The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) has published the following statement: Concomitant use of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (including tirzepatide) and oral contraception.

This review advises that tirzepatide has a significant effect on the bioavailability of oral contraceptives. 

The FSRH recommends:

• Individuals should be advised to use contraception whilst using GLP-1 agonists, (as there is a lack of safety data available for use of GLP-1 agonists in pregnancy).
• Individuals using tirzepatide and oral contraception should switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception, for four weeks after initiation and for four weeks after each dose increase. 
• There is no need to add a barrier method of contraception when using semaglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide or liraglutide. 
• Individuals who experience severe diarrhoea or vomiting during use of GLP-1 agonists should follow existing FSRH recommendations. 

Action

• Ensure that patients prescribed tirzepatide are counselled appropriately if the interaction with oral contraceptive is relevant to them.