As with other GLP-1 medications, tirzepatide is currently not recommended for pregnant women or those planning to conceive.

 

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, is generally considered safe; however, like all GLP-1 medications, it is not recommended for pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant.

 

Tirzepatide and Pregnancy

The fact sheet published by the National Library of Medicine in May 2024¹ offers information on tirzepatide’s use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, noting the lack of clinical data on both. Prescribing guidelines recommend against the use of tirzepatide during pregnancy and while trying to get pregnant. Additionally, clinical guidelines indicate that the use of tirzepatide might alter how a woman’s body absorbs oral contraceptives, thereby possibly increasing the chance of pregnancy while taking tirzepatide. The clinical recommendation is for women taking tirzepatide to switch to a non-oral contraceptive at least four weeks prior to starting tirzepatide and for four weeks after each dosage increase. The FDA notes that in the absence of definitive data, it is best to avoid tirzepatide and GLP-1 RA medications at least two months before pregnancy.

 

Tirzepatide While Breastfeeding

The lack of clinical data on the safety of tirzepatide during breastfeeding calls for caution. The National Library of Medicine² clearly articulates that there is no information available on the clinical use of tirzepatide during breastfeeding. However, the fact sheet does note that due to the molecular weight of tirzepatide, 4814 Da, absorption through breastmilk is likely to be low to be low, and the infant’s GI tract will likely partially destroy it.

 

Practical Implications for Health Care Providers

The use of tirzepatide during pregnancy is not recommended. There are no human research studies that focus on the safety of tirzepatide and pregnancy, and it is recommended that women who are trying to get pregnant stop taking tirzepatide at least two months before trying to conceive. Additionally, it is recommended that women taking tirzepatide with an oral contraceptive should switch to a non-oral contraceptive. Finally, the molecular weight of tirzepatide suggests that the absorption through human breastmilk is unlikely, though it is important to note that breastfeeding women should proceed with caution if taking tirzepatide.

 

Health care providers who are working with women who wish to conceive should discuss dietary and physical activity lifestyle changes to manage weight loss. GLP-1 RAs are but one strategy for weight loss. Dietary changes such as building sustainable, long-term healthy eating habits should be explored, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans³ offer a framework for shaping the conversation and offering empirically-based guidance.

 

While GLP-1 RA medications are generally safe, they should be avoided while pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

 

Nonpharmacological Weight Management Solutions

For patients who are unable or not suited to use GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss, nonpharmacological interventions play a critical role in comprehensive obesity treatment. Robard Corporation’s Low Calorie Diet (LCD) and Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) programs offer a clinically supported, medication-free alternative that helps practitioners effectively manage weight in this patient population.

 

Programs such as New Direction Advanced and Numetra provide structured, science-based nutritional plans that include scientifically designed meal replacements, patient education, and clinical protocols. These solutions not only help meet essential nutritional needs but also promote long-term behavior change and sustainable weight loss. By integrating Robard’s programs into treatment pathways, health care providers can offer a proactive and proven option for patients seeking or requiring a nonpharmacologic route to healthier weight and improved outcomes.

 

Source(s):

1 National Library of Medicine: Mother to Baby Fact Sheet Tirzepatide (Monjauro^â, Zepbound^â)

2 National Library of Medicine: Drugs and Lactation Database (LacMed^â): Tirzepatide

3 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

 

About the Author: Dr. Dawn M. Sweet has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication. Dr. Sweet has given several invited talks to and workshops for academic and private sector audiences on the role of nonverbal and verbal communication in achieving positive outcomes and mitigating bias. Her research has been published in several top ranked peer-review journals, and it has been featured on NPR’s River to River / All Things Considered, Buzzfeed, and Science Daily. Her research has also been used to inform expert testimony.

About Robard: Robard Corporation’s medical obesity treatment programs and scientifically-designed nutrition products have been utilized by physicians, surgeons and hospitals across the United States to successfully treat patients living with obesity. To learn more about us and how we can help your practice and patients, visit us online www.Robard.com, email us at info@robard.com, or call (800) 222-9201.