Warning to Women Using Weight Loss Jabs
Women who use weight loss injections are being warned by the British drug regulatory authority to use effective contraception. The regulatory authority of Medicines and Healthcare Products (MHRA) says that it is not known whether taking medication such as Wegovy and Mounjaro could harm an unborn baby.
How Weight Loss Injections Affect Contraception
Weight loss injections can make the contraceptive pill less effective, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can prevent the pill from being properly absorbed. They can also slow down the emptying of the stomach, which can affect the absorption of the pill. The MHRA recommends that women who use Mounjaro and take an oral contraceptive should also use a condom for four weeks after starting the drug or switch to another method such as a coil or implant.
Safety Precautions for Weight Loss Injections
The MHRA advises that weight loss injections must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Women should be informed of this information at the start of taking the injections, but there are fears that the message may not be getting through. The MHRA has received around 40 reports of pregnancies where the women were taking weight loss injections, some of which were unintentional pregnancies.
Case Study: Natasha’s Experience
Natasha Major, a 26-year-old woman, began using Mounjaro to lose weight before she planned to try for her third baby. However, she was shocked to discover that she was pregnant six weeks later, despite taking the contraceptive pill. She immediately stopped taking Mounjaro and sought advice from her GP. Natasha’s experience highlights the importance of using effective contraception when taking weight loss injections.
Advice for Women Taking Weight Loss Injections
The MHRA advises people to talk to their prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking weight loss injections and to understand the potential side effects. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception and be aware of the potential risks of taking weight loss injections. The MHRA also recommends that women who are taking weight loss injections and are pregnant should stop taking the medication as soon as possible and seek advice from their doctor.
Importance of Safe Use of Weight Loss Injections
The MHRA and doctors are concerned that weight loss injections are not being used safely, particularly among women of childbearing age. These prescription drugs are licensed for the treatment of obesity and type-2 diabetes, but they can have serious side effects if not used properly. Women should visit their pharmacists for advice when they are unsure about the use of weight loss injections and should always buy from official pharmacies.
Need for Better Contraception Services
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) says that women in the UK face considerable challenges when trying to access contraception. A lack of appointments, long waiting lists, and high costs are just a few of the obstacles that women face. BPAS is calling for better planning to provide women with a range of contraception options.
