Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and birth control: What you need to know

According to a small 2018 study, oral semaglutide does not affect the bioavailability of the combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.

Bioavailability refers to how well the body can absorb and use the medicine.

The study included 25 healthy, postmenopausal women who took birth control for 8 days on its own and then 8 days in combination with oral semaglutide.

This suggests that oral semaglutide does not affect the effectiveness of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel pills, although the effect of semaglutide injections is unclear.

The authors of the study were employees of Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the drug semaglutide approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Semaglutide is slow-release, delaying the time it takes for food to leave the stomach. Theories suggest that the effects of semaglutide on the digestive system may affect the way the body absorbs oral medications, but there is currently no evidence.

Possible side effects of semaglutide, such as vomiting and diarrhea, may also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, especially if the side effects occur shortly after take the pill.

Some forms of birth control, such as implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), release substances into the bloodstream or uterus rather than through the digestive system.

However, there is not enough research to know how semaglutide may affect different types of birth control.

Finally, higher quality studies are needed to better understand any possible effects of semaglutide on the effectiveness of birth control pills and other forms of contraception.

If people are concerned about using semaglutide for birth control, they can talk to a doctor to discuss how to prevent pregnancy effectively.

It happened reports on social media of an unplanned pregnancy while taking semaglutide and using birth control.

There is now there is no evidence suggesting that semaglutide adversely affects fertility or a person’s ability to conceive.

Manufacturers of Semaglutide encourage it using the drug if someone is trying to get pregnant because of the negative effects of weight loss on pregnant women and risks to the fetus.

However, overweight or obesity can do it again it is very difficult to get pregnant. Losing weight can increase fertility, as treating obesity and metabolic disorders can correct hormonal imbalances that can negatively affect fertility.

People can talk to a doctor if they are concerned about how their weight or current medication may affect their ability to have children.

If people are planning to become pregnant, they should stop using these drugs at least 2 months before she conceived. If people find out they are pregnant, the doctor may recommend that they stop the medicine immediately.

Semaglutide can cause potential harm to the baby. Animal studies have shown pregnancy loss and complications with semaglutide.

People should always consult a doctor about using semaglutide if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

The exact effects that semaglutide may have on birth control pills are not clear. If people have concerns about using semaglutide oral contraceptives, it’s best to talk to a doctor.

A doctor may suggest considering additional or alternative birth control, such as condoms or oral contraceptives, if people do not want to become pregnant while taking semaglutide.

If people plan to become pregnant or become pregnant while taking semaglutide, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible. Semaglutide may not be safe to take before or during pregnancy.

It happened reports on social media of pregnant women taking Ozempic for birth control.

Weight loss medications can alter the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, and weight loss can increase fertility in some cases. However, more research is needed to prove this clearly.

Semaglutide delays absorption and can affect the absorption of any oral drugs people are taking at the same time.

Taking semaglutide with insulin can increase risk of low blood sugar. If people take insulin or any other medication, they must consult a doctor before taking semaglutide.

Some theories suggest that semaglutide may affect the absorption of birth control pills since it is slow bowel movements. However, more scientific evidence is needed to understand whether semaglutide affects hormonal birth control.

Semaglutide is the main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, which are medicines to control type 2 diabetes and lose excess weight.

Semaglutide is slow to get out of the stomach, and theories suggest that this may affect the absorption of birth control pills, which may affect how well they work to prevent pregnancy.

Other forms of birth control can still work well with semaglutide as it does not affect the digestive system. However, there is not enough research to know how semaglutide affects different types of birth control.

People should consult a doctor if they are using semaglutide with birth control pills. The doctor may suggest that other methods be used.