Weight-loss jabs could cause birth defects if utilized by women hoping to develop into pregnant, doctors have warned.
A spate of ladies reported unexpectedly getting pregnant after being prescribed medications containing semaglutide, the important thing ingredient in drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.
This has led to some doctors within the US prescribing the jabs to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one among the leading causes of infertility in women.
But British scientists have warned the medications could cause abnormalities and advised those taking it to make use of contraception and stop taking it no less than two months before attempting to conceive.
A spate of ladies reported unexpectedly getting pregnant after being prescribed medications containing semaglutide, the important thing ingredient in drugs Wegovy and Ozempic
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British scientists have warned the medications could cause abnormalities and advised those taking it to make use of contraception and stop taking it no less than two months before attempting to conceive (stock image)
The jabs work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which suppresses appetites and helps people to feel full faster.
Experts imagine the ‘Ozempic’ or ‘Oops’ baby phenomenon might be all the way down to a lot of aspects, with weight reduction known to spice up fertility by helping to manage ovulation and menstruation.
The drug can also increase the prospect of pregnancy because unintended effects akin to nausea and vomiting may stop contraceptive pills being absorbed effectively.
Experts cautioned against using the jabs to try to spice up fertility after trials on animals found it was potentially harmful.
Specialist Professor Tricia Tan at Imperial College London said: ‘Women must know that these drugs shouldn’t be used while pregnant.
‘Animal studies did show that the animal babies born to animals who got these medications had problems.’
Nerys Astbury, a senior researcher in weight loss program and obesity at Oxford University, said non-pharmaceutical routes to reduce weight could be advised before pregnancy.
She said: ‘It is essential to notice that while some doctors are prescribing semaglutide off-label to women with PCOS, it isn’t clear whether it’s protected to make use of in women while pregnant and shouldn’t be used as a way to treat infertility until research demonstrating safety and effectiveness is on the market.’
