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Important notice for patients using weight loss medications and taking the pill or HRT
Many patients are now using weight loss medications like Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) — either for diabetes or privately for weight loss.
These medications work partly by slowing down how your stomach empties , which can affect how well other medicines (like the contraceptive pill or HRT tablets) are absorbed by your body.
If you take the contraceptive pill:
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
This medicine may reduce how well the pill works.
You should:
- Add a barrier method (like condoms) for 4 weeks after starting or increasing the dose.
- Use a non-oral method (e.g. coil or implant)
Use extra protection (like condoms) if you have vomiting or diarrhoea and follow the missed pill rules (see the patient information leaflet which comes with your pill) if you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill or have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and others
- These do not appear to reduce the effectiveness of the pill.
- But side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea can still reduce how well the pill is
absorbed. So, use extra protection (like condoms) if you have vomiting or
diarrhoea and follow the missed pill rules (see the patient information leaflet
which comes with your pill) if you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill or have
diarrhoea for more than 24 hours
Please see further information here: Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-andcontraception.pdf
If you’re taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
This applies if your HRT includes progesterone tablets like:
- Progesterone or Utrogestan
- Norethisterone
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate
There is some concern that weight loss medications such as Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
and Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) may reduce how well these tablets are
absorbed. This could lead to irregular bleeding and may affect the protection of your
womb lining (potentially leading to an increased risk of endometrial cancer).
and Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) may reduce how well these tablets are
absorbed. This could lead to irregular bleeding and may affect the protection of your
womb lining (potentially leading to an increased risk of endometrial cancer).
What are the options?
Before issuing the weight loss injection, the private clinic should have discussed what other medication you take and advised what to do. Please contact them to discuss if they did not do this.
If they will not offer advice, please contact reception
Options include:
Increasing the oral progesterone dose
- Your GP may recommend a higher dose for 4 weeks after starting or increasing the dose of your weight loss medication.
Mirena coil (IUS):
- Works for 5 years as part of HRT and is also contraceptive.
Combined HRT patch:
- Contains both hormones (oestrogen + progestogen) and bypasses the stomach.
Using progesterone vaginally:
- This is not licensed but is commonly used. You can continue this if already prescribed
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) on NHS – Prescribing in General Practice – Update for Patients
At this time, GP practices across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are not prescribing Mounjaro or any other weight-loss injections for weight management. Locally the delivery of Mounjaro for weight-loss will be delivered by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) who are currently in the process of developing a program to invite eligible patients.
We will share further updates as they become available.
Posted on: 14/07/25
Prescription Ordering Direct (POD)
NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have decided to close this service. The last day our patients will be able to contact POD will be 14th November 2025.
The easiest way to order your repeat prescriptions is by using the NHS app. For more information go to:
Page last reviewed: 10 November 2025
Page created: 14 August 2023
Page created: 14 August 2023