Is Ozempic Safe to Take While Pregnant?

Because of its weight loss benefits, semaglutide has gained a lot of attention lately. But is Ozempic safe to take while pregnant? What about while breastfeeding?

Ozempic and other brands of medication formulated with semaglutide functions as a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin levels, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying.

But should these weight loss shots be avoided during pregnancy and nursing? Here’s what you should know.

Is Ozempic Safe to Take While Pregnant?

The question of whether Ozempic is safe to take while pregnant is critical, given the lack of specific studies on the effects of semaglutide weight loss in pregnant women.

Currently, there is a lack of trials that have been conducted to determine the safety of semaglutide during pregnancy. The absence of data means that the risks are not well understood, making it difficult to provide definitive guidance. It may not be harmful, but we just don’t yet know.

Medical experts strongly advise against using Ozempic if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This is based on the potential risks and the fact that animal studies have shown adverse effects of semaglutide on a fetus.

If you are taking Ozempic and discover that you are pregnant, it is crucial to stop the medication immediately and then consult your prescribing health professional for further guidance.

Semaglutide and Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?

Similar to its use during pregnancy, the safety of Ozempic while breastfeeding is also not well established. No studies yet have examined the effects of semaglutide on nursing infants. Consequently, the potential for harm cannot be ruled out.

As a precautionary measure, healthcare providers generally recommend discontinuing semaglutide while breastfeeding to avoid any potential risks to the baby.

A Word of Warning: Semaglutide Can Interfere With Oral Birth Control Medications

One important consideration for women taking Ozempic is its potential interaction with oral birth control medications. GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide can interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

This interference occurs because GLP-1 drugs slow gastric emptying, which can affect the absorption and efficacy of birth control pills. As a result, women taking Ozempic may experience reduced contraceptive effectiveness, increasing the likelihood of an unintended pregnancy.

Given this interaction, it is advisable to use an alternative or additional form of contraception while taking Ozempic. Barrier methods or non-oral hormonal contraceptives can provide more reliable protection against pregnancy.

Improved Metabolic Health When Taking Ozempic May Also Increase Your Chances of Becoming Pregnant

Semaglutide can lead to a dramatic improvement in your metabolic health, and these changes can enhance fertility in women with metabolic disorders or obesity-related infertility issues.

Therefore, women taking Ozempic may experience an increased likelihood of becoming pregnant due to improved overall health and fertility.

Here Are Recommendations for Women of Childbearing Age

For people who fall into this category that are considering or currently using Ozempic, it is essential to take precautions to prevent pregnancy and / or stop using the medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding:

Consult with your healthcare provider. Before starting Ozempic, discuss your plans for pregnancy and the potential risks with your healthcare provider. They can provide direction on what to do based on your medical history and needs.
Consider alternative contraception. If you are using oral birth control, consider switching to a non-oral method or using a barrier method in addition to oral contraceptives to ensure effective prevention of pregnancy.
Stay in communication with your semaglutide prescriber. If you are taking Ozempic and suspect you might be pregnant, stop the medication immediately, and be sure to call your provider for guidance. Regular monitoring as well as open communication with your provider are crucial for managing your health and any potential risks.

The Bottom Line on Semaglutide and Women’s Health

In summary, is Ozempic safe to take while pregnant or while nursing?

The safety of semaglutide during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains uncertain, which is because of the lack of studies done on its use. Current medical advice discourages the use of Ozempic in pregnant or nursing women due to potential risks to the fetus and infant.

Additionally, women taking Ozempic should be aware of the drug’s potential to interfere with oral birth control medications, increasing the likelihood of unintended pregnancies. Improved metabolic health while on semaglutide can also enhance fertility, further emphasizing the need for effective contraception and careful planning.

Ultimately, if you are taking Ozempic and become pregnant, it is imperative to stop the medication and see your prescribing provider for the safest options to ensure the well-being of you and your baby.

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