Ozempic is a medication that can help you control your blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists).
Ozempic is used together with diet and exercise to help you lower your blood sugar and improve your overall health. It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors, which stimulate insulin release from your body when you need it. It also helps reduce the amount of sugar your liver makes and slows the movement of food out of your stomach.
What happens if i get pregnant while taking ozempic?
If you’re taking Ozempic to manage diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about whether you can get pregnant while on the medication. It can increase your risk of pregnancy and fetal birth defects, according to the American Diabetes Association.
If you want to conceive a child, it’s important to get off Ozempic at least two months before trying to conceive. That’s because the drug has a short half-life, so it doesn’t go away easily from your body, says Dr. Tanouye.
OB-GYNs don’t recommend taking semaglutides, like Ozempic and Wegovy, while you’re pregnant. The drugs, which belong to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, can cause birth defects in pregnant rats and human fetuses.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will likely give you other options for controlling your diabetes, such as insulin or other medications in the same family of drugs (like dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, and Trulicity). That said, it may take years to fully understand the effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonists on pregnancy, Tchang says.
What should i do if i get pregnant while taking ozempic?
Whether you’re taking Ozempic for the original purpose or interested in its off-label uses, it’s important to remember that it should not be taken while pregnant. That’s because it can cause harm to the baby, including low birth weight, premature delivery and fetal growth restriction.
OB-GYNs recommend you stop taking the medication two months before you plan to become pregnant or at least two months before you think you may be pregnant. You should also avoid using it while breastfeeding.
But if you do get pregnant while taking Ozempic, it’s important to let your doctor know right away. That way, your doctor can check your baby’s health and make sure it is healthy.
You should also stop taking Ozempic if you have a history of thyroid cancer, or an endocrine system condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. This medicine can increase your risk of developing medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare type of thyroid cancer that can be fatal.
In addition, semaglutide can affect the amount of insulin you produce, so it is also considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. If you are pregnant, your doctor can help you decide whether it’s best to continue using this medicine or switch to an alternative drug.
What should i tell my doctor if i get pregnant while taking ozempic?
If you get pregnant while taking ozempic, your doctor will need to know about it. They will help you decide if it is safe for you and your baby.
Ozempic is an injectable medication that you inject under the skin in your upper leg (thigh), stomach area, or upper arm, once every week (every 7 days). It works by activating something called a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor. This, in turn, helps control blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion and lowering glucagon secretion.
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to take it. This medicine is usually used with a diet and exercise program to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
It is also sometimes used in adults with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems to lower their risk of a stroke, heart attack, or death. It slows down the rate at which the stomach emptying, limiting how quickly it can absorb sugars from foods.
This medication can cause side effects, such as a headache, dizziness, or feeling light-headed. These are very rare, but you should talk with your doctor if they are severe.
The most common side effect of Ozempic is nausea. It is usually mild and goes away with time.