Increase in GLP-1 Prescriptions Observed in Young Female Age Group
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs, particularly for weight loss, leading to a broader surge in their use. One such drug, Semaglutide, has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in aiding weight loss. However, a study has highlighted a gap between medical use and reproductive safety regarding these drugs.
A review of nearly a thousand pregnancies exposed to GLP-1 drugs found no higher risk of major birth defects when compared with women treated with insulin. Yet, researchers are calling for more attention to be paid to the potential risks during pregnancy, beyond the risk of birth defects.
Fewer than a quarter of women starting GLP-1 therapy were documented as using birth control at the same time. This statistic is concerning, especially considering that more than 18,000 women were prescribed GLP-1 drugs for the first time in 2022, most of whom were women without diabetes.
Animal studies have raised safety concerns about GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy, pointing to effects such as restricted growth in the fetus, delayed bone development, and lower maternal weight gain. These findings underscore the need for further studies to determine how GLP-1 drugs affect pregnancies beyond the risk of birth defects.
The growing use of GLP-1 drugs among young women represents an area where medical practice, patient awareness, and reproductive health guidance must catch up with prescribing trends. A large study in Australia tracked more than 1.6 million women between the ages of 18 and 49 over an eleven-year period. The study found that practice is lagging far behind policy, with most women starting these drugs without documented contraception.
Similar trends are observed in other countries. In the United Kingdom, health authorities recommend that women of reproductive age avoid GLP-1 drugs during pregnancy and use reliable contraception if they take them. This guidance is being echoed in other countries.
The rapid increase in GLP-1 drug prescriptions since 2020 is linked to the approval of Semaglutide. Without stronger guidance and patient education, unplanned pregnancies involving these medications are likely to remain common. It is crucial to bridge the gap between medical use and reproductive safety to ensure the wellbeing of both mothers and their unborn children.
Read also:
- Hospital's Enhancement of Outpatient Services Alleviates Emergency Department Strain
- Increased Chikungunya infections in UK travelers prompt mosquito bite caution
- Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister holds discussions on the prevailing circumstances in Almaty
- In the state, Kaiser Permanente boasts the top-ranked health insurance program
