Ozempic is a once-weekly medicine used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also decreases your risk of serious cardiovascular problems.
It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists). These medications help your body use insulin more effectively and control high blood sugar levels.
Getting pregnant while taking ozempic
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists).
Ozempic is an injectable drug that you should give yourself on the same day each week. It can be given at any time of day, with or without food.
Your doctor will start you on a 0.5-milligram (mg) dose once weekly and increase it if you need to lower your blood sugar levels even more. You should also check your blood sugar levels regularly while you’re taking it.
You should stop using semaglutide and call your doctor if you have any of these side effects or a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat; trouble breathing or swallowing; itching; or rash. You should also stop using it if you have any signs of a thyroid tumor, including swelling or a lump in your neck; difficulty swallowing; hoarse voice; or shortness of breath.
Pregnancy risk
Ozempic is a prescription medication that’s used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It can be combined with diet and exercise to help improve glycemic control.
Ozempic may increase your risk of getting low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs and symptoms include dizziness or drowsiness, blurred vision, weakness, headache, sweating, hunger, confusion, and shakiness.
In addition, Ozempic may increase your risk of kidney problems (kidney failure). You should talk to your doctor about how this medicine might affect your pregnancy.
Miscarriage
During studies in rats, rabbits and monkeys who were treated with semaglutide (Ozempic), fetuses were more likely to miscarry or have a birth defect. They were also smaller and more likely to die than fetuses who didn’t take the drug.
The FDA’s drug labels say this is a risk and that people who want to get pregnant should stop taking Ozempic at least two months before trying. They should also discuss the risks of pregnancy with their doctor.
While this is a big concern, it doesn’t mean that people who are on these medications can’t have kids. It just means that it’s important to discuss this with your doctor, and to be honest about how much weight you’re losing.
Birth defects
Ozempic and its cousins (Wegovy, Mounjaro) are not yet known to cause birth defects in humans. However, there are a few things you should know about this popular weight loss drug before you decide to get on board.
The most exciting thing about ozempic is that it works by stimulating the brain to burn fat and release a hormone called leptin. This can help you burn more calories and lose more weight – and it’s an excellent way to feel better while you’re doing it. But you’re also at risk for some less glamorous side effects, including eye problems and thyroid cancer. For these reasons, it’s best to consult your doctor before you start a new medication. Ask about the risks and benefits associated with taking Ozempic, as well as whether it is safe to take during pregnancy or while you’re trying to conceive.
Death of the baby
Ozempic is an injectable medicine that stimulates GLP-1 receptors in your stomach and small intestine to help control blood sugar levels. It also reduces appetite, and can help you lose weight.
But if you get pregnant while taking Ozempic, it could mean the death of your baby. The manufacturer recommends that you stop using this medication two months before trying to become pregnant and never take it while breastfeeding.
In animal studies, semaglutide caused more miscarriages and babies born with smaller bodies and more birth defects than would normally be expected. But the drugs haven’t been studied in humans for long enough to know how they affect a woman’s fertility.