Contraindication
Clinical reviewer: Jacob Moore, MD · Last checked September 24, 2026
What is a contraindication?
Contraindication is a reason not to give a specific treatment because it could cause harm. The National Cancer Institute defines it as a symptom or medical condition that is a reason for a person not to receive a treatment or procedure. Drug labels list contraindications in their own section, separate from warnings that a drug is not recommended for someone.
What makes something a contraindication?
A contraindication is a reason a person should not get a particular treatment because it may be harmful, under the National Cancer Institute's definition [1]. NCI's own example: a bleeding disorder is a contraindication for aspirin, because aspirin can cause excess bleeding [1]. On a prescription drug label, contraindications sit in a dedicated section, distinct from the label's warnings and precautions. A warning describes a risk; a contraindication is, in NCI's words, a reason for a person "to not receive a particular treatment or procedure" [1].
What are the contraindications on GLP-1 labels?
Wegovy and Zepbound list two contraindications in section 4 of their labels: a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to the drug or its excipients [2][3]. Both labels note that serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported [2][3]. Severe gastroparesis is different: both labels call it "not recommended," not a contraindication [2][3].
Related terms
Sources
This entry is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
