What's happened
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency warns women using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, to use effective contraception due to reports of unexpected pregnancies. Over 40 pregnancy-related reports have raised concerns about the safety of these medications during pregnancy as of June 14, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Key Concerns
- Unexpected Pregnancies: Reports indicate that women using GLP-1 drugs have experienced unplanned pregnancies, raising alarms about their contraceptive effectiveness.
- Safety Data Gaps: The MHRA has highlighted a lack of comprehensive safety data regarding the use of these medications during pregnancy, prompting urgent warnings.
- Legislative Implications: The situation may lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of weight-loss drugs, particularly regarding their marketing and prescription practices.
Implications for Users
- Contraceptive Recommendations: Women are advised to use barrier methods, such as condoms, to mitigate risks while on these medications.
- Healthcare Guidance: The MHRA emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before using GLP-1 drugs, especially for those planning to conceive.
Future Outlook
- Increased Research: There is a pressing need for further studies to assess the long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs on pregnancy outcomes.
- Public Awareness: As awareness grows, users may become more cautious, potentially impacting the market for these medications.
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that the MHRA received over 40 pregnancy-related reports linked to GLP-1 drugs, urging effective contraception use (Tobi Thomas, The Guardian). Meanwhile, the NY Post highlighted the phenomenon of 'Ozempic babies,' emphasizing the unexpected pregnancies among women using these medications (NY Post). The Independent reiterated the MHRA's warnings, noting the lack of safety data for these drugs during pregnancy (Jane Kirby, The Independent). These sources collectively underscore the urgent need for awareness and caution among users of GLP-1 medications.
How we got here
The rise in popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss has led to unexpected pregnancies among users. The MHRA's alert follows numerous reports linking these medications to reduced contraceptive effectiveness and potential risks during pregnancy.
Go deeper
- What are GLP-1 drugs and how do they work?
- What should women do if they are using these medications?
- Are there any safe alternatives for weight loss?
Common question
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What Are the Risks of Using GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs During Pregnancy?
Recent warnings from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have raised concerns about the safety of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro for women who may become pregnant. With reports of unexpected pregnancies linked to these medications, it's crucial for users to understand the associated risks and necessary precautions.
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What are the health risks of weight-loss drugs during pregnancy?
As the popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro rises, concerns about their safety during pregnancy have emerged. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued warnings about unexpected pregnancies linked to these medications. This raises important questions for women considering or currently using these drugs.
More on these topics
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom which is responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are acceptably safe.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.