Women taking weight-loss jabs given contraception warning as pregnancies rise
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued its first alert to the public regarding contraception and weight loss and diabetes jabs following concerns they may not be used safely
Women using weight-loss injections are being urged to ensure they're on reliable birth control. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has sounded an alarm over the use of contraception in tandem with weight loss and diabetes injections, citing safety concerns for the first time.
These injections, which have been associated with a "baby boom", have led to reports of so-called "Ozempic babies" among women who believed they were protected by contraceptives. The MHRA has logged over 40 instances of pregnancies in women taking these medications to date.
Concerns have also been raised about the absence of data regarding the safety of these injections during pregnancy, affecting drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Victoza.
According to the MHRA, these medications – known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 or GLP-1 RAs) – should not be used while pregnant, attempting to conceive, or breastfeeding.
The agency advises that anyone who becomes pregnant while on these drugs should discontinue their use immediately.
The MHRA warns: "This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby."
In certain situations, women are also recommended to maintain contraceptive measures for up to two months after ceasing the medication before trying to conceive.
Effective contraception methods, as outlined by the MHRA, include the oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and condoms.
Patients on Mounjaro, which can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in overweight individuals, are being urged to utilise condoms alongside the pill.
The MHRA emphasised: "This only applies to those taking Mounjaro and is especially important for the four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase."
These advisements fall in line with guidance provided in the patient information leaflets included with the medication.
An MHRA review has highlighted 26 pregnancy-related reports associated with Mounjaro use, although it is not mandated for women to disclose if the pregnancy was unplanned; nevertheless, one such report was made.
Additionally, semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy) has been linked to eight pregnancy reports, while liraglutide (in Victoza or Saxenda) has seen nine, with one confirmed as unintended.
In a bid to enhance safety, the MHRA is issuing a reminder that weight-loss injections should never be purchased from unlicensed vendors like beauty parlours or through social media platforms and ought to be used only following consultation with healthcare professionals.
The regulator encourages anyone who experiences adverse reactions or doubts about the authenticity of their medication to make a report through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, made it clear: "Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments."
The medications regulator cautioned: "They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way."
The authority also stated: "Our guidance offers patients a 'one-stop shop' for our up-to-date advice on how to use these powerful medicines safely."
However, they emphasized that: "This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process."
Additionally, the latest guidance highlights the need for patients taking these injections to be aware of the symptoms of acute pancreatitis, a rare but potentially serious condition.
The primary symptom to look out for is severe stomach pain that radiates to the back and persists, and those experiencing it should seek immediate medical attention.
GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs function by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, helping individuals feel fuller and more satisfied.
Certain medications, such as Mounjaro, also target a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation.
Jasmine Shah, a medication safety officer at the National Pharmacy Association, advised: "Pharmacists urge women taking GLP-1 medicines to note this important new guidance from the MHRA published today and use effective contraception."
She further noted: "Community pharmacies have been experiencing unprecedented levels of interest for weight loss injections.
"It is therefore important that regulations and guidance keep pace with this demand and that patient safety is put at the heart of everything we do.
"Medicines are not like ordinary goods for sale; they must be handled with great care because they have the power to harm as well as to heal.
"We also reiterate warnings from the MHRA to avoid any potential fake weight loss injections sold on social media or via beauty salons, which could pose a serious risk to someone's health.
"We urge anyone who have concerns about this medication to speak to their pharmacist for advice."
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