Ozempic and other similar drugs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are used to help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. But are they safe to take during pregnancy?
Both the FDA and the drug’s manufacturer say that it should be avoided while pregnant. OB-GYNs also advise patients to come off of these drugs two months before they plan to become pregnant.
What is ozempic?
Ozempic is an injection that can be used to help control blood sugar and also as a weight loss drug. It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body. It stimulates the release of insulin when glucose is present, and also helps to reduce sugar released by the liver and slows down food leaving the stomach.
People taking Ozempic tend to lose weight. It is not a substitute for diet and exercise.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible and go back to your regular schedule.
If you take Ozempic with insulin or other drugs that increase how much insulin your body makes, you may have a higher chance of experiencing low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Talk with your doctor about ways to avoid hypoglycemia.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, it is not recommended that you take ozempic during pregnancy. There are fetal health and safety concerns associated with this medication.
How does ozempic work?
Ozempic slows down the speed at which your stomach digests food. This can cause bloating, gas, and burping (also called “gastric reflux”).
Nausea is a common side effect of ozempic but it usually goes away after your body gets used to the medicine. It’s especially common at the beginning of treatment and can be uncomfortable, but it’s rare to experience severe nausea.
Vomiting can also happen as your body adjusts to the medication but it usually goes away on its own. It’s important to let your prescriber know if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Women who are pregnant should not take ozempic, because of the potential risk to the unborn baby. The FDA warns that ozempic can cause fetal malformations and lowered fetal weight.
What are the side effects of ozempic?
Ozempic is a medicine for people with diabetes used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
It can cause serious side effects, including severe headaches; confusion; slurred speech; arm or leg weakness; trouble walking; loss of coordination; feeling unsteady; very stiff muscles; high fever; and profuse sweating. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Some women have had problems with their gallbladder while taking ozempic, especially when they take other medicines that can affect the liver. Stop using ozempic and tell your doctor right away if you have a new or worsening problem with your gallbladder.
Ozempic is safe to take while pregnant, but you should stop taking it two months before you plan to become pregnant. If you are already pregnant, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your diabetes during pregnancy.
How should I take ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication that’s used to manage diabetes. It’s a type of medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which can help you control your blood sugar levels.
It works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin when glucose is present, such as after a meal. It’s not used when your body can’t make insulin, like in Type 1 diabetes.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Ozempic and then increase your dosage gradually. You’ll inject it once a week into your stomach, thigh, or arm.
The injection is made into a prefilled, disposable pen. Each Ozempic pen comes in a range of strengths, written as milligrams of semaglutide (Ozempic’s active drug) per milliliter of solution.
When you’re using Ozempic, you should eat healthy foods that are high in fiber and protein. This can help you control your weight and improve your blood sugar control. Talk with your doctor about which types of foods are best for you to eat while taking Ozempic.