The MHRA says GLP-1 medicines, which include Mounjaro and Wegovy, should not be taken while breastfeeding, because there is not enough safety data to know whether they could harm the baby. The UK product information for Mounjaro now says it "could be considered for use during breast-feeding", after a small study found very low or undetectable levels in breast milk. We follow the MHRA, and we do not supply any weight loss medicine to someone who is breastfeeding.
This guide explains why the two differ, what the product information says for each medicine, and what to think about once you have stopped breastfeeding. It covers Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy injections and Wegovy tablets (semaglutide), Foundayo (orforglipron) and orlistat. It is one of our guides to women's health on weight-loss treatment.
What does the product information say about each medicine and breastfeeding?
| Medicine | What the UK product information says about breastfeeding | Do we supply while you are breastfeeding? |
|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro, weekly injection | Could be considered, based on a study of 11 women after a single 5mg dose | No |
| Wegovy, weekly injection | Should not be used. Found in the milk of rats, and a risk to the baby cannot be excluded | No |
| Wegovy tablets, once daily | Should not be used. An ingredient of the tablet was found in breast milk | No |
| Foundayo, once daily tablet | Should not be used. Not known whether it passes into human milk; found in milk in animal studies | No |
| Orlistat, capsule with meals | Must not be used. Not known whether it passes into breast milk | No |
Above all of these sits the MHRA's guidance for the public, which covers every GLP-1 medicine: "GLP-1 medicines should not be taken by people who are breastfeeding. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking a GLP-1 medicine can cause harm to the baby."
What does the Mounjaro product information say now?
The product information for Mounjaro, called the Summary of Product Characteristics, describes a study of 11 women. After a single 5mg dose, the level of tirzepatide in their breast milk was undetectable or very low compared with the level in their blood. Tirzepatide is made of a chain of amino acids, like a protein, so any small amount in milk is expected to be broken down in the baby's gut rather than absorbed. On that basis, it concludes that tirzepatide "could be considered for use during breast-feeding".
The same section says it is not known whether eating less while taking Mounjaro affects the make-up or nutrient content of breast milk. The patient leaflet in the pack says tirzepatide passes into breast milk in very low amounts and is not expected to be absorbed by a breastfed baby, and asks anyone who is breastfeeding, or planning to, to talk to their doctor before using it or carrying on with it.
"Could be considered" is cautious wording. It leaves room for a prescriber to weigh it up for one person. It does not say Mounjaro is recommended while breastfeeding. For the wider safety picture, see our guide to whether Mounjaro is safe.
Why is the MHRA's advice different, and which do we follow?
The two documents do different jobs. The product information is the detailed, technical description of one medicine, written mainly for healthcare professionals, and it changes as new studies are added. The MHRA's guidance, "GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know", is written for the public, covers every GLP-1 medicine together and was last updated on 5 February 2026. Its summary is plain: do not take GLP-1 medicines if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
We follow the MHRA. The study behind the new wording has clear limits:
- It is small: 11 women.
- It measured a single 5mg dose, not weeks of weekly injections or the higher strengths that treatment builds up to.
- It is not yet known whether eating less on treatment changes what is in your milk.
The protocols our pharmacist supplies these medicines under also exclude breastfeeding. So we do not supply Mounjaro, or any other weight loss medicine, to someone who is breastfeeding. If you would like to talk about your weight while you are breastfeeding, your GP or health visitor is the right place to start.
Can you take Wegovy, Foundayo or orlistat while breastfeeding?
No. The product information for Wegovy injections, Wegovy tablets and Foundayo each says the medicine should not be used during breastfeeding.
- Wegovy injections: in animal studies, semaglutide passed into the milk of rats, and a risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded.
- Wegovy tablets: no measurable semaglutide was found in the breast milk of women taking them. But salcaprozate sodium, the ingredient that helps the semaglutide in the tablet to be absorbed, was found in breast milk, with some of its breakdown products at low levels. As a risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded, the tablets should not be used.
- Foundayo: it is not known whether orforglipron passes into human milk. Animal studies found it in milk, and a risk to a newborn or infant cannot be excluded.
Orlistat works differently and is not a GLP-1 medicine, but it is not an option while breastfeeding either. Because it is not known whether orlistat passes into breast milk, the product information for both orlistat 120mg (Xenical) and orlistat 60mg (alli) says it must not be used during breastfeeding.
So while you are breastfeeding, none of the weight loss medicines we supply is suitable. This is a pause: once you have stopped breastfeeding, you can take our consultation.
What if you are breastfeeding and already taking one?
Perhaps you started treatment elsewhere, or restarted soon after the birth. Do not take any more until you have spoken to your GP, midwife or prescriber. If your treatment comes from us, let us know at hello@withsolira.com so we can update your record and stop any further supply.
For questions about a dose you have already taken and your milk, the Breastfeeding Network's Drugs in Breastmilk service can help (details below). If you think a medicine has caused a problem for you or your baby, you or your doctor can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
When can you start or restart treatment after breastfeeding?
The UK product information for these medicines sets no waiting time between your last breastfeed and starting one. What matters is that you are no longer breastfeeding, which includes no longer giving your baby your expressed milk. Then you can take our consultation in the usual way.
Our consultation asks whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding or actively trying to conceive, and we cannot supply weight loss medicines, injections or tablets, if you are. It then goes through your health, your height and weight and the medicines you take, as it would for anyone. A GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews every consultation, and whether treatment is suitable for you is decided with them.
If you took a weight loss medicine before your pregnancy, you will have had a long break. A break of three months or more means restarting from the lowest dose and building up again. Our guide to restarting Mounjaro or Wegovy after a break explains how that works.
Planning another pregnancy later?
If you might want another baby while you are on treatment, plan the timing with us and your GP first. Mounjaro, Wegovy, Wegovy tablets and Foundayo each have to be stopped for a set time before you try to conceive. For the injections, the counselling we give every patient reads:
Pregnancy: these medicines must not be used in pregnancy. Stop and contact us or your GP immediately if you become pregnant. If planning pregnancy: stop Mounjaro at least 1 month before, Wegovy at least 2 months before.
For Wegovy tablets the gap is also at least 2 months, and for Foundayo at least 3 weeks. Our guide to Mounjaro and pregnancy covers this in full.
Do you need contraception after birth if you start treatment later?
The NHS says you can get pregnant from 3 weeks after giving birth, including while you are breastfeeding and before your periods return. It usually recommends waiting at least 12 months after giving birth before becoming pregnant again.
If you have been relying on breastfeeding itself as contraception, the NHS says to start another method once your baby is over 6 months old, your periods return, you feed less often or stop night feeds, or your baby has anything other than breast milk. So sort out contraception as feeds start to drop, and before you start any weight loss treatment.
The progestogen-only pill (the mini pill) is one of the methods the NHS says can be started straight after the birth, including while breastfeeding. If you take a contraceptive pill, the mini pill or the combined pill, and later start Mounjaro, this is the counselling we give:
Contraception (Mounjaro only): tirzepatide can reduce absorption of the contraceptive pill. Use a non-oral method or add condoms for 4 weeks after starting and for 4 weeks after each dose increase. Wegovy needs no extra precautions unless severe vomiting or diarrhoea occurs, then follow missed-pill guidance.
For Foundayo, the counselling reads:
If you use the oral contraceptive pill, use a non-oral method or add a barrier method such as condoms for 30 days after starting treatment and for 30 days after each dose increase.
The MHRA says non-oral methods, such as the coil or the implant, are not as affected by GLP-1 medicines. Your midwife, GP, health visitor or a sexual health clinic can talk through your options, and in England some pharmacies offer the contraceptive pill free without a prescription. Our guide to contraception on Mounjaro, Wegovy and Foundayo sets out the advice for each medicine.
How can you look after your own health after having a baby?
There is no deadline for your weight after having a baby. The first months are about recovering, feeding your baby and getting what rest you can, and your health matters more than any timetable.
Your postnatal check with your GP, usually 6 to 8 weeks after the birth, is a good time to raise anything on your mind. The NHS says you will be asked how you are feeling and about contraception, and you may be given advice on vitamin D if you are breastfeeding. If you are overweight, your doctor may weigh you and give advice on healthy eating and activity. You can talk to your GP or health visitor about your weight at any time after that too, including about NHS weight management support near you.
If you are breastfeeding, the NHS says you do not need a special diet. It suggests a varied, healthy diet with:
- at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, pasta and rice, choosing higher fibre or wholegrain where you can
- protein foods such as beans, pulses, fish, eggs and lean meat
- dairy or fortified dairy alternatives
- plenty of fluids, with a drink beside you when you feed
The NHS also says to consider a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement while you are breastfeeding. Your health visitor can advise on vitamin drops for your baby, and the National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212) can answer questions about eating while breastfeeding.
Looking after a new baby can feel overwhelming. If you feel low or anxious, or are worried about your eating, tell your GP or health visitor. You do not have to manage on your own.
Where can you get advice about medicines and breastfeeding?
- The Breastfeeding Network's Drugs in Breastmilk service: run by registered pharmacists trained in breastfeeding support. Its factsheets cover many common medicines, and you can ask a question by email (druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk) or by private message on its Facebook or Instagram page. It answers every day from 8:30am to 8:30pm and aims to reply within 24 hours. It is not an emergency service. See the Drugs in Breastmilk service.
- Breastfeeding and Medication: factsheets by Dr Wendy Jones, a pharmacist and a founder member of the Breastfeeding Network, including one on tirzepatide (Mounjaro), at breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk.
- The National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212, for help with feeding.
- Your GP, midwife, health visitor or pharmacist.
How do we check this before every order?
Our first consultation asks: "Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to conceive?" We cannot supply weight loss medicines, injections or tablets, if you are. Every reorder asks again: "Are you pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding?" If your answer changes, nothing is sent until our pharmacist has reviewed it, and we do not supply while you are breastfeeding.
When you are no longer breastfeeding and would like to see whether treatment is suitable, you can check if you are eligible. The consultation may or may not lead to treatment: a GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews every one. To read about the options first, see our weight loss treatments.