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 to discover if Ozempic, with or without birth control is right for you. 

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 weight loss provider on Klarity

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 weight loss provider on Klarity to learn more about taking birth control and Ozempic or another weight loss medication.  

FAQs on Ozempic and birth control

Will I get pregnant if I take Ozempic?

Ozempic doesn’t reduce the bioavailability of popular oral contraceptives. This means that when you use effective birth control methods, such as birth control pills, the risk of pregnancy while taking Ozempic isn’t increased.

To ensure maximum protection against pregnancy, birth control methods must be used as intended. Should you have concerns or questions about your birth control, speak to your healthcare provider, and consider a backup method to ensure your birth control is effective. 

What should I do if I get pregnant while taking Ozempic?

If you find out that you’re pregnant while taking Ozempic, inform your prescribing provider immediately. They’ll instruct you on how to safely discontinue Ozempic. You should also reach out to your obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), who’ll ensure you receive appropriate prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. 

I take Wegovy, am I more likely to get pregnant at the higher dose of semaglutide it uses?

There’s currently no evidence to suggest an increased risk of pregnancy when taking Wegovy vs Ozempic. While Wegovy can be titrated to a stronger dose of semaglutide, there’s no indication that this increases the risk of pregnancy.

Sources

DailyMed, Label: OZEMPIC- Semaglutide Injection, Solution, Sept. 2023, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79

Drugs.com, Tirzepatide Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings, 2023, https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/tirzepatide.html

FDA, Novo Nordisk, OZEMPIC (semaglutide) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use, 2017, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf

Journal of Clinical Pharmocology, Semaglutide, a Once-Weekly Human GLP-1 Analog, Does Not Reduce the Bioavailability of the Combined Oral Contraceptive, Ethinylestradiol/Levonorgestrel, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418331/

PubMed Central, An Evidence-Based Update on Contraception, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7533104/

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

How we reviewed this article: This article goes through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author.