Published on
Updated
Reading 1 min.
Ozempic appears to contribute to the increase in unwanted pregnancies. A “parallel effect” of the drug, which can be explained, says an endocrinologist.
Ozempic® has (again) been talked about. This medication, indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is now accused of promoting unwanted pregnancies.
Contraception failures
On social networks, comments are multiplying: Ozempic, an antidiabetic too often misused to lose weight, would reduce the contraceptive power of the pill.
Many women who inject Ozempic report that they became pregnant even though they were taking oral contraception.
“I got pregnant on Ozempic and I was taking the pill! The little boy is due in June“, reveals an Internet user.
Another says she became pregnant just four months after starting the drug… even though she thought she was sterile.
How to explain such a phenomenon ? According to Dr. Neha Lalani, the explanation is simple:
“This family of anti-diabetes medications has the effect of slowing the emptying of the stomach, which modifies the absorption of food and medications taken orally – including the birth control pill. Hence these contraceptive failures“, reveals the American endocrinologist, interviewed by our colleagues at HealthLine.
An increase in fertility
Another observation made by the endocrinologist: Ozempic® could increase fertility.
“This medicine causes weight loss. However, we know that, in women, a weight loss of around 5% can improve fertility by restoring metabolic health and the regularity of the menstrual cycle.“, explains the specialist.
Faced with these unwanted pregnancies, Dr. Neha Lalani urges caution. Patients treated with Ozempic® must be particularly rigorous with regard to their contraceptive treatment.
The use of a condom and/or the insertion of an IUD or a contraceptive implant must even be (re)considered – in consultation, of course, with a health professional.