The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recently released a safety alert regarding Mounjaro. This weight-loss drug—which has the active ingredient tirzepatide, used in diabetes treatment—has grave concerns. This advisory comes after the widespread receipt of at least 26 pregnancy-related reports linked to the medication. Of these, only two of the reports made clear that the pregnancies were unintended. Consequently, health specialists recommend that women continue using contraception for at least two months after stopping Mounjaro before attempting to conceive.
Mounjaro works by targeting a hormone that is crucial in controlling appetite and blood sugar levels. This uncommon type of action distinguishes it from other weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to help regulate insulin and hunger levels. In addition to initiating a quick increase in insulin production, this hormone delays gastric digestion and decreases appetite.
In a statement alongside the new guidance, Dr. Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, highlighted the need for correct administration of these medicines. She pointed out that skinny jabs are prescription medicines that are approved for use in treating specific medical conditions. They need to be off limits for aesthetic or cosmetic use. Concrete change Institutional solutions are not a panacea and will not lead to immediate and significant weight loss. What’s more, they’ve never been tested for safety when used this way. Her testimony underscores the need for patients to demonstrate the responsible use of these drugs and doctor oversight.
The MHRA’s guidance is a win and an important resource for patients. It offers current, practical guidance for safely using these powerful medications. Dr. Cave acknowledged this guidance should be in addition to rather than a substitute for robust conversations with health care providers.
“This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process.” – Dr Alison Cave
GLP-1 drugs cause changes that can impact reproductive health, say expert Dr. Channa Jayasena, a consultant in reproductive endocrinology and andrology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. He explained, “GLP-1 drugs mimic the natural hormones our body produces in the intestines that communicate feelings of fullness. This makes them highly effective treatments for helping women lose weight.”
These recent announcements highlight the emerging, complex issues surrounding the use of weight-loss medicines and their intersection with women’s reproductive health. The MHRA is advising healthcare providers to counsel patients about the implications of using Mounjaro and similar medications, particularly regarding pregnancy risks.