The weight-loss drug Ozempic is well-known for its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding significant weight loss. Additionally, it has recently been linked to unexpected pregnancies and new health benefits.
Several women reported surprise pregnancies after using the drug. Concurrently, recent studies also suggest Ozempic could reduce the risk of kidney disease progression in diabetic patients.
Accidental Pregnancies Linked to Ozempic
CNN reported that Catera Bentley, a 25-year-old woman from Steele, Alabama, discovered she was unexpectedly pregnant after starting a weight-loss regimen that included Mounjaro, a drug similar to Ozempic. Bentley had previously struggled with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and irregular menstrual cycles. However, she experienced improved ovulation and ultimately conceived while on the medication. Her experience is not isolated. Numerous women have shared similar stories on social media, dubbing their children “Ozempic babies.”
However, this joy is often accompanied by anxiety. Dr Jody Dushay from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center advises women to stop taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs that includes Ozempic, at least two months before trying to conceive. These drugs, while effective in managing diabetes and promoting weight loss, have not been studied extensively in pregnant women, raising concerns about potential risks to the fetus.
Fertility and Weight Loss
Experts, including Dr. Daniel Drucker from the University of Toronto, suggest that weight loss from GLP-1 drugs can restore regular ovulation in women with PCOS or other fertility issues. These medications can also interfere with the absorption of oral contraceptives, potentially rendering them less effective. This combination of improved fertility and reduced birth control efficacy may explain the surge in unplanned pregnancies.
Ozempic’s Impact on Kidney Health
In addition to its effects on fertility, Ozempic has shown promise in improving kidney health for people with type 2 diabetes. A recent study, the FLOW trial, presented at the 61st ERA Congress in Stockholm, revealed that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, can reduce the risk of kidney disease progression by 24%. This finding is significant given that 30-40% of people with diabetes also suffer from chronic kidney disease.
Professor Peter Rossing from the Steno Diabetes Center in Copenhagen highlighted the importance of these results, emphasising the need for treatments that address both kidney and cardiovascular health in diabetic patients. The trial, which included over 3,500 participants, was stopped early after meeting its primary endpoint, underscoring the drug’s efficacy.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Despite its benefits, Ozempic is not without side effects. Common issues reported include gastrointestinal problems such as gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. More serious but rare side effects include pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, and kidney damage. There is also a boxed warning about the potential risk of thyroid cancer.
Dr Ishita Prakash Patel, an endocrinologist at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, noted that if the claims from the FLOW trial hold up, Ozempic could become a crucial tool in managing diabetes and preventing kidney disease. However, experts like Prof. Jagdish Khubchandani urge caution, advocating for further studies to confirm these findings in broader, real-world settings.
Conclusion
Ozempic’s dual role in enhancing fertility and protecting kidney health presents a compelling case for its use in managing type 2 diabetes. However, its impact on pregnancy and potential side effects necessitate careful consideration and further research. As more data becomes available, medical providers will be better equipped to harness the benefits of Ozempic while mitigating its risks, offering hope to millions of diabetic patients worldwide.
Have a pressing question for a doctor? Medical Channel Asia has launched a community forum page where you can get questions answered by a medical specialist. Visit the community forum here.
