Warning: "Skinny Jabs" May Pose Risks to Unborn Babies and Breastfeeding Mothers

A disturbing warning has been issued by the UK’s medicine regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), regarding the use of popular weight loss injections, including Ozempic and Wegovy, during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The agency has cautioned that these medications, also known as "skinny jabs," may have unknown effects on unborn babies and should be avoided by women who are trying to conceive or are nursing their babies.

The Risks: Unknown Effects on Unborn Babies

According to the MHRA, there is limited data available on the safety of these weight loss medications during pregnancy, and their use may pose risks to the unborn baby. Professor Rebecca Reynolds, a specialist in metabolic medicine at the University of Edinburgh, has emphasized that "hardly any available data from human studies" exists to determine the safety of these medications during pregnancy. Animal studies, however, have suggested potential harm, including low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities.

Guidance for Women: Use Effective Contraception and Consult Healthcare Professionals

The MHRA has urged women to use effective contraception while taking these medications and to consult their healthcare professionals if they become pregnant or are planning to conceive. Women are advised to stop taking these medications as soon as possible if they become pregnant, as there is not enough safety data to determine whether the medications could harm the baby.

Additional Warning: Impact on Oral Contraception

The MHRA has also warned about the potential impact of another weight loss and diabetes injection, Mounjaro, on the effectiveness of oral contraception in people who are overweight. Women taking Mounjaro and using oral contraception are advised to use a non-oral form of contraception as well, as gastrointestinal side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea can impair the absorption of oral contraceptives, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy.

Expert Opinion: Timely and Necessary Warning

Consultant in reproductive medicine, Ying Cheong, from the University of Southampton, has welcomed the MHRA’s warning, calling it "both timely and necessary." He emphasized that the gastrointestinal side effects associated with these medications can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, highlighting the importance of using effective contraception and consulting healthcare professionals.

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Conclusion: Prioritizing Health and Safety

The warning issued by the MHRA serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and safety, particularly when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women who are considering using weight loss medications should consult their healthcare professionals and carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits. By staying informed and taking a proactive approach to health, we can minimize the risks associated with these medications and ensure a healthy and safe outcome for both mother and baby.

Recommended Reading:

• Weight Loss Medications: What You Need to Know
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Guide to Staying Healthy
• The Importance of Effective Contraception

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Content originally published by health.economictimes.indiatimes.com