Experts have warned people using weight loss injections over Christmas that there could be a potential impact on birth control.
This comes as GLP-1 injections have taken the weight loss industry by storm in recent years.
Celebrities have also jumped on the bandwagon, with the likes of Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey and Kelly Clarkson having admitted to using the medication.
Many people might be using the festive period to figure out their New Year’s resolutions, a whopping 35% will say they want to lose weight, according to a 2024 Forbes UK survey.
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However, experts are now warning that the combination of festive indulgence, travel and illness means that anyone relying on oral contraception may be more vulnerable over the Christmas and New Year period.
James O’Loan, who is a 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.”
He continued: “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.
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“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.”
So, why can weight loss drugs affect the pill? It turns out that side effects someone may experience when using GLP-1 medication can impact the effectiveness of oral contraception.
O’Loan went on to explain: “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.
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“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.”
If in doubt, speak to your doctor beforehand!