Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications like Ozempic are gaining popularity among women who struggle with obesity. These medications can help patients control their weight and improve metabolic health, which in turn can improve fertility.
But, if you’re pregnant, it can be dangerous to take these drugs. Because they may cause low blood sugar and fetal growth restriction.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication that’s used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping to increase the production of incretins – hormones – that help your body make more insulin when you need it. It also supresses the amount of glucose produced by your liver.
Ozempic comes in a pen that you use to self-inject the medication into your veins. You should follow the dosing instructions on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.
The recommended starting dose of Ozempic is 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks. You may increase the dose to 0.5 mg once weekly after that, or to 1 or 2 mg once weekly if needed for further glycemic control.
Before you start using Ozempic, tell your doctor about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. These drugs and supplements can interact with Ozempic and cause unwanted effects.
How do I take Ozempic?
Ozempic is a once-weekly medicine that’s used to improve blood sugar, along with diet and exercise, in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke in adults with diabetes and known heart disease.
It works by helping your body produce a natural hormone called GLP-1. This helps control your blood sugar levels, regulate your appetite and decrease the amount of fat you store.
But it can also cause some side effects, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Ozempic or take a lower dose for a short time if you have signs of low blood sugar.
OB-GYNs don’t recommend using Ozempic or any other type of semaglutide medication while pregnant because it hasn’t been studied long enough to know how it will affect pregnancy. If you’re planning to get pregnant, it’s best to come off the medication two months before trying to conceive.
What are the risks of taking Ozempic during pregnancy?
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that’s prescribed to treat diabetes. It also helps people lose weight, but it comes with a few risks.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ozempic should be avoided. This is because it can affect your fetus and cause birth defects.
There is limited research on the effects of semaglutide during pregnancy, but animal studies found that fetal development was negatively affected by this medication at high doses.
Using the drug during pregnancy can cause a condition called intrauterine growth restriction, which can reduce the size of your baby.
This can lead to birth defects, such as a heart defect or brain damage.
While these risks are small, they’re not something to take lightly. If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, you should tell your doctor right away. He or she will be able to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to take ozempic during pregnancy.
What should I tell my doctor if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause fetal harm, so you should not take it if you are pregnant. The manufacturer recommends stopping ozempic at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
A study in animals found that high doses of Ozempic during pregnancy caused a decrease in the fetus’ weight and increased their risk for birth defects. However, this study was small and limited by lack of long-term follow-up.
Your doctor may recommend a different type of medication for managing your blood sugar during pregnancy. This can include insulin or sulfonylureas (medicines that help your body absorb glucose).
If you are taking any other medicines, such as glucagon (a medication that helps your body get more sugar when your blood sugar is low), tell your doctor. These drugs can cause a fast/pounding heartbeat when your blood sugar is too low.
Keep a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements you use, and share it with your doctor. Keeping a record will help your doctor or pharmacist make sure you are not taking more than you should.