Understanding the potential impact of weight loss drugs on birth control in the UK
🌟 Double Trouble: Weight Loss Meds Threaten Birth Control and Fetal Health, Regulators Warn!
There's some not-so-groovy news for ladies who are fighting the flab and managing their diabetes with weight loss and diabetes medications, like Mounjaro.
Amaze Records just dropped some guidance from the UK's regulatory body, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), stating that Mounjaro, used for treating diabetes and aiding weight loss, can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in women who are a bit on the heavier side.
The MHRA urges these females to double up on contraceptive measures, suggesting alternate methods like birth control implants, intrauterine devices, or fashionable condoms if they're on the pill. The agency emphasizes the need for a backup form of birth control for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dosage increase. They also recommend sticking to a second form of birth control for two whole months before trying to conceive, and a firm no-no on using while pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting a bun in the oven.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also in on this dance, urging women using Mounjaro and oral contraceptives to hop onto non-oral birth control and slap on a "barrier method" four weeks after starting or after a dosage increase.
Obstetrics gurus spoke to our website and dished out some hot intel: there have been reports of women goin' pregnant while poppin' these weight-loss pills because they were on the pill. These experts believe two reasons could be at play: first, weight loss can make it more likely for some gals to conceive, and second, these drugs, called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), may affect digestion, making oral contraceptives less effective.
As for pregnancy, there just aren't many big studies on humans, but some animal tests hint at potential birth defects and metabolic issues. So, why take the risk? It's always safer to stick with tried-and-true methods for weight loss and diabetes control during pregnancy.
Bottom line: while GLP-1 receptor agonists can help us trim down and keep our blood sugar under control, they're not exactly Baby Björn-friendly. Be sure to chat with your doc about birth control if you're playing with these major medications. And remember, better safe (and slim) than sorry!
P.S.
As a friendly FYI, our regulatory buddies have also warned against using other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Victoza during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while trying to conceive due to a lack of safety data on their effects on a developing fetus. Keep that in mind, babes!❤️💪🍎
- For women managing health issues like diabetes and weight loss with medication like Mounjaro, it's important to be aware that these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, especially for those who are overweight.
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised these women to use alternate methods of birth control, such as birth control implants, intrauterine devices, or condoms for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dosage increase.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made similar recommendations, urging women to switch to non-oral birth control and utilize a barrier method for four weeks after starting or increasing the dosage of Mounjaro.
- Experts suggest that the reason for these pregnancy concerns is twofold: weight loss may increase the likelihood of conception, and drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) may affect digestion, making oral contraceptives less effective.
- Although extensive studies on humans are lacking, animal tests suggest potential birth defects and metabolic issues associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, making these drugs generally unsuitable during pregnancy.
- In light of these concerns, it's crucial to consult a doctor regarding birth control if considering major medications like Mounjaro, and to prioritize traditional methods for weight loss and diabetes management during pregnancy for safety purposes.
