Semaglutide and Birth Control: Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey with Confidence

Introduction

Many individuals embarking on a weight loss journey ask thoughtful questions about how new medications might interact with existing health regimens. One common and critically important question we frequently encounter at TrimRx is: can I take semaglutide while on birth control? This concern is entirely valid, reflecting a desire for both effective weight management and consistent contraceptive protection. As the landscape of weight loss solutions evolves, so too does the need for clear, evidence-based information that empowers you to make the best decisions for your health.

The emergence of innovative medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide has revolutionized how we approach weight management, offering powerful tools for those striving for healthier lifestyles. However, with any new medication, understanding its potential interactions with other vital treatments, such as hormonal birth control, becomes paramount. There’s a natural apprehension about how these potent medications, known for their systemic effects, might influence the efficacy of contraception. This is not just a theoretical discussion; it touches directly on personal health decisions and family planning.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the current understanding of how weight loss medications, particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide, interact with various forms of birth control. Our purpose is to provide you with authoritative, up-to-date insights, drawing from available research and expert perspectives, to help you feel informed and secure in your choices. We’ll explore the science behind these interactions, differentiate between oral and non-oral contraceptives, and discuss the nuances of potential efficacy changes. By the end of this post, you will have a clearer picture of these dynamics, enabling you to have a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider. This article aims to address your concerns with transparency and a focus on safety, aligning perfectly with our commitment at TrimRx to provide personalized, medically supervised care. We believe that by understanding these interactions, you can confidently pursue your weight loss goals while maintaining effective contraception, all within a framework of informed medical guidance.

Understanding Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: Our Approach to Weight Management

At TrimRx, our journey began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions. We understand that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent approach. Our platform is designed to be a user-friendly and supportive space where individuals receive personalized, medically supervised care, tailored to their unique needs.

Central to our personalized weight loss programs are advanced medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. These drugs represent a significant leap forward in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic conditions, offering a powerful mechanism to support healthy weight reduction.

The Science Behind GLP-1 and GIP Agonists

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide belong to a class of medications known as incretin mimetics. Specifically, semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, while tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist.

These medications mimic the actions of natural hormones in your body that play crucial roles in regulating appetite, satiety, and blood sugar levels. By activating GLP-1 receptors, these drugs help to:

• Reduce Appetite: They signal to the brain that you’re full, leading to decreased food intake and fewer cravings.
• Slow Gastric Emptying: Food stays in your stomach longer, promoting a feeling of fullness and helping to manage blood sugar spikes.
• Improve Insulin Secretion: They stimulate insulin release in response to high blood sugar, aiding in glucose control.

Tirzepatide’s additional action on GIP receptors further enhances these effects, offering a comprehensive approach to metabolic regulation and weight loss. This dual action is what makes tirzepatide particularly potent in its effects on both blood sugar and weight.

Our dedication to innovation means we focus on harnessing the power of these advanced medical science breakthroughs to provide effective solutions. We believe that by understanding how these medications work, you can better appreciate their potential benefits in your weight loss journey.

TrimRx’s Personalized Weight Loss Program

Recognizing that every individual’s journey is unique, we offer a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to your specific health profile and goals. Our personalized approach integrates advanced medical science with modern technology, providing compassionate care that respects your individual journey.

Our Comprehensive Prescription Offerings

For those seeking powerful, medically supervised weight loss, our prescription medications are a cornerstone of our program. These are carefully selected to provide you with the most effective tools for sustainable results. Our comprehensive service includes doctor consultations, medication, lab work, unlimited support, and shipping, all with no hidden fees.

Our prescription offerings, provided through FDA-registered, inspected, and approved pharmacies, include:

• Compounded Semaglutide: A customized formulation of the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®.
• Oral Semaglutide: An orally administered form of semaglutide.
• Ozempic®: The branded injectable semaglutide, FDA-approved for Type 2 Diabetes and often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
• Wegovy®: The branded injectable semaglutide, FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
• Compounded Tirzepatide: A customized formulation of the active ingredient in Mounjaro® and Zepbound®.
• Oral Tirzepatide: An orally administered form of tirzepatide.
• Mounjaro®: The branded injectable tirzepatide, FDA-approved for Type 2 Diabetes.
• Zepbound®: The branded injectable tirzepatide, FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.

To determine your eligibility and receive a personalized treatment plan that includes these prescription options, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz today. This initial step is vital to ensure that your treatment plan is not only effective but also perfectly suited to your health needs.

Quick-Access Wellness Support

Beyond prescription medications, we also provide immediate support options designed to complement your overall wellness during the weight loss journey. These supplements do not require a quiz for purchase and can be a valuable addition to your health regimen.

• GLP-1 Daily Support: This supplement is crafted to support the body’s natural GLP-1 processes, aiding in appetite regulation and healthy metabolism.
• Weight Loss Boost: Designed to provide additional support for your weight loss efforts, this boost can help you achieve your goals more effectively.

We are committed to transparent service, highlighting that our approach remains consistent regardless of dosage changes for prescription medications, always working exclusively with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies to ensure your safety and the quality of your care.

Navigating Birth Control Efficacy with Weight Loss Medications

When considering medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide for weight management, a vital aspect of your health to discuss with your healthcare provider is their potential interaction with birth control. Understanding how these powerful medications might influence contraceptive efficacy is key to maintaining your reproductive health goals. The primary concern revolves around how these drugs affect the absorption of oral contraceptives, rather than directly altering hormonal levels.

The Mechanism of Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, work primarily by delivering synthetic hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) into the bloodstream. These hormones prevent pregnancy by:

• Inhibiting Ovulation: Preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• Thickening Cervical Mucus: Making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
• Thinning the Uterine Lining: Making it less hospitable for a fertilized egg to implant.

For these mechanisms to be effective, the hormones in the pill must be consistently absorbed into your system at adequate concentrations. This absorption process typically begins in the stomach and small intestine, where the pill dissolves and its active ingredients pass into the bloodstream. The timing and consistency of this absorption are critical for the pill’s reliability.

How Weight Loss Medications Could Interfere: Gastric Emptying and Side Effects

The main theoretical concern regarding semaglutide and tirzepatide’s interaction with oral birth control stems from their impact on gastric emptying. Both classes of medication are known to significantly slow down the movement of food and other ingested substances from the stomach into the small intestine.

• Delayed Gastric Emptying: If an oral contraceptive pill remains in the stomach for an extended period, the rate or extent of its absorption could theoretically be altered. This could lead to lower-than-intended levels of the contraceptive hormones reaching the bloodstream, potentially reducing the pill’s effectiveness.
• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially when treatment is initiated or doses are increased. If vomiting occurs shortly after taking an oral contraceptive pill (typically within 2-3 hours), or if severe diarrhea persists, the pill may not have been fully absorbed, leading to a risk of contraceptive failure. This is a general principle for oral medications and not unique to weight loss drugs.

It is important to remember that these are potential mechanisms. The actual clinical significance of these interactions, particularly for semaglutide, has been a subject of ongoing research and discussion among healthcare professionals. Our focus at TrimRx is to ensure you have all the facts to discuss these possibilities with your medical team.

Semaglutide and Oral Birth Control: What the Research Says

The question of whether semaglutide affects the efficacy of oral birth control is a key area of discussion for individuals managing their weight while also seeking to prevent pregnancy. We believe in providing clear, research-backed information to help you understand these dynamics.

Examining Semaglutide’s Impact on Pill Absorption

While theoretical concerns about delayed gastric emptying exist, the available research specifically on semaglutide and oral contraceptive bioavailability provides a reassuring perspective. A notable study, for instance, investigated the impact of oral semaglutide on the pharmacokinetics of a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. The findings suggested that oral semaglutide did not significantly reduce the bioavailability of these common contraceptive hormones. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect. In essence, the study indicated that the amount of the contraceptive hormones absorbed into the body remained largely unaffected.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that this specific study focused on oral semaglutide. While the mechanism of action related to gastric emptying is shared with injectable forms, the direct research on injectable semaglutide’s impact on oral contraceptive absorption is more limited. Despite this, the general consensus among many healthcare providers is that semaglutide, whether oral or injectable, is less likely to significantly impact the absorption of oral contraceptives compared to some other GLP-1 receptor agonists, which we will discuss later. However, ongoing research continues to refine our understanding.

The Role of Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Regardless of the direct interaction on absorption, it’s vital to consider the common side effects of semaglutide, which include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly if severe or occurring shortly after taking an oral birth control pill, can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive.

• Vomiting: If vomiting occurs within a few hours of taking an oral contraceptive, the medication may not have had enough time to be fully absorbed.
• Diarrhea: Persistent or severe diarrhea can also impact absorption by reducing the time the pill spends in the digestive tract.

In such instances, it is generally recommended to follow the “missed pill” guidelines provided with your specific birth control or to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, until you can consult with your healthcare provider. This is a practical consideration that applies to many oral medications when gastrointestinal distress is present.

Other Contraceptive Methods: A Safer Alternative?

Given the theoretical concerns regarding delayed gastric emptying and the practical implications of gastrointestinal side effects, many individuals and healthcare providers consider non-oral methods of contraception to be a potentially safer choice when taking semaglutide. Methods like:

• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): These devices are placed directly in the uterus and release hormones or copper locally, bypassing the digestive system entirely.
• Contraceptive Implants: A small rod inserted under the skin of the arm, which slowly releases hormones into the bloodstream, unaffected by gastrointestinal processes.
• Contraceptive Patches: Applied to the skin, these patches deliver hormones transdermally into the bloodstream.
• Vaginal Rings: Inserted into the vagina, these rings release hormones locally and systemically, without passing through the stomach.
• Contraceptive Injections: Administered by a healthcare professional, these injections release hormones that prevent pregnancy for several weeks or months.

These methods deliver hormones directly into the bloodstream or act locally, meaning their efficacy is not dependent on gastric absorption. Therefore, they are generally considered unaffected by medications that alter stomach emptying or cause gastrointestinal upset. If you are taking semaglutide and are concerned about the efficacy of your oral birth control, exploring these non-oral options with your healthcare provider could provide greater peace of mind. Our team is here to support you in these important discussions.

Tirzepatide and Oral Birth Control: A More Defined Interaction

While semaglutide’s interaction with oral contraceptives appears to be less impactful based on current research, the picture shifts slightly when we look at tirzepatide. As a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, tirzepatide shares many mechanisms with semaglutide, including delaying gastric emptying. However, specific studies on tirzepatide have provided more direct evidence of its potential to affect oral contraceptive efficacy.

Evidence of Reduced Oral Contraceptive Efficacy

Clinical studies evaluating tirzepatide have demonstrated that it can indeed decrease the overall exposure of oral contraceptive components when co-administered. For example, research has shown an approximate 20% decrease in the overall absorption of oral contraceptives after a single dose of tirzepatide. This reduction in exposure means that lower concentrations of the contraceptive hormones may reach the bloodstream, which could compromise the pill’s effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

This finding is significant because it moves beyond theoretical concerns and offers concrete data suggesting a clinically relevant interaction. The delayed gastric emptying induced by tirzepatide is believed to be the primary cause of this reduced absorption, as the time the pill spends in the digestive tract before absorption is prolonged.

Specific Recommendations for Tirzepatide Users

Due to these findings, the manufacturer of tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) provides specific recommendations for individuals using oral birth control. These recommendations are designed to mitigate the risk of unintended pregnancy and ensure consistent contraceptive protection. They typically include:

• Using Barrier Contraception: It is advised to use a barrier method of contraception (such as condoms) for four weeks after initiating tirzepatide treatment.
• Using Barrier Contraception with Dose Increases: This recommendation also applies for four weeks after each increase in your tirzepatide dosage. This is because dose increases can intensify the gastric emptying delay and potentially exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.
• Switching to a Non-Oral Contraceptive: For those who prefer a more continuous and worry-free approach, switching to a non-oral method of birth control is a highly recommended option. As discussed earlier, methods like IUDs, implants, patches, or vaginal rings are not affected by gastric emptying or gastrointestinal side effects, making them reliable choices when taking tirzepatide.

These guidelines underscore our commitment at TrimRx to safety and individualized care. If you are considering or are currently on tirzepatide and use oral birth control, it is essential to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider about these recommendations. Our team will work with you to integrate these considerations into your personalized weight loss plan, ensuring that your contraceptive needs are met while you pursue your health goals. Remember, taking our free assessment quiz is the first step towards a medically supervised plan that accounts for all aspects of your health.

Weight Loss, Fertility, and Unplanned Pregnancies

Beyond the direct drug interactions with birth control, another crucial aspect to consider when taking weight loss medications is their potential impact on fertility. There has been a rise in anecdotal reports about “Ozempic babies” – individuals becoming pregnant while on GLP-1 receptor agonists, sometimes unexpectedly. This phenomenon highlights a vital link between weight loss and reproductive health that is often overlooked.

The Link Between Weight Loss and Enhanced Fertility

For many individuals struggling with excess weight or obesity, fertility can be significantly impacted. Obesity is often associated with hormonal imbalances, such as insulin resistance and altered androgen levels, which can disrupt the menstrual cycle, interfere with ovulation, and make conception more challenging. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility, are frequently exacerbated by weight gain and insulin resistance.

When significant weight loss is achieved, particularly through effective interventions like GLP-1 and GIP agonists, these hormonal imbalances can begin to normalize.

• Improved Hormonal Balance: Losing weight can lead to a reduction in insulin resistance, which in turn can help regulate hormone levels, including those critical for ovulation.
• Regular Menstrual Cycles: For individuals with irregular periods due to weight, weight loss often restores more consistent and predictable menstrual cycles.
• Enhanced Ovulation: With improved hormonal regulation, the chances of regular ovulation increase, thereby enhancing overall fertility.

Therefore, for someone who may have previously struggled with conceiving due to weight-related factors, a successful weight loss journey can inadvertently increase their fertility. This improved fertility might explain some of the unplanned pregnancies observed, rather than a direct failure of birth control due to medication interaction (though as discussed, that remains a concern for oral contraceptives, especially with tirzepatide).

Addressing Concerns About Unintended Pregnancies

The possibility of increased fertility due to weight loss underscores the importance of consistent and effective contraception for anyone wishing to prevent pregnancy while on a weight management program. This is particularly relevant for those who might have assumed their weight made pregnancy unlikely.

At TrimRx, our empathetic approach means we understand the complexities of reproductive health alongside weight loss goals. We support your entire health journey and emphasize proactive discussions with your healthcare provider. If you are taking semaglutide or tirzepatide, and are sexually active but do not wish to become pregnant, it is essential to:

• Re-evaluate Your Contraception: Consider the efficacy of your current birth control method in light of both potential drug interactions and increased fertility.
• Discuss Backup Methods: Explore using barrier methods or switching to non-oral contraceptives, especially if you are on oral birth control.
• Maintain Open Communication: Have ongoing conversations with your doctor about your fertility status and family planning goals throughout your weight loss journey.

Our commitment to personalized care ensures that these important discussions are integrated into your treatment plan. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and resources to navigate all aspects of your health confidently. Ready to explore your personalized weight loss and wellness journey with the guidance you deserve? Take our free assessment quiz today.

Important Considerations for Pregnancy and Family Planning

The safety of semaglutide and tirzepatide during pregnancy is a critical concern, and current medical guidelines strongly advise against their use by individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Our commitment to your safety and well-being at TrimRx extends to ensuring you have comprehensive information for family planning.

Discontinuation Guidelines Before Conception

Due to potential risks to a developing fetus, both semaglutide and tirzepatide come with reproductive warnings. Animal studies have indicated potential adverse effects, including an increased risk of pregnancy loss and developmental abnormalities. While these findings are from animal models, prudence dictates a cautious approach in humans until more definitive data are available.

Therefore, if you are actively planning to conceive, healthcare providers generally recommend discontinuing these medications for a specified period before attempting pregnancy.

• For Semaglutide: It is typically advised to stop taking semaglutide (including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and compounded semaglutide) at least two months before your planned conception date. This timeframe allows the medication to clear from your system.
• For Tirzepatide: For tirzepatide (including Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and compounded tirzepatide), the recommendation is to discontinue the medication for at least four weeks prior to attempting conception.

These discontinuation periods are crucial for minimizing potential exposure to the fetus during early development. Our supportive team is dedicated to guiding you through these important life stages, ensuring you have the information needed to make informed decisions about your health and family planning.

If You Become Pregnant While on Medication

Despite best efforts, unintended pregnancies can occur. If you discover you are pregnant while taking semaglutide or tirzepatide, it is imperative to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Immediate Consultation: Your doctor will likely recommend discontinuing the medication right away. They can provide guidance on how to safely stop the treatment and discuss alternative strategies for managing your health during pregnancy.
• Monitoring and Care: Your healthcare provider will also discuss the potential risks, if any, based on your individual situation, and ensure you receive appropriate prenatal care. While data in humans is limited, discontinuing the medication as soon as pregnancy is confirmed is the standard medical advice.

At TrimRx, we prioritize your safety above all else. Our medically supervised programs are designed to be flexible and responsive to your evolving health needs, including family planning. We encourage transparent communication with your healthcare team about your intentions to conceive or any confirmed pregnancies, ensuring a safe and healthy outcome for both you and your baby. Our commitment to working exclusively with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for medication ensures the highest standards of quality and safety throughout your treatment journey.

Making Informed Choices: Your Journey with TrimRx

Navigating the complexities of weight management while simultaneously addressing other critical health aspects, like contraception, requires careful consideration and expert guidance. At TrimRx, we are more than just a provider of weight loss solutions; we are your dedicated partner in achieving a healthier, more confident you. We are empathetic, innovative, trustworthy, supportive, results-oriented, and personalized in our approach, believing that everyone deserves compassionate care that respects their unique journey.

Partnering with Your Healthcare Provider

The information we’ve shared regarding semaglutide, tirzepatide, and birth control interactions underscores the importance of open communication with your healthcare provider. This is especially true when considering “can I take semaglutide while on birth control” or making decisions about family planning. Your doctor is best equipped to:

• Assess your individual health profile, including any pre-existing conditions or medications.
• Discuss the specific type of birth control you use and its potential interactions.
• Help you weigh the benefits and risks of weight loss medications in the context of your reproductive goals.
• Recommend the most appropriate contraceptive methods if changes are needed.

We strongly encourage you to leverage your healthcare provider’s expertise and our comprehensive resources to ensure your health decisions are well-informed and tailored to your specific needs. Our commitment to transparent service means we will always empower you with the knowledge to engage meaningfully in these discussions.

The TrimRx Difference: Support and Transparency

Our comprehensive service goes beyond simply prescribing medication. At TrimRx, we believe in a holistic approach to weight loss that includes:

• Personalized Care: Every individual receives a plan uniquely designed for their body and goals. This begins with our free assessment quiz, which helps us understand your needs and determine eligibility for our prescription weight loss medications.
• Medically Supervised Programs: Our programs include doctor consultations, necessary lab work, and continuous support from healthcare professionals. We partner with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for medication shipping, ensuring safety and quality.
• Unlimited Support: We are with you every step of the way, offering ongoing guidance and answering your questions, ensuring you never feel alone on your journey.
• No Hidden Fees: Our transparent approach means you know exactly what to expect, with comprehensive service that covers everything from consultation to shipping.

We are dedicated to supporting you through every phase of your weight loss journey, providing not only effective solutions but also peace of mind.

Exploring Your Personalized Path to Wellness

Embarking on a weight loss journey is a significant step towards a healthier future. Understanding how your medications interact, including whether you can take semaglutide while on birth control, is a crucial part of this process. We invite you to explore the personalized solutions available through TrimRx.

To begin, discover if our prescription weight loss medications, such as Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, or Wegovy®, are right for you by taking our free assessment quiz today. This is the gateway to a medically supervised plan tailored just for you, backed by science and compassionate care.

Enhancing Your Journey with Quick-Access Support

In addition to our personalized prescription programs, we offer quick-access supplements to provide immediate support for your overall wellness. These can complement your weight loss efforts and are available without the need for an assessment quiz. Consider adding GLP-1 Daily Support to aid in appetite regulation, or explore our Weight Loss Boost for additional wellness benefits.

At TrimRx, we are here to support your goals safely and effectively. Your health and confidence are our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge to succeed on your path to sustainable wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can semaglutide directly affect the hormonal levels of my birth control?

While semaglutide is a powerful medication that influences various bodily systems, current research does not indicate that it directly affects the hormonal levels of birth control. The primary concern with semaglutide, and similar medications, when taken with oral contraceptives, is related to its effect on gastric emptying. By slowing down the digestive process, there is a theoretical potential for altered absorption of the oral birth control pill, which could lead to lower levels of the contraceptive hormones entering your bloodstream. However, studies on oral semaglutide specifically have suggested no significant reduction in the bioavailability of common oral contraceptive components. Non-oral birth control methods are generally considered unaffected.

Q2: What should I do if I experience vomiting or diarrhea while taking semaglutide and oral birth control?

If you experience vomiting within 2-3 hours of taking an oral birth control pill, or if you have severe or prolonged diarrhea, the effectiveness of your birth control may be compromised due to inadequate absorption of the medication. In such cases, it is important to treat it as a missed pill and follow the specific instructions provided with your birth control package. Additionally, using a backup barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, is highly recommended until you can consult your healthcare provider. Your provider can offer personalized advice based on your situation and potentially recommend alternative or additional contraceptive strategies.

Q3: Is it safer to use non-oral birth control methods while on semaglutide or tirzepatide?

Yes, many healthcare professionals consider non-oral birth control methods safer and more reliable when taking medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide. Non-oral methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, patches, or vaginal rings deliver hormones directly into the bloodstream or act locally, bypassing the digestive system entirely. This means their efficacy is not influenced by changes in gastric emptying or gastrointestinal side effects (like vomiting or diarrhea) that can occur with these weight loss medications. If you have concerns about the efficacy of your current oral contraception, discussing these alternatives with your healthcare provider is a prudent step. To explore if our prescription weight loss solutions, like semaglutide or tirzepatide, are suitable for you, consider taking our free assessment quiz.

Q4: If I am on a weight loss medication and want to become pregnant, what are the recommendations?

If you are currently taking semaglutide or tirzepatide and plan to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider well in advance. Current recommendations advise discontinuing these medications before attempting conception due to potential risks to a developing fetus, as indicated by animal studies. For semaglutide, it’s generally recommended to stop at least two months prior to conception. For tirzepatide, the recommendation is to stop at least four weeks prior. Your doctor will provide specific guidance based on your individual health profile, ensuring the safest possible outcome for both you and a potential pregnancy. If you unexpectedly become pregnant while on these medications, contact your doctor immediately for advice on safely discontinuing treatment.