Popular Weight-loss Medications Raise Pregnancy Safety Concerns For Women

Women taking celebrated weight-loss medications during their reproductive years whitethorn beryllium unaware of associated risks to gestation and unborn babies, pass Flinders University researchers. 

A caller study has revealed that astir Australian women of reproductive property prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists-medications progressively utilized for weight nonaccomplishment specified arsenic Ozempic-are not utilizing effective contraception, contempt known risks during pregnancy. 

Published successful nan Medical Journal of Australia, nan investigation analyzed information from complete 1.6 cardinal women aged 18 to 49 who attended wide practices betwixt 2011 and 2022. Of nan 18,010 women who were first prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists during that time, only 21% had reported utilizing contraception. 

Originally developed to negociate type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists person gained fame for their appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects, pinch nan study uncovering that astir prescriptions are now issued to women without diabetes. 

Lead writer and pharmacist, Associate Professor Luke Grzeskowiak, says that successful 2022 alone, much than 6,000 women began curen connected GLP-1s, and complete 90% of those did not person a glucosuria diagnosis. 

We're seeing wide usage of these medications among women of childbearing age, but very small grounds that contraception is being considered arsenic portion of regular care.

These medications tin beryllium incredibly helpful, but they're not risk-free, particularly during pregnancy." 

Luke Grzeskowiak, Associate Professor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University

The study recovered that 2.2% of women became pregnant wrong six months of starting GLP-1 curen pinch gestation rates highest among younger women pinch diabetes, and among women without glucosuria successful their early thirties. 

Women pinch polycystic ovary syndrome were doubly arsenic apt to conceive, suggesting that weight nonaccomplishment whitethorn amended fertility, moreover erstwhile unintended. 

Importantly, women who were utilizing contraception astatine nan clip of prescribing had a importantly little consequence of pregnancy. 

A erstwhile reappraisal of animal studies from nan University of Amsterdam linked GLP-1 vulnerability during gestation to reduced foetal maturation and skeletal abnormalities, and while quality information is limited, nan imaginable risks stay concerning.

"Whilst nan UK advises that women utilizing GLP-1 receptor agonists should debar gestation and usage effective contraception, this proposal is not being followed consistently successful Australian objective practice," says Associate Professor Grzeskowiak.

"We request to guarantee that reproductive wellness is portion of each speech erstwhile these narcotics are prescribed to immoderate women of childbearing age. 

"It is besides vitally important that we person clearer believe recommendations and guidelines for those prescribing GLP-1s to women to guarantee their safe and effective use. 

"Our proposal is to speak to your GP astir nan risks and benefits of GLP-1 medicines earlier taking them, and only return those prescribed by a healthcare professional." 

The authors opportunity that further studies evaluating nan effect of these medications connected gestation and unborn babies are warranted.