A growing number of patients using weight-loss injections are reporting on social media that they have become pregnant despite using contraception. These cases have raised concerns about a possible increase in unplanned pregnancies. The trend has even led to the term “Ozempic babies” becoming popular.
In response, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised women using these “skinny jabs” to use additional forms of contraception. This is to avoid accidental pregnancies.
Experts from the MHRA also warned that it is unclear whether these weight-loss drugs could harm unborn babies. Therefore, they strongly recommend that the drugs should not be used during pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or when breastfeeding.
The alert applies to several weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Victoza. Anyone who becomes pregnant while using these injections is urged to stop taking them immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Ozempic, approved in the UK since January 2019 and earlier in the US in 2017, is a prescription injection mainly used to control blood sugar in people with diabetes. Weight loss is a side effect that has made it very popular.
The key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide. This molecule helps people feel full for longer by slowing stomach emptying. This reduces hunger and lowers the chance of overeating.
Some users report side effects like bloating and stomach discomfort while using these injections.
Research shows that 80% of women who lost weight using semaglutide had more regular menstrual cycles. Since weight loss can improve menstrual health, it may also increase the chance of pregnancy.
Some experts believe these drugs might reduce how well the contraceptive pill works. Because the drugs slow down the absorption of food, they may also slow down the absorption of medications, including birth control pills.
Pharmacist Jamie Winn told Newsweek, “Ozempic may interfere with the absorption of oral contraceptives. This can reduce their effectiveness and lead to unwanted pregnancy.”
The MHRA warns clearly: “These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding.”
They advise anyone who becomes pregnant while using the injections to stop immediately and speak to their doctor. This caution is because there is not enough information to know if the drugs could harm the baby.
The MHRA stresses that GLP-1 medicines should only be used if prescribed by a healthcare professional.
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