By Sukhi Basra | Independent Prescriber | Vice Chair, National Pharmacy Association (NPA)
Founder of The London PharmaClinic
MHRA warns UK women about risks of pregnancy and contraception while using GLP-1 injections like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. Learn what this means for fertility, breastfeeding, and how to safely access weight loss medication with a trusted prescriber at The London PharmaClinic.
🚨 New MHRA Safety Guidance on GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections & Pregnancy
As featured this morning on Sky News and in today’s BBC Health coverage, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued new urgent safety guidance for women using GLP-1 medications such as:
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
These medications often referred to as weight loss injections or “skinny jabs” have transformed obesity treatment. But if you’re planning a pregnancy, currently using contraception, or breastfeeding, you must understand the latest medical advice to protect your health and your baby’s.
📰 Read the official MHRA statement here:
UK Gov Guidance on GLP-1 Use & Pregnancy
🎥 Watch my Sky News Interview (placeholder): https://news.sky.com/story/weight-loss-jab-warning-from-health-watchdog-over-unborn-babies-13379102
🗣️ Read my BBC expert commentary (placeholder): Women warned weight-loss jabs may affect contraception – BBC News
What Every Woman Should Know Before Starting GLP-1 Treatment
Can I take weight loss injections if I’m trying for a baby?
No. GLP-1 medications are not safe during pregnancy, and you must stop them before trying to conceive.
Depending on your treatment:
- Wegovy / Ozempic: stop at least 2 months before conception
- Mounjaro: stop at least 1 month before conception
- Saxenda / Victoza: no required delay, but not recommended during pregnancy
Will Mounjaro affect my contraceptive pill?
Yes, possibly. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception, especially in women who are overweight.
Use an additional non-oral method (like condoms, coil, or implant) for:
- 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro
- 4 weeks after any dose increase
Can I use GLP-1 injections while breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough evidence to prove these medications are safe while breastfeeding. Always speak to a prescriber before continuing any treatment.
Why This Matters: Not All Prescribers Are Equal
As Vice Chair of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and founder of a GPhC-compliant prescribing clinic, I want to be crystal clear:
“These medicines are not lifestyle products. They are powerful prescription drugs that must be managed by regulated healthcare professionals, not influencers, not Facebook ads, and certainly not beauty clinics.”
Thousands of patients are being placed at risk by:
- Buying fake injectables on social media
- Skipping medical consultations
- Being misinformed about fertility and reproductive health
As someone who prescribes GLP-1 medications within MHRA, NICE, and GPhC guidance, I urge you to only trust regulated clinics and healthcare professionals.
What You Can Expect at The London PharmaClinic
At The London PharmaClinic, we do more than prescribe:
- ✔️ Full medical and fertility history assessment
- ✔️ Verified contraception review and counselling
- ✔️ Tailored weight loss and metabolic health plans
- ✔️ Gut health, nutritional support, and mindset coaching
- ✔️ Safe, compassionate, and culturally aware care
This is clinical care with conscience evidence-based, personalised, and regulated.
Final Advice: Talk to a Trusted Prescriber
If you are considering GLP-1 medications and are of childbearing age, I encourage you to:
- Speak to a qualified Independent Prescriber before starting
- Discuss fertility goals, contraception use, and plans for pregnancy
- Understand that these medicines aren’t a quick fix, they must be part of a complete, safe, medical plan
Book a Consultation or Ask Me Anything
You can reach us at:
📍 The London PharmaClinic – Victoria
📞 Call us: 02078281222
📧 Email: hello@thelondonpharmaclinic.co.uk
You can trust us because:
- I am a regulated Independent Prescriber with over 25 years of clinical experience.
- I lead national conversations as Vice Chair of the NPA, influencing policy for safer pharmacy care.
- I speak up in the media to make sure your voice is heard and your health is protected.
With heart, science, and integrity
Sukhi
