Ever heard of a medication causing a “baby boom”? That’s exactly what’s happening with Ozempic, the weight loss drug that’s got everyone talking. But it’s not just the weight loss that has people buzzing – it’s the unexpected occurrence of pregnancy despite being on birth control.
The news has spread like wildfire across social media, with women sharing their own experiences of conceiving while taking Ozempic. One TikTok couple, Ju and Chan, even posted a video of their new bundle of joy and the internet can’t get enough – with over 4.3 million views and counting.
It’s clear that this injectable prescription drug developed for managing Type 2 diabetes has a dual purpose. While it’s effective in regulating blood sugar levels thanks to its key ingredient, semaglutide, it also mimics a naturally occurring hormone in our bodies that controls appetite and helps with weight loss.
And with its popularity on the rise, it’s no surprise that GLP-1 medication prescriptions have increased by a whopping 300 percent in the U.S.
But it’s not just doctors prescribing Ozempic – celebrities and influencers have hopped on the bandwagon too. The hashtag #ozempic on TikTok has reached a staggering 1.4 billion views, and it’s no wonder with all the attention this medication is getting.
Bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort may be the most common side effects, but what’s making headlines is the unexpected pregnancies happening with women on Ozempic. It’s a phenomenon that has been dubbed the “Ozempic baby boom” and it’s definitely causing a stir.
“Did you know that taking Ozempic could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control and put you at risk for an unwanted pregnancy?” warned Dr. Winn.
It turns out, this medication not only slows down digestion, but it can also slow down the absorption of other medications like birth control pills.
To ensure maximum protection against pregnancy, Dr. Winn advises using a barrier method like condoms or switching to a long-acting contraceptive like an IUD while taking Ozempic.
But that’s not all. Dr. Alyse Goldberg also mentions that weight loss itself can impact fertility and women should be properly counseled while taking Ozempic.
But what about the risks of becoming pregnant while on this medication? Dr. Winn explains that while Ozempic may increase fertility, caution should be taken. Animal studies have shown that pregnant rats given Ozempic had higher rates of fetal death and birth defects.
In light of this, he suggests stopping Ozempic at least two months before trying to conceive and immediately consulting with a healthcare provider if you believe you may be pregnant while on the medication. Because, as Dr. Winn reminds us, it can take up to six weeks for Ozempic to leave the body. Don’t take any chances! Khakitv.pk
