Wegovy, its impact during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and contraception use
Wegovy, a subcutaneous injection used for weight management and lowering cardiovascular risks, is not considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data and potential risks.
Pregnant women are advised to stop Wegovy at least two months before attempting to conceive, as animal studies have shown risks including birth defects and pregnancy loss. The FDA and the manufacturer recommend discontinuing Wegovy if pregnancy occurs, and emphasize the use of effective contraception while on the medication.
Regarding breastfeeding, there is no conclusive safety data on semaglutide (Wegovy's active ingredient) passage into breast milk or its effects on infants. Therefore, most healthcare providers recommend avoiding Wegovy during lactation and waiting until after weaning to resume treatment.
A pregnancy exposure registry has been established to collect data on outcomes when Wegovy is used during pregnancy, underscoring the need for careful monitoring. If you become pregnant while taking Wegovy, immediately contact your doctor.
Your doctor will likely recommend using birth control to prevent pregnancy while you take Wegovy and for two months after you stop taking Wegovy. They will also recommend waiting at least two months after your last dose of Wegovy before trying to conceive.
To learn more about the pregnancy registry for Wegovy, call 877-390-2760, visit the provided site, or talk with your doctor. It is crucial to discuss your concerns and options with your healthcare provider before making any decisions.
Remember, Wegovy contains the active drug semaglutide. Animal studies have shown fetal harm in offspring born to pregnant animals that were given Wegovy. The risks and benefits of Wegovy should be discussed with a doctor before taking the drug while breastfeeding.
If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, consider the potential effects of Wegovy on you and your child. It is essential to prioritise the health and safety of both you and your child when making decisions about medication use.
In summary, Wegovy should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential fetal risks and an unknown safety profile. Women planning pregnancy should discontinue use well in advance and consult their healthcare providers for safer alternatives and guidance on family planning.
- Pfizer, the manufacturer of Wegovy, recommends discontinuing the medication for anyone planning pregnancy due to potential risks and unknown safety data.
- During pregnancy, Wegovy has shown risks including birth defects and pregnancy loss in animal studies, making it not safe for use.
- Healthcare providers often advise breastfeeding women to avoid Wegovy due to an unclear profile of semaglutide (Wegovy's active ingredient) in breast milk and potential infants' effects.
- A pregnancy exposure registry was set up to collect data on Wegovy's outcomes during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring.
- Pregnant women taking Wegovy are advised to immediately contact their doctors to discuss alternative therapies and treatments for managing weight and cardiovascular risks.
- Women should consult their healthcare providers about using birth control and waiting at least two months after stopping Wegovy before attempting conception, as recommended by physicians.
- In the realm of health and wellness, mental health, family health, pregnancy, sexual health, and women's health, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of both the mother and child when making medication decisions.
- Skin care and men's health may seem unrelated, but considering the impact of Wegovy on chronic diseases and thyroid cancer, all medical conditions must be kept in mind when assessing drug safety.
- The FDA and healthcare providers alike emphasize the importance of workplace-wellness programs to provide comprehensive care and information about medications and their impact on health, including Wegovy and its risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
