What pregnancy, fertility, and contraception questions should be discussed before Wegovy?

Before starting Wegovy, discuss stopping the medication at least two months before a planned pregnancy and the need for effective contraception during treatment.

Pregnancy Risk and Required Discontinuation

Wegovy is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. Based on studies in animals, semaglutide may cause fetal harm, including structural abnormalities and growth issues. While there is no adequate human data, the animal findings are significant enough to warrant caution.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that individuals stop taking Wegovy at least two months before they plan to become pregnant. This is known as a "washout period."

This two-month timeframe allows the body to clear the medication completely. Semaglutide has a long half-life of approximately one week, meaning it takes several weeks to be eliminated from your system. Adhering to this washout period minimizes potential fetal exposure to the drug.

If you become pregnant while taking Wegovy, you should stop the medication immediately and inform your healthcare provider. Your physician may recommend enrolling in a pregnancy exposure registry, which collects data to better understand the effects of the medication during human pregnancy.

Contraception and Potential Drug Interactions

Due to the risks associated with pregnancy, females of reproductive potential should use an effective form of contraception throughout their treatment with Wegovy. This should be discussed and confirmed with your physician before you receive your first prescription.

Wegovy works by slowing down gastric emptying, which means food and other substances, including oral medications, stay in your stomach longer. This can potentially affect the absorption of oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

While clinical studies for semaglutide have not shown a clinically significant change in the overall exposure of combination oral contraceptives, the potential for altered absorption exists. Any changes to your gastrointestinal function can have downstream effects.

It is crucial to discuss your specific method of contraception with your physician. They can advise if any additional precautions are needed or if an alternative form of birth control, such as an IUD or implant, might be a more reliable option during your treatment.

Considerations for Male Fertility

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that Wegovy adversely affects male fertility. The official prescribing information notes that in animal studies involving male rats, semaglutide did not cause any negative effects on fertility or reproductive organs.

However, there is no direct human data on the impact of semaglutide on male fertility, sperm production, or sperm quality. The long-term effects in humans have not been studied.

Men with partners who are trying to conceive or could become pregnant should discuss the use of Wegovy with their physician. While the risk is considered low based on available data, a conversation about theoretical risks and benefits is always appropriate.

A Checklist for Your Physician Discussion

To ensure a safe and effective treatment plan, it's important to have a comprehensive conversation with your physician. Use this checklist to guide your discussion about pregnancy, fertility, and contraception before starting Wegovy:

1. Current pregnancy status and future plans: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant within the next year, or breastfeeding. Be clear about your family planning goals.

2. Contraception method: Discuss your current form of birth control. Ask specifically, "Could Wegovy make my birth control less effective?" and determine the best method for you.

3. The 2-month washout period: Confirm you understand the recommendation to stop Wegovy at least two months before trying to conceive and create a plan for how to manage this transition.

4. Accidental pregnancy plan: Ask, "What is the exact procedure I should follow if I find out I am pregnant while taking this medication?" Know who to call and the immediate steps to take.

5. Male partner considerations: If applicable, discuss any concerns about male partners taking Wegovy when trying to conceive.

Bottom Line

Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy due to potential risks identified in animal studies. It is critical for individuals who can become pregnant to use effective contraception while on the medication.

If you are planning a pregnancy, you must discontinue Wegovy at least two months prior to trying to conceive to ensure the drug is cleared from your system. This requires careful planning with your physician.

A detailed conversation with your healthcare provider about your personal health, family planning goals, and contraception methods is a mandatory step before beginning a physician-supervised weight management program with Wegovy.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for any health concerns or before starting a new treatment.

Generated from GOAL.MD's physician-reviewed source library. This page has not received its own physician review. Physician-supervised telehealth. More at goal.md/answers.