The soaring fame of GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, developed to assist individuals in managing Type 2 diabetes and obesity, has garnered attention in the media due to its side effect of weight loss, catching the interest of celebrities and influencers. However, this surge in popularity has also led to questions concerning the potential impact of these medications on pregnancy and fertility.
Overview of Ozempic
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable (subcutaneous) prescription medication that’s part of a drug class of medications known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists. It mimics a hormone found naturally in your body, GLP-1 (produced in your gut and released when food is consumed), which regulates digestion, insulin, and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 agonists enhance glucose-dependent insulin production, reduce glucagon (which increases blood sugar levels) production, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety, which can lead to weight loss.
In addition to managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is used to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events in those with a history of heart diseases like heart attacks or strokes.
This medication is FDA-approved for managing type 2 diabetes when accompanied by an appropriate diet and exercise regimen. Although weight loss is a common side effect, it’s important to note that Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss but may be prescribed off-label by healthcare providers.
There is currently no generic for Ozempic (Semaglutide), resulting in higher costs, even for individuals with insurance coverage. Ozempic can also be bought without insurance through online pharmacies like Marley Drug, which offer free home delivery via cold shipment.
Side Effects of Ozempic
Some common side effects of Ozempic may include the following:
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- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Injection site reactions
- Hypoglycemia
Some serious side effects of Ozempic may include the following:
- A lump that may appear in your neck
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Vision problems, including vision loss, spots or dark strings floating in your vision, and blurred vision
- Feeling anxious, including shakiness
- Confusion
- Swelling that may occur in your legs, ankles, and feet
- Rash or itching
Risks
Ozempic should be avoided if a patient has multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, a history of medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Black Box Warning
Ozempic may increase the risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors.
This medication may cause pancreatitis.
Ozempic may also cause diabetic retinopathy complications.
Can Weight Loss Drugs Impact Fertility?
Healthcare providers may prescribe weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, to patients with specific conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). As you may already know, PCOS is characterized by irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and obesity. And for those living with obesity or who are overweight, hormonal imbalances can disrupt ovulation.
Research suggests a connection between obesity and infertility, especially when ovulation disorders are present. However, even a modest amount of weight loss can help restore hormones essential for ovulation while lowering the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy-related complications.
Conversely, underweight individuals might experience a reduction in estrogen production, leading to a lack of ovulation and regular periods. Remember that ovulation is vital for the release of an egg, which needs to be fertilized by sperm for conception to occur.
According to the manufacturer of Ozempic, considering the drug’s half-life, it’s recommended that individuals taking Ozempic discontinue the medication at least two months before trying to conceive to minimize any potential impact on fertility during this period.
Is it Safe to Take Ozempic During Pregnancy?
The safety of using Ozempic during pregnancy remains uncertain due to limited data on its effects on pregnant women. While animal studies have indicated potential negative impacts on pregnancy outcomes, the direct implications for human pregnancies are still unclear.
Due to the lack of comprehensive human studies and the potential risks involved, it is generally advised to avoid taking Ozempic during pregnancy. Some animal studies have shown that pregnant rats exposed to Semaglutide experienced congenital disabilities and pregnancy losses. Although the effects observed in animal studies may not directly translate to humans, the potential risks of taking Ozempic while pregnant are considered significant unless there is a compelling medical reason to do so.
According to the recommendations from the manufacturers of Ozempic, taking this medication during pregnancy should only be considered if the benefits to the developing fetus significantly outweigh the potential risks involved. Although the importance of understanding that while it has its risks of severe side effects, uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can also have detrimental consequences. Poorly managed diabetes during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of congenital disabilities, preterm delivery, and pregnancy loss. Therefore, making decisions about using then product during pregnancy requires carefully evaluating the risks and benefits to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Both weight loss and malnutrition during pregnancy can lead to complications and harm to the fetus. Therefore, the use of Ozempic during pregnancy should be carefully assessed for its potential risks and benefits by the patient’s healthcare provider.
Is it Safe to Take Ozempic While Breastfeeding?
Although the presence of Ozempic in breast milk has been observed in animal studies, its impact on human breast milk remains uncertain. Traces of Ozempic were detected in rat milk, but the transfer of medications into human milk may vary between species due to differences in lactation processes. While the extent of Ozempic transfer into human milk is not well-established, it is generally believed that if a drug passes into rat milk, it may also pass into human milk.
As a result, since the potential risks to nursing infants are not fully understood, healthcare professionals typically advise against using Ozempic while breastfeeding unless the benefits of the medication significantly outweigh the potential risks.
- Ozempic and Pregnancy: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know - August 1, 2023