Doctors have warned that weight-loss injections could cause birth defects if used by women hoping to become pregnant.
A number of women reported becoming pregnant unexpectedly after being prescribed medications containing semaglutide, the key ingredient in the drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.
This has led some doctors in the US to prescribe the injections to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility in women.
But British scientists warned that the drugs could cause abnormalities and advised those taking them to use contraception and stop taking them at least two months before trying to conceive.
A number of women reported becoming pregnant unexpectedly after being prescribed medications containing semaglutide, the key ingredient in the drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.
British scientists warned that the drugs could cause abnormalities and advised those taking them to use contraception and stop taking them at least two months before trying to conceive (file image).
The injections work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which suppresses appetite and helps people feel full faster.
Experts believe the ‘Ozempic’ or ‘Oops’ baby phenomenon could be due to a number of factors, and weight loss is known to increase fertility by helping to regulate ovulation and menstruation.
The medication may also increase the chances of pregnancy because side effects such as nausea and vomiting can prevent birth control pills from being absorbed effectively.
Experts have warned against using injections to try to boost fertility after animal trials found they were potentially harmful.
Specialist Professor Tricia Tan from Imperial College London said: “Women should be aware that these drugs should not be used during pregnancy.”
“Animal studies showed that babies born to animals that received these drugs had problems.”
Nerys Astbury, senior researcher in diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, said non-pharmaceutical routes would be recommended for weight loss before pregnancy.
She said: “It is important to note that while some doctors prescribe semaglutide off-label to women with PCOS, it is unclear whether it is safe to use in women during pregnancy and it should not be used as a method of treating infertility until that investigations be carried out.” that demonstrates safety and efficacy is available.’