semaglutide
Semaglutide is used for the following: to control blood sugar levels in certain people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not make or use insulin normally). to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in people with heart and blood vessel disease who have type 2 diabetes or who are obese or overweight. to assist with weight loss and maintenance in certain people who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related medical problem. Semaglutide is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. Semaglutide also works by slowing the movement of food through the stomach.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking semaglutide affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether semaglutide can make it harder to get pregnant. The product labels also recommend that people planning a pregnancy stop the medication about 2 months beforehand, since it can take up to 6 weeks on average for most of the drug to leave the body. Any changes to your medication should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking semaglutide increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and human studies have not been done to determine whether semaglutide increases that chance. Animal studies have reported a higher chance of miscarriage, but it is unclear whether this was due to the medication itself or to associated weight loss. Your healthcare provider can help weigh these uncertainties alongside your individual situation.
Does taking semaglutide increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy has a background 3–5% chance of birth defects, and research studies have not been done in humans to see if semaglutide changes that chance. One published report described a person who took semaglutide in the first 3–4 weeks of pregnancy and delivered a child without reported birth defects. Animal studies showed increased birth defects, but only at doses toxic to the mother animal, and uncontrolled blood sugar itself can raise these risks — so weighing benefits and risks with your healthcare provider is important.
Can taking semaglutide during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Human studies have not been done to see if semaglutide increases the chance of complications such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Animal studies reported smaller offspring at higher-than-human doses, but it is unclear whether this was related to the medication, weight loss, or other factors. Your healthcare provider can discuss what is best for your specific pregnancy.
Can taking semaglutide during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet states that studies have not been done to see whether semaglutide can cause behavior or learning issues in the child. Because this information is not available, any questions about long-term child development should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking semaglutide?
There is no available information about semaglutide in human breast milk, though an animal study suggests it is expected to pass into milk in small amounts. The product label for the tablet form (Rybelsus®) recommends against use while breastfeeding due to a theoretical concern about higher infant levels, while the injectable forms may be considered depending on individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and possible risks for your situation.
Source: National Library of Medicine
semaglutide