Ozempic is one of three drugs in a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists). It’s used to manage type 2 diabetes.
It’s also gaining popularity as a weight loss drug. But, like other GLP-1 agonists, it can cause serious side effects in pregnant women and babies.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
If you are taking Ozempic or Wegovy, talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to get pregnant. You will need to stop using the medication at least two months before trying to conceive.
Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is a once-weekly medicine used to improve blood sugar, along with diet and exercise, in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It can also help reduce your risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. You may have a higher risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder problems if you take this medicine.
During treatment with Ozempic, your doctor will check your blood sugar regularly to make sure it is working. If it is not, your doctor will adjust the dose of this drug.
Although semaglutide medications are relatively new on the market, there is no clear research to determine how they will affect a woman’s fertility. As a result, experts say it is not a good idea for women to use this medicine during pregnancy.
2. Get a Physical
Getting a physical is one of the best things you can do for your health. It will help you get the care and treatment you need, as well as catch any health problems before they get serious. The oh so enticing tidbit is that most health insurance plans will cover the cost of a yearly physical, including any tests or medical procedures you may need to improve your health.
You might not have heard of a preconception medical consultation, but this type of appointment is the most important step to take before you even try to become pregnant. It will help you make the most of your fertility, as well as ward off pregnancy related complications like ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. You should also be sure to ask your doctor about fertility tests that can help you pinpoint your fertile window. You might be surprised by how much you can accomplish with a little guidance from your doctor or midwife.
3. Talk to Your Fertility Specialist
If you are taking ozempic, your fertility specialist will be able to talk to you about how to manage it before pregnancy. She will also know if you need to stop taking it for several months before you try to get pregnant.
She may recommend getting a sperm analysis to see if you have any problems with your fertility due to the drug. If so, she may recommend getting you off it or changing it to a new one that doesn’t affect fertility.
The Food and Drug Administration has warned that both Ozempic and Wegovy, which are used off-label for obesity, can damage DNA in sperm cells, causing pregnancy loss or birth defects. That’s why you should avoid them for at least three months before trying to conceive.
The good news is that it’s unlikely you will ever see any toxicity from these drugs in your developing baby. Even if you do, it will go away over time.
4. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
If you take ozempic, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions before pregnancy. She may prescribe a lower dose to start, or increase it if needed.
Ozempic is a prescription injectable medication that works by stimulating the GLP-1 receptors in your stomach and small intestine. This helps control your blood sugar levels and reduces hunger. It’s used to treat type 2 diabetes, and it also can help you lose weight.
But if you’re taking Ozempic or any other medicine that stimulates the GLP-1 receptors, talk to your doctor about how this drug might affect you when you’re trying to conceive. He might recommend stopping the medication two months before you try to conceive, or switching to another type of medicine that isn’t so likely to cause problems in your body.
Ozempic is not approved for use during pregnancy, and it’s not recommended to take during breastfeeding either. But if you have diabetes, there are safer alternatives for treatment, like insulin, that will not cause harm to your baby.