UK Watchdog warns the risks of pregnancy associated with weight loss drugs
Women using weight loss and diabetes injections face pregnancy security warnings from the UK health agency.
In short
- UK health officials recently warned against weight loss drugs during pregnancy
- Mounjaro can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
- Severe risks include acute pancreatitis with severe abdominal pain
Women using popular weight loss and diabetes injections are also called “Skinny Jabs”, they are being warned to take additional care with contraceptive and pregnancy plans in the UK.
Health officials say that if you are pregnant, you are planning to get pregnant, or plan to breastfeed.
If someone becomes pregnant while staying on these medicines, they should immediately talk to the doctor and stop using the medicine.
The warning comes from the UK drugs and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA) and includes famous drugs such as ozmpic, Maunjaro, Vegovi, Saxanda and Victoza. These drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help reduce appetite by mimicking a natural hormone after eating and controlling blood sugar levels.
Some new drugs such as silence work on each other hormones which also helps in appetite and blood sugar control. While they are approved to treat type 2 diabetes, and in some cases for weight loss, they are not for cosmetic or quick weight loss purposes.
MHRA stated that Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives such as bullets in overweight people, and women taking drugs should use interruptions such as condoms, according to a report in The Guardian.
The UK Watchdog said it received 26 pregnancy related reports for silence.
MHRA Chief Security Officer Dr. Alison Cave said, “These are powerful drugs that are to treat serious medical conditions. They should not be used carelessly or purchased from irregular sources such as beauty salons or social media.”
Women are being advised to use effective contraception for two months on these drugs and in some cases. This is because it does not have enough data to confirm whether these drugs are safe for the child during pregnancy.
Forms of contraception are included:
- Oral contraceptives (pill)
- Non-verbal methods such as condoms, coils, or transplants
However, silence can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight. This means that women using Maunjaro should also use a non-verbal method of contraception, especially in the first four weeks of treatment or after an increase in dosage.
Another rare but severe risk of GLP -1 drugs is acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. A warning sign of this is severe stomach pain that moves backwards and does not go away. Anyone who feels it should get emergency medical help.
MHRA also reminds users:
- These drugs should be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Do not buy them online or from beauty clinic, it is illegal and dangerous.
- Talk to your doctor before starting the medicine to understand risk and benefits.
- Tell your doctor if you are using any one of these medicines before any surgery.
- Report any side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme, which collects safety information on drugs in the UK.
The Watchdog also warned against the removal of the remaining drug from the used syringe. After completing the recommended dose, read them safely, reading the statement.
These reminders come amid growing concerns that many people can misuse these injections without knowing full risks, especially women who can be pregnant. Being informed and cautious is important to safely use these drugs.
