Can you take Ozempic and birth control? What you need to know

Is Ozempic helping you control blood sugar levels and lose weight? If so, or if you’ve thought about it, you might wonder if you can use it with your current birth control. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about taking Ozempic and birth control.

You don’t have to wait to lose weight, find a provider on Klarity Health to discover if Ozempic, with or without birth control is right for you. 

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Ozempic and birth control interactions 

Certain medications can impair the effectiveness of birth control methods. It’s important to be aware of these interactions, especially if you’re considering the use of Ozempic and birth control simultaneously.

Various birth control options are available to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal methods, such as oral contraceptives (aka birth control pills), patches, and injections, work by releasing hormones into the body to prevent ovulation.

On the other hand, barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms physically block sperm from reaching the egg. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants provide continuous protection for an extended period after placement.

Ozempic is a weekly injectable medication used for managing blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. While Ozempic isn’t U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for weight loss, healthcare providers may prescribe Ozempic for weight loss off-label. 

In other words, despite lacking FDA endorsement specifically for weight loss, Ozempic has demonstrated its capacity to assist individuals in losing weight. It’s worth noting that there have been concerns regarding the potential interference of weight loss injections and other medications, including Ozempic and its counterpart Wegovy, with the effectiveness of various birth control methods.

How effective is oral birth control?

While no form of birth control is 100% effective, oral contraceptives are proven to reliably prevent unplanned pregnancies. It’s important to take the pill at the same time every day to ensure its effectiveness. Missing pills or taking them at irregular intervals can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.

There’s still a small chance of pregnancy even when using oral contraceptives correctly. Factors, such as medication interactions, vomiting, or diarrhea, can impact the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Does Ozempic affect how effective birth control is?

A study published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology investigated the impact of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, on the bioavailability of a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Bioavailability refers to the amount of drug that’s actually absorbed by the body when you take a medication.

The study concluded that semaglutide didn’t reduce the absorption of the contraceptive. This means that there’s no evidence to suggest that Ozempic affects the effectiveness of birth control pills containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.

It’s important to note that semaglutide medications, including Ozempic, may cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Because semaglutide slows gastric emptying, oral contraceptives may stay in your stomach longer. Side effects of Ozempic, like nausea and vomiting, could impact the absorption of oral contraceptives. 

Similar medications to Ozempic like tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, have been found to interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. However, this information specifically applies to tirzepatide and does not extend to semaglutide or Ozempic.

Can you take Ozempic and birth control pills?

You can take certain birth control pills while on Ozempic, but note that research on taking Ozempic and birth control pills is limited. Since Ozempic slows gastric emptying, it could affect the absorption of oral birth control pills. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns, and use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms or diaphragms, for added protection.

What to do if you get pregnant while taking Ozempic 

If you find out that you’re pregnant while taking Ozempic or compounded semaglutide, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. The FDA advises against the use of Ozempic during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, or if there’s a possibility of becoming pregnant. 

It’s recommended to stop taking Ozempic 2 months before becoming pregnant. This caution is based on the findings of animal studies which have shown an increased risk of miscarriage with semaglutide use.

Your healthcare provider can guide you on safely discontinuing your Ozempic for weight loss dosage to prevent withdrawal symptoms. They’ll also discuss alternative treatment options that are suitable for pregnancy.

Talk to a provider about Ozempic

When it comes to finding the right birth control method, remember that everyone’s needs are different. Many birth control methods can be used safely and effectively with Ozempic. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine which option suits your needs best. 

Find a provider on Klarity Health to learn more about taking birth control and Ozempic or another medication.