Can oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) be less effective when taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide)?

From the Guidelines

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are not less effective when taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and patients can continue to rely on them for contraception while on Mounjaro therapy. The provided evidence does not directly address the interaction between OCPs and Mounjaro, but it discusses the effectiveness of contraceptive methods in relation to other medications, such as ulipristal acetate (UPA) 1. Although the evidence is limited and focused on specific contraceptive formulations and populations, it suggests that the concurrent use of certain medications with hormonal contraception may not necessarily decrease the effectiveness of either method. However, it's crucial to consider potential side effects of Mounjaro, such as vomiting or severe diarrhea, which could reduce OCP absorption and effectiveness. In such cases, using a backup contraception method during that time and for 7 days afterward would be prudent. Significant weight changes due to Mounjaro may also affect hormone levels, but this generally doesn't compromise OCP effectiveness. As with any medication combination, informing your healthcare provider about all medications, including OCPs, when starting Mounjaro is advisable to ensure appropriate monitoring and personalized advice based on your specific health situation 1.

Some key points to consider:

• The effectiveness of OCPs may not be directly impacted by Mounjaro, but side effects like vomiting or diarrhea could potentially reduce absorption and effectiveness.
• Significant weight changes due to Mounjaro may affect hormone levels, but this is not typically a concern for OCP effectiveness.
• Informing your healthcare provider about all medications, including OCPs, when starting Mounjaro is essential for personalized advice and monitoring.
• Backup contraception methods may be necessary during periods of reduced OCP effectiveness due to Mounjaro side effects.

From the FDA Drug Label

Contraception Use of MOUNJARO may reduce the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives. Advise patients using oral hormonal contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation with MOUNJARO [see Drug Interactions (7.2), Use in Specific Populations (8. 3), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

1. 2 Oral Medications MOUNJARO delays gastric emptying, and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. ... Advise patients using oral hormonal contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation with MOUNJARO.

Yes, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can be less effective when taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) because Mounjaro delays gastric emptying, which may impact the absorption of oral medications, including oral hormonal contraceptives 2. It is recommended that patients using oral hormonal contraceptives switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation with Mounjaro.

From the Research

Effectiveness of Oral Contraceptive Pills with Mounjaro

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are less effective when taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• The studies primarily focus on the effectiveness and safety of OCPs in various populations, such as women with diabetes 3, and the selection of appropriate contraceptive methods based on individual patient needs 4, 6.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is discussed in the context of its use in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, highlighting its glucose-lowering and weight loss effects 7.
• However, there is no mention of the interaction between Mounjaro and OCPs, or how Mounjaro may affect the efficacy of OCPs.

Contraceptive Options and Effectiveness

• OCPs are a commonly used reversible method of contraception, with a failure rate of 4% to 7% per year 4.
• The effectiveness of OCPs can be influenced by factors such as user adherence and continuation, as well as individual fecundability and coital frequency 4.
• Other contraceptive methods, such as intrauterine devices and subdermal implants, have higher effectiveness rates, with failure rates of less than 1% per year 4.

Safety and Contraindications of OCPs

• OCPs can increase the risk of venous thrombosis, particularly in women with certain medical conditions or risk factors 4, 6.
• Progestin-only contraceptives are recommended for women with contraindications to estrogen, such as those with a history of venous thromboembolism or cardiovascular disease 6.