Weight-loss jabs and pregnancy warnings have come into focus after a growing number of women in the UK were found to be unaware of the contraceptive advice linked to popular medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro. The UK’s medicines regulator is now urging caution, particularly among those of childbearing age using these injections to manage weight.
These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are licensed in the UK to help people with obesity or type 2 diabetes by mimicking hormones that control appetite and digestion. They’ve become widely known under brand names such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. While they’re available on prescription through the NHS for people with a very high BMI, the demand has also spilled over into private clinics and social media, with some people accessing the drugs through unregulated channels like beauty salons.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now reinforced its guidance following a small number of unexpected pregnancies reported through its Yellow Card scheme. It’s concerned that women may not be fully informed about how these weight-loss jabs interact with contraception, or what to do if they become pregnant while taking them.
According to the latest advice, anyone using these jabs should use contraception throughout treatment and for a period afterwards. Specifically, women taking Wegovy or Ozempic are advised to wait two months before trying to conceive, while for Mounjaro it’s one month. There’s also additional advice for anyone using Mounjaro alongside the pill – they’re advised to use a second form of contraception, like condoms, for at least four weeks after starting the injection. That’s because these medications may make oral contraception less effective, particularly in women with a higher BMI.
This advice isn’t new as it’s included in the patient leaflets. However, it’s not always reaching the people who need it. In some cases, women have started using weight-loss jabs without being told clearly how they may affect fertility or pregnancy.
One woman, Natasha Major, 26, had been using Mounjaro to manage her weight ahead of planning a future pregnancy. But just six weeks in – while still on the contraceptive pill – she discovered she was already pregnant. “I have polycystic ovaries, so I didn’t think it would happen easily,” she said. “It was a shock, and I was worried whether the injection could harm the baby.”
After calling her GP, Natasha was told to stop taking the drug immediately. An early scan confirmed the pregnancy was viable, and she says she’s now feeling more reassured – but her story has highlighted how crucial it is for patients to be properly advised when starting treatment.
The MHRA, along with pharmacists and prescribers, is calling for clearer communication. While it doesn’t yet know how these drugs might affect a pregnancy, animal studies have shown potential risks to unborn babies, prompting the precautionary stance. As Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, has said, “If you’re taking one of these medicines and discover you’re pregnant, it’s important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.”
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) has added that access to reliable contraception in the UK remains a challenge. Many women face long waits, limited options, or high costs when trying to get the method that suits them – something BPAS argues needs urgent attention, especially as more women consider treatments like GLP-1 injections. You can read more about the wider issues around access to contraception from BPAS, which offers a breakdown of current concerns and policy gaps.
The MHRA has also published a clear public guide on the safe use of GLP-1 medicines, outlining when not to take them – including during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, and while breastfeeding. They encourage anyone starting treatment to have a full conversation with a prescriber, ask about side effects, and make sure they understand how the drug may affect other medications, including contraception.
For more updates on women’s health and policy in the UK, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
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