Is Mounjaro Safe To Use During Pregnancy?

Treatments like Mounjaro have transformed how we approach weight loss. Clinical trials have shown participants to lose up to 20.9% of their body weight in just over a year with Mounjaro, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. [1] However, the safety of Mounjaro during pregnancy has not been studied in clinical trials. Read on to discover everything we know so far – and our clinical team’s recommendations. 

What Is Mounjaro?

First, let’s briefly explain what this treatment is. Mounjaro is an injectable weight loss treatment that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. It works in a similar way to other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. 

What makes Mounjaro different is that it is a dual receptor agonist, mimicking the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) hormone too. This makes it highly effective in aiding weight loss, by further regulating glucose levels and decreasing appetite. [2]

Effect of Mounjaro on Pregnancy Outcomes

You should not use Mounjaro during pregnancy. If you fall pregnant while taking Mounjaro, you should stop taking it immediately, there is no need to taper off.

Does Mounjaro Affect Contraception?

Studies have shown tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, to delay the absorption of the oral contraceptive pill. [3] Your Levity clinical team will recommend you switch to non-oral contraception such as an IUD or implant, or to use additional barrier contraceptives like condoms for your first four weeks on Mounjaro – as well 4 weeks after each time your dose increases. 

If you’re planning on becoming pregnant, it’s recommended you discontinue treatment at least one month beforehand. [4]

Impact of Mounjaro on Fertility

There is still much more research required in this area to determine if medications like Mounjaro can positively impact the chances of becoming pregnant. However, there have been a few studies which indicate that medications belonging to the GLP-1 drug class could improve menstrual regularity and fertility rates in women with obesity who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). [5]

Mounjaro and Breastfeeding: What to Know

We do not recommend using Mounjaro while breastfeeding. It is not yet known whether Mounjaro passes into breast milk, so the risk to a breast fed baby can’t be ruled out.

If you’re already taking Mounjaro and have any questions on pregnancy, contraception, breastfeeding or how to manage your weight loss during pregnancy, you can check in with our clinical team any time. Or, if you’re interested in starting your own weight loss journey, visit our website here to find the right treatment for you. 

‍References‌

1. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022 Jun 4;387(3). 

2. Thomas MK, Nikooienejad A, Bray R, Cui X, Wilson J, Duffin K, Milicevic Z, Haupt A, Robins DA. Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Tirzepatide Improves Beta-cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Jan 23;106(2):388-396. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa863. PMID: 33236115; PMCID: PMC7823251. 

3. Skelley JW, Swearengin K, York AL, Glover LH. The impact of tirzepatide and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on oral hormonal contraception. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. 2023 Nov 1

4. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) [Internet]. Nih.gov. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK605070/ 

5. Jensterle M, Janez A, Fliers E, DeVries JH, Vrtacnik-Bokal E, Siegelaar SE. The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 in reproduction: from physiology to therapeutic perspective. Human Reproduction Update [Internet]. 2019 Jul 1;25(4):504–17. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31260047/