Women using weight-loss jabs and contraception together are being warned to take extra precautions, as the UK’s medicines regulator raises concerns over unintended pregnancies linked to popular slimming injections.
MHRA highlights risks for women using GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued fresh advice urging women to use reliable contraception while taking GLP-1 medicines, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, and to continue doing so for a set period after stopping treatment.
The MHRA’s warning comes amid growing use of weight-loss jabs, particularly among women seeking fast results. However, the contraceptive pill may be less effective in individuals who are overweight or obese while using these medications, prompting calls for greater awareness.
“Women should be told this information when they start taking the jabs, but there are fears the message is not getting through,” the MHRA stated.
What Women Need to Know
The regulator’s updated guidance advises:
- Do not use weight-loss injections during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
- Avoid these jabs while breastfeeding.
- Use contraception throughout the treatment and for:
- 2 months after stopping Wegovy or Ozempic.
- 1 month after stopping Mounjaro.
Additionally, those taking Mounjaro alongside the oral contraceptive pill are advised to use condoms or consider a long-term method such as an implant or intrauterine device (IUD) for the first four weeks of treatment.
Natasha Major, 26, was using Mounjaro to shed weight before trying for another baby. Six weeks in, she discovered she was pregnant, despite taking the contraceptive pill.
“I have polycystic ovaries as well, so I can’t get pregnant easily or quickly. So it was an even bigger shock that I had, which didn’t make any sense to me. The last injection I took, I found out about the pregnancy three hours later and haven’t taken it since then,” she shared.
Health professionals are increasingly concerned that weight-loss jabs and contraception are being mishandled due to their growing popularity. Known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Ozempic work by mimicking gut hormones that control hunger and blood sugar.
Originally licensed for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment, their demand has exploded, with many turning to unregulated sources, including social media and beauty clinics, bypassing medical guidance.
“If you are taking this medicine and you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about stopping the medicine as soon as possible,” said Dr Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer.
Animal studies have suggested the drugs could harm an unborn baby, but definitive evidence in humans is lacking due to limited clinical trials involving women of childbearing age.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) highlighted further complications: access to contraception in the UK remains difficult for many women.
“Women in the UK face significant challenges when trying to access their method of choice,” BPAS stated, pointing to long wait times, lack of appointments, and prohibitive costs.
Pharmacists like Sukhi Basra, vice-chair of the National Pharmacy Association, urged women to speak to professionals for clear guidance if confused about the timing or risks of these medicines.
As the MHRA continues to receive reports—around 40 so far—through its Yellow Card scheme, many of which involve unplanned pregnancies, the call for education and caution is growing louder.
Those considering weight-loss jabs and contraception together are strongly encouraged to discuss options with their GP or pharmacist before beginning treatment.
Summary Points
- Weight-loss jabs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro may impact the effectiveness of oral contraception.
- Condoms or long-term methods are advised during early stages of treatment.
- Avoid these medications during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
- Health experts warn of risks due to increasing off-label and unregulated use.
- Better access to contraception and patient education is urgently needed.
