Women warned over weight loss jabs as ‘Ozempic babies’ on the rise
The UK’s medicines regulator has issued new guidance on the use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro during pregnancy and conception.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning to women using GLP-1 weight-loss injections, sometimes referred to as "skinny jabs" like Wegovy and Mounjaro, advising them to use effective contraception due to unknown risks to unborn babies.
These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are prescribed for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. However, due to limited human data and animal studies suggesting potential risks, the MHRA advises women to stop using these drugs at least two months before trying to conceive.
Why has the warning been issued now?
The MHRA has received over 40 reports of pregnancies among women taking GLP-1 medications. While not all were unplanned, some women reported becoming pregnant despite using contraception, leading to terms like 'Ozempic babies' and 'Mounjaro babies' circulating online.
Notably, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been found to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in overweight individuals, prompting recommendations for using barrier methods like condoms, especially during the first four weeks of treatment and after dose increases.
What do the experts say?
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, emphasized that these medications are not cosmetic treatments and should not be used as a quick fix for weight loss. She stated, "They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way."
Animal studies have shown that GLP-1 drugs may harm the unborn baby, but it's unclear if the same effects occur in humans. Therefore, more data is needed to determine the safety of these medications during pregnancy.
What should you do if you're taking these drugs?
If you're using a GLP-1 medication and planning to conceive, consult your GP or healthcare provider. The current guidance is to stop using the medication at least two months before trying to get pregnant. Additionally, consider using effective contraception during treatment and for two months after discontinuation.
For those already pregnant while on these medications, it's advised to stop the medication immediately and seek medical advice.
These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding.
While GLP-1 medications offer benefits for weight loss and diabetes management, their safety during pregnancy remains uncertain. Women of childbearing age should be informed of the potential risks and take necessary precautions when using these treatments.
For more information on GLP-1 medications and pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider or visit the MHRA website.
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