GLP-1 receptor agonists
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GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be used in pregnancy. Other drugs with more safety data can be used to treat diabetes. Weight loss in pregnancy is not recommended.
What are they?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are used to help control type 2 diabetes and for weight loss. GLP-1 receptor agonists available in the UK include dulaglutide [Trulicity®], liraglutide [Saxenda®, Victoza®], lixisenatide [Lyxumia®], orforglipron [Foundayo®] semaglutide [Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®] and tirzepatide [Mounjaro®].
Benefits
What are the benefits of using a GLP-1 receptor agonist in pregnancy?
GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be used in pregnancy.
If you are trying to get pregnant and are using a GLP-1 for diabetes, you should speak to your doctor about changing your medicine. Other drugs with more safety information are used to treat type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.
If you are using a GLP-1 for weight loss, you should stop taking it if you are trying to get pregnant, or as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Trying to lose weight during pregnancy is not recommended.
Risks
What are the risks of using a GLP-1 receptor agonist in pregnancy?
If you accidentally used a GLP-1 receptor agonist in early pregnancy, you can be reassured that the available information suggests that it does not harm the baby.
Studies include about 47,000 women who mostly used a GLP-1 before realising they were pregnant and then stopped taking it soon afterwards. These reports do not raise concern that GLP-1 receptor agonists will harm your baby. More research is required to confirm this, as well as to determine whether there are any risks when a GLP-1 receptor agonist is used during the second and third trimesters.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to using a GLP-1 receptor agonist in pregnancy?
Yes. Other medicines can be used to safely to treat type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. Speak to your doctor about changing your medicine.
Women are not advised to attempt to lose weight during pregnancy. If you are using a GLP-1 receptor agonist to reduce your BMI, your doctor or specialist will recommend that you stop the drug and try to limit pregnancy weight gain through lifestyle measures, such as a healthy diet and moderate physical activity.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take medicines in pregnancy?
It is important that type 2 diabetes is well controlled during pregnancy, as it can lead to complications for you and your baby. A doctor will only prescribe medicines when necessary and will be happy to talk about any concerns.
Will I or my baby need extra monitoring?
As part of routine antenatal care, most women will be offered a very detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s development. No extra monitoring for major birth defects is required following use in early pregnancy of a GLP-1 receptor agonist. If you have type 2 diabetes and/or a high BMI, you may be offered more regular pregnancy monitoring.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has used a GLP-1 receptor agonist?
There is no evidence that a GLP-1 receptor agonist used by the father can harm your baby through effects on sperm.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions about the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.