Safety is the absolute priority when it comes to reproductive health and weight loss medication. There is currently insufficient clinical data to guarantee the safety of these treatments for a developing foetus or a nursing infant.
Use this guide to understand:
Why these treatments must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The mandatory "wash-out" periods required before trying to conceive.
What to do if you become pregnant while using Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.
CRITICAL: Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety
Injectable weight loss treatments (GLP-1 receptor agonists) are strictly contraindicated for certain groups. To protect your health and the health of your child:
Pregnancy: You must not start or continue injectable weight loss treatment if you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding: You must not use these medications while breastfeeding, as it is unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.
Contraception: If you are of childbearing age, you must use effective contraception while taking these medications.
Important Note for Mounjaro® users: Mounjaro® may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (the pill). If you are using oral contraception, you must use a backup barrier method (such as condoms) or switch to a non-oral contraceptive for 4 weeks after starting treatment and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
Planning a pregnancy: Mandatory waiting periods
If you are planning to become pregnant, you must allow a specific "wash-out" period after your final dose to ensure the medication has completely cleared from your system before conception.
Wegovy®: You must wait at least two months after your final dose before trying to conceive.
Mounjaro®: You must wait at least one month after your final dose before trying to conceive.
Following these timelines is essential to ensure a safe environment for a developing pregnancy.
What to do if you become pregnant during treatment
If you discover you are pregnant while using Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, you must take the following steps immediately:
Stop Treatment: Do not take any further doses of the medication.
Contact MedExpress: Notify your prescriber through your patient account so they can update your clinical records and provide guidance.
Consult your GP/Midwife: Inform your primary healthcare provider or midwife that you have been using a GLP-1 medication.
Key Takeaway
Injectable weight loss medications must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You must follow the mandatory 1-month (Mounjaro®) or 2-month (Wegovy®) waiting periods before trying to conceive to ensure the medication is fully out of your system.