Wegovy and Pregnancy

Navigating WegovyandPregnancy: Understanding Semaglutide, Pregnancy Warnings, and Weight Loss Considerations

In the realm of weight loss solutions, Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, has emerged as a promising contender. However, amidst its efficacy, there’s a critical factor demanding attention: the impact of Wegovy on pregnancy and fetal development.

Semaglutide Pregnancy Warnings: Insights from Studies

Studies conducted on pregnant animals, including rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys, have shed light on potential risks associated with semaglutide exposure during pregnancy. These animal studies revealed concerning findings:

• Embryofoetal Mortality and Abnormalities: Rats exhibited embryofoetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and growth alterations at doses below the recommended human dose.
• Risks in Rabbits and Monkeys: Both rabbits and monkeys displayed early pregnancy losses and structural abnormalities, even at doses below the human equivalent.
• Maternal Body Weight Impact: Maternal body weight loss in rabbits and monkeys correlated with these adverse effects.

Furthermore, the absorption enhancer in Wegovy’s oral tablet, Salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), has shown the ability to cross the placenta and reach fetal tissue in rats. Administration to pregnant rats resulted in increased stillbirths and reduced pup viability.

Clinical Considerations and Regulatory Classifications

The clinical considerations surrounding semaglutide use during pregnancy highlight some maternal and fetal risks, particularly in poorly controlled diabetes cases. Poorly managed diabetes elevates the risk of various complications, including birth defects, stillbirth, and maternal health issues.

Regulatory classifications in Australia (AU TGA pregnancy category: D) and the United States (US FDA pregnancy category: Not Assigned) emphasize the lack of sufficient data to assess potential risks associated with semaglutide during pregnancy. The FDA’s updated pregnancy labelling rule emphasizes the need for informed decision-making and counselling for women using drugs during pregnancy.

Weighing Risks and Benefits: Recommendations for Pregnancy and Wegovy Use

The risk-benefit assessment is crucial when considering Wegovy use in women of childbearing potential:

• Discontinuation during Pregnancy: Upon recognizing pregnancy while using Wegovy, immediate discontinuation is advised due to potential fetal risks.
• Contraception and Treatment Cessation: Women planning pregnancy should cease Wegovy at least two months before conception due to its prolonged elimination period.
• Pregnancy Registry: A pregnancy registry has been established to monitor outcomes for women exposed to semaglutide during pregnancy. Healthcare providers and exposed individuals are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk for reporting.

Conclusion: Pregnancy, Wegovy, and Informed Decision-Making

Using Wegovy during pregnancy raises substantial concerns based on animal studies and the lack of comprehensive human data. Understanding the potential risks and benefits, consulting healthcare providers, and adhering to safety recommendations are crucial for women contemplating pregnancy or already using Wegovy.

Ensuring informed decision-making, utilizing contraception during treatment, and timely cessation before planned pregnancies are pivotal steps to safeguard maternal and fetal health in the context of Wegovy usage. Creating a dedicated registry underscores the commitment to monitoring and understanding the impact of semaglutide exposure during pregnancy.

Understanding the Precautions: Pregnancy and Wegovy

While Wegovy has garnered acclaim for its efficacy, there are crucial considerations that cannot be overlooked, particularly concerning pregnancy. As a general rule, pregnant individuals are advised against using Wegovy due to potential risks to the developing fetus.

The manufacturer recommends discontinuing Wegovy usage for at least two months before attempting to conceive. This precautionary measure ensures that the drug is eliminated from the system before conception, thereby mitigating any potential risks associated with its use during pregnancy.