UK drugs regulator warns women on weight loss jabs must use contraception amid ‘Ozempic baby boom’

Women using weight loss injections have been advised to use reliable contraception after the UK’s medicines regulator received 40 reports of pregnancies—some of them unexpected, despite birth control.

As reported by Sky News, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a public safety alert about GLP-1 receptor agonists—including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Victoza—warning that these drugs should not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or while breastfeeding.

The MHRA revealed it had received 26 pregnancy-related reports involving Mounjaro, including one from a woman who said the pregnancy was unplanned.

A further eight reports involved Ozempic or Wegovy, and nine were linked to Saxenda or Victoza, with one woman stating her pregnancy was accidental.

GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a hormone released after eating that helps people feel full. Mounjaro also targets a second hormone linked to appetite and blood sugar regulation.

The agency stated there is currently insufficient safety data to determine if these drugs could harm a developing baby.

Women are advised to stop taking them immediately if they become pregnant and to discontinue use for two months before attempting to conceive.

Mounjaro has also been found to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in individuals who are overweight.

The MHRA recommends that those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and using an oral form of contraception should also use a non-oral form of contraception.

This is especially important during the first four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase.

 Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: “These medicines are licensed to treat specific health conditions — they are not cosmetic products.

“They are not a quick fix for weight loss and have not been assessed for safety when used in this way.”

The drugs have been associated with what some are calling an “Ozempic baby boom” or “Mounjaro babies”—unexpected pregnancies among women taking contraception.

The MHRA advised that effective contraception includes oral contraceptives, implants, intrauterine devices (coils), and condoms.

For Mounjaro users who are overweight, non-oral methods are especially recommended due to potential interference with the pill.

The agency also reminded patients to watch for symptoms of acute pancreatitis—an uncommon but serious side effect.

This includes severe stomach pain that spreads to the back and doesn’t ease, which should be treated as a medical emergency.

 Jasmine Shah, medication safety officer at the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Pharmacists urge women taking GLP-1 medicines to take note of this new guidance and to use effective contraception.

“Community pharmacies are seeing unprecedented demand for weight loss injections.

“It’s essential that safety guidance keeps up with this trend, and that patient wellbeing remains our priority.”

The MHRA also reiterated warnings about purchasing weight loss drugs from unregulated sources such as social media or beauty salons, where products may be fake or dangerous.

“Any suspected side effects or counterfeit products should be reported through the Yellow Card scheme.

Shah added: “We strongly echo the MHRA’s advice to avoid potentially fake weight loss jabs sold online or in salons, which could seriously harm health.

“Anyone with concerns about these medications should speak to their pharmacist.”