The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a safety warning about the use of popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs, including Ozempic and Mounjaro.
These medicines, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are not recommended for use during pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or while breastfeeding.
According to the MHRA, women who are planning to get pregnant should stop using GLP-1 drugs at least two months before trying to conceive. This guidance is based on the lack of enough safety data to determine if these drugs could harm an unborn baby.
So far, the MHRA has received 40 reports of pregnancies among women using these injections. The sudden rise in unexpected pregnancies has sparked online discussion, with many women referring to their children as “Ozempic babies” or “Mounjaro babies.”
One major concern is that Mounjaro may lower the effectiveness of birth control pills in women with a higher body weight. Because of this, the agency advises using condoms, especially during the first four weeks of treatment and after any increase in dosage.
Of the 40 reports, 26 were related to Mounjaro. While not all reports indicated whether the pregnancy was planned, at least one woman stated hers was accidental. Eight reports involved Ozempic and Wegovy, and nine were linked to Victoza or Saxenda, with one woman also confirming an unplanned pregnancy.
Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at MHRA, emphasized that these medications are meant to treat serious health conditions and should not be seen as a quick or cosmetic solution for weight loss.
“These drugs are medicines—not beauty treatments,” Dr. Cave said. “They have not been proven safe for cosmetic use.”
She also urged patients to read the medication leaflet carefully and speak with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
The MHRA continues to monitor these cases and advises women to use caution if they are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding while using GLP-1 medications.
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