Effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on oral hormonal contraception (literature review)

Background. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone whose mechanism of action also includes a slight delay in gastric emptying (GE). Due to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, GLP-1drugs are prescribed to many patients, including women of reproductive age who are also taking COCs. For oral contraceptives, malabsorption may result in ineffective pregnancy prevention.

The purpose of this literature review was to review data from studies on the effect of GLP-1 agonists on oral hormonal contraceptives (COCs) and to analyze data on the safety of concomitant use of COCs and GLP-1 agonists.

Methods. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for publications using keywords. A total of 3 clinical studies were selected for inclusion in the literature review.

Results. Studies involving GLP-1 have not revealed a statistically or clinically significant difference in drug-drug interactions with COC drugs.

Conclusion. This review compared the effects of currently available GLP-1 on COCs in three clinical studies. Due to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 is likely to be prescribed to many patients, including women of reproductive age who are also taking COCs. These drugs may affect the pharmacokinetics of COCs. Changes in the area under the curve, maximum concentration, and time to maximum plasma concentration of oral drugs can be avoided by taking these drugs 1 hour after GLP-1.

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