No. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, GLP-1 weight loss treatment through VevaMD is not a fit. Licensed clinicians in the Beluga Health network screen for this during the assessment, and they will not prescribe a GLP-1 for weight loss in those situations.
This guide explains what the FDA labeling for brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide says, what to do if you get pregnant while on treatment, and what to know about birth control. It is general information, not medical advice for your pregnancy.
Why isn't GLP-1 treatment a fit during pregnancy?
GLP-1 medicines change appetite and how fast your stomach empties, and the FDA labeling for brand-name semaglutide advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, quality, or how well they work before they are sold. That is why pregnancy is on the list of situations that rule out treatment.
If you want to understand the medicine itself, read how GLP-1 medicines act in the body.
What about breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is also not a fit. Clinicians in the Beluga Health network do not prescribe GLP-1 weight loss treatment to people who are breastfeeding. If you are nursing and thinking about weight loss treatment, talk with your OB, midwife or primary care clinician about timing. You can come back to the assessment once you have finished.
The same goes for the time right after you stop breastfeeding: tell your clinician when you stopped, and share your full health history, including any recent pregnancy. That helps them decide whether treatment is appropriate now or whether it makes sense to wait.
What if I am trying to get pregnant?
Trying to conceive is treated the same way as pregnancy: it is not a fit. If you are already on a GLP-1 and plan to get pregnant, tell your clinician before you stop or change anything. The brand-name semaglutide labeling advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy, and your clinician will help you plan around that.
What if I get pregnant while taking a GLP-1?
If you find out you are pregnant while on treatment:
- Message your clinician right away through your My VevaMD page. Tell them the date of your last dose.
- Do not take another dose until your clinician tells you what to do.
- Let your OB, midwife or primary care clinician know you have been taking a GLP-1.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you have severe stomach pain that won't go away (especially if it spreads to your back), signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of your face or throat or trouble breathing, or signs of severe dehydration such as being unable to keep fluids down. Any heavy bleeding or other pregnancy emergency also needs emergency care.
Does a GLP-1 affect birth control?
It can. The FDA labeling for brand-name tirzepatide says it may reduce how well birth control pills work. The labeling advises using a non-oral method of birth control, or adding a barrier method such as condoms, for 4 weeks after you start and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
If you take the pill, tell your clinician during your assessment and ask what they recommend. Your clinician picks the medication, and you can share a preference. Read more in can I choose semaglutide or tirzepatide?
Who else is not a fit?
Beyond pregnancy and breastfeeding, the brand-name labeling says people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 should not use these medicines. Clinicians also look at other parts of your health history, such as pancreatitis. Adults 18 to 80 can apply, and first-time GLP-1 patients need a BMI of 25 or higher. See GLP-1 BMI eligibility for the details. The clinician makes the final call.
Next step
If you are not pregnant, not breastfeeding, and not trying to conceive, you can take the free online assessment. It takes a few minutes, and a licensed clinician in your state reviews it. Be honest about pregnancy plans and birth control, since that helps your clinician choose what fits you. If your plans change after you start, for example you decide you want to get pregnant, message your clinician before your next dose. A prescription is never guaranteed. Questions about your account? Call +1 (888) 275-1703 or email info@vevamd.com.
VevaMD is a technology platform, not a medical provider. Educational content only, not medical advice. All prescriptions are written by independent licensed clinicians. Individual results vary.