While the only human study to date found no association between GLP-1 exposure adn congenital malformations, Grzeskowiak noted that it didn’t examine other potential adverse outcomes.
“the key is making sure everything is well managed and ensuring there’s appropriate time between stopping these medications and decisions around pregnancy, to reduce any potential harms,” he said.
Grzeskowiak is concerned about the low uptake of hormonal contraceptives among women aged 18 to 49 using the medication. Just 21 percent were prescribed contraception, according to the study, which analyzed data from more than 1.6 million women aged 18 to 49 who attended general practices between 2011 and 2022.
“We’re seeing widespread use of these medications among women of childbearing age,but very little evidence that contraception is being considered as part of routine care,” he said.The Therapeutic Goods Management recently reviewed whether using GLP-1s reduced the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
“The assessment concluded that reduced effectiveness of oral contraception during initiation or dose escalations with tirzepatide could not be ruled out,” a federal Department of Health spokesman said. Tirzepatide is the generic name for popular weight loss and type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro.
The spokesman said the TGA would publish any regulatory actions from it’s review as soon as they were available. He said the TGA had been informed of six reported cases of exposure to semaglutide while pregnant.
In June,UK health authorities advised women using Mounjaro to also use barrier contraceptives such as condoms amid concerns it may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.