The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has urged women using weight-loss medications to use effective contraception, following reports of pregnancies during treatment. The warning comes after the agency received 40 reports of women becoming pregnant while taking drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a hormone-mimicking drug that increases insulin production, slows digestion, and reduces appetite. Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, targets a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control. While often called “weight-loss injections,” not all these drugs are officially approved for weight loss.
The MHRA highlighted that Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives like the pill in people who are overweight. As a result, women using this medication are advised to use barrier methods such as condoms. The agency has received 26 pregnancy-related reports linked to Mounjaro.
Last year, The Guardian reported a rise in pregnancies linked to weight-loss drugs, with a Facebook group titled “I got pregnant on Ozempic” growing to more than 750 members.
For semaglutide, the MHRA received eight pregnancy reports, and for liraglutide, found in another drug called Saxenda, nine reports. While not all pregnancies were confirmed as unintentional, two cases were specifically noted as such.
The MHRA stressed that these medications should not be used during pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or during breastfeeding. There is insufficient safety data to determine if these drugs might harm the baby. Women may need to continue contraception for up to two months after stopping the medication before trying to get pregnant.
Dr. Channa Jayasena, a reproductive endocrinology consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, explained that GLP-1 drugs mimic gut hormones that promote fullness, making them effective for weight loss. He noted that obesity lowers fertility, so weight loss can increase the chance of pregnancy. Dr. Jayasena also mentioned that GLP-1 drugs might reduce the absorption of oral contraceptives by slowing stomach emptying, though further research is needed.
He praised the MHRA’s guidance, stating it is sensible to warn women that pregnancy can occur while on these medications. Dr. Jayasena added that the risks of GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy are unknown but cautioned that other weight-loss methods, like surgery, can increase miscarriage risk. Therefore, women are advised to avoid pregnancy while using these drugs.
Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer, warned that so-called “skinny jabs” are medicines meant for specific medical conditions and should not be used as quick fixes or cosmetic treatments. She emphasized that these drugs have not been tested for safety in such uses.
Dr. Cave urged patients to follow official guidance and consult healthcare professionals when prescribed these medications. She stressed that this advice does not replace reading patient information leaflets or professional medical consultation.
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