Key takeaways

  • Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a prescription drug that’s used for weight loss or sleep apnea in certain adults.
  • This drug is not recommended for use while pregnant.
  • Zepbound may not be safe to use while breastfeeding.

Keep reading to learn more about Zepbound and reproductive health. For more information about this drug, refer to this Zepbound overview.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Zepbound is a safe option for you.

Zepbound is not recommended during pregnancy. Weight loss during pregnancy may cause fetal harm.

If you become pregnant during Zepbound treatment, you should stop treatment and contact your doctor. You’re also encouraged to join the pregnancy registry for Zepbound. Pregnancy registries gather information about the safety of a drug during pregnancy. For more information, call 800-545-5979 or talk with your doctor.

Medical perspective

Can I use a GLP-1 medication to lose postpartum weight?

“If you are not breastfeeding, it may be an option once your body has recovered from pregnancy. You should discuss the right timing and safety with a healthcare professional.”

— Olivia Taylor, PharmD, BCPS

Learn more about GLP-1 medications.

Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Zepbound could have on you or the child who is breastfed.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Zepbound while breastfeeding.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Zepbound treatment.

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Zepbound could affect your birth control options.

If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor may recommend using a form of birth control during Zepbound treatment.

However, Zepbound can make birth control pills less effective. Your doctor will likely recommend using a different or additional form of birth control for the first 4 weeks of Zepbound treatment and for 4 weeks after any dose increases.

If you’re taking birth control, talk with your doctor before starting treatment with Zepbound.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.