines, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, could harm an unborn baby.
It also warns that weight-loss jabs may make the contraceptive pill less likely to work in those who are overweight or obese.
There are concerns that the growing popularity of 'skinny jabs' means many women aren't using the drugs safely or getting the right advice.
It's thought the contraceptive pill may not be absorbed properly due to common side-effects of the jabs such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and because they slow the emptying of the stomach.
The MHRA issued the warning amid concerns that the medications may not be used safely. There have been previous reports linking the injections to a "baby boom," with some women reporting unexpected pregnancies, dubbed "Ozempic babies," despite using contraception.
To date, the MHRA has received over 40 reports of pregnancies among women using these drugs.
The MHRA has also warned of a lack of evidence regarding the safety of these injections during pregnancy.
There were eight reports relating to people taking Ozempic and Wegovy and a further nine for Victoza or Saxenda, with one woman saying her pregnancy was accidental.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said the "skinny jabs" were medicines, and "should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments"
"They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way," she said.
Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, said: “Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way.
“Our guidance offers patients a one-stop shop for our up-to-date advice on how to use these powerful medicines safely.
“This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process.”
In conclusion, while definitive evidence remains sparse regarding the interaction between these medications and oral contraceptives, caution is warranted when prescribing Mounjaro alongside hormonal birth control. As a precautionary measure, healthcare providers are encouraged to recommend backup contraceptive methods for women utilizing Mounjaro or consider alternative non-hormonal options to ensure optimal reproductive health outcomes .
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