Region's NHS warns women that weight loss injections should not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant or when breast feeding!
Women across the North East and North Cumbria are being warned that weight loss drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy, when trying to get pregnant, or while breastfeeding as there is not enough information available as to whether using the injections could cause harm to the baby.
Health experts are also advising women using the 'skinny jabs' to use effective contraception whilst taking the injections, as the medication may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. They recommend continuing contraception for at least two months after stopping the treatment before trying to get pregnant.
The advice follows an announcement from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which oversees the safety of medicines in the UK.
Dr Alex Kent, medical director, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “If a woman becomes pregnant while using weight loss medication, she should consult her healthcare professional for advice – as there is currently not enough evidence to know if this medication could be harmful to the baby.
“We are also advising women using the injections to take particular care with contraception, as some weight loss drugs can reduce the effectiveness of the pill by slowing digestion and causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
"In these cases, we recommend using additional non- oral methods of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the first four weeks of treatment. We also advise waiting at least two months after stopping the injections before trying to get pregnant.
“Weight loss medicines can work well for people who need them, but they should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional. Some people may lose weight quickly on them which can make it easier to get pregnant, even if they weren’t planning to, which is why proper contraception is so important.”
Amanda Kennett, ICB director of midwifery, added: “It’s extremely important that women across the North East and North Cumbria understand the risks of using weight loss injections if they’re pregnant, planning a baby, or breastfeeding.
"If you or someone close to you are using this medication and are pregnant, or might be thinking about starting a family, please encourage them to speak to their GP or maternity team as soon as possible. Getting the right advice early on can make all the difference to keeping both mum and baby safe and well.”
The NHS is also reminding people not to buy unregulated weight loss injections online, or from beauty salons, which could be fake, dangerous, or even deadly.
If you are thinking about buying weight loss medication, remember to:
- Always tell your GP or pharmacist about any medicine you are taking, including ones bought privately.
- Only use online pharmacies that are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Get medical help straight away if you feel unwell or have side effects after taking any medicine.
“Weight loss injections are powerful medicines so it’s important that anyone thinking about using them understands both the benefits and the risks", added Dr Kent.
"We would strongly encourage everyone to speak with their GP or pharmacist first. There are safe and effective weight loss options available through the NHS, and your healthcare team can help you to find the right one.”
For more information on medicines in pregnancy visits - https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/leaflets-a-z/glp-1-receptor-agonists/