We know that a number of our patients are seeking injections for weight loss privately. We wanted to highlight a recent FSRH update regarding contraception. https://fsrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf ▶️ I am taking the pill. Will using a GLP-1 agonist affect my contraception? This depends on the type of GLP-1 agonist that you are using. If you are using tirzepatide you should use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) in addition to your pill for four weeks after starting the medication, and for four weeks after any increase in dose. This is because tirzepatide works slightly differently to the other GLP-1 agonists. Alternatively, you may wish to consider another (non-oral) method of contraception whilst using tirzepatide. There is currently no evidence that semaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide or lixisenatide reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception (i.e. the combined pill, or the progestogen only pill/ “mini-pill”). ▶️ Can I take a GLP-1 agonist during pregnancy? It is important to use effective contraception whilst taking a GLP-1 agonist, as these medications should not be used in pregnancy. If you become pregnant whilst taking one of these medications it is important to discuss this with your doctor. GLP-1 agonists should also be avoided for a number of weeks prior to a planned pregnancy.
Specialist Medication/Shared Care
Specialist Prescribing
Our practice policy is not to undertake specialist prescribing (either specialist medications or specialist indications) outside the context of NHS shared care agreements with appropriate specialist support and funding/resourcing.
