From the Guidelines
It is recommended to discontinue Semaglutide (Ozempic) at least 2 months before attempting pregnancy. This recommendation is based on the medication's long half-life in the body and limited data about its effects during pregnancy, as well as potential risks to fetal development observed in animal studies 1.
Key Considerations
- The medication remains in the system for approximately 5 weeks after the last dose, so a 2-month window allows time for it to be completely eliminated from the body before conception.
- If you're currently taking Ozempic and planning pregnancy, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to develop an alternative plan for managing your blood sugar or weight.
- Maintaining good blood sugar control before and during pregnancy is crucial for both maternal and fetal health, and your doctor may recommend transitioning to insulin or other pregnancy-safe medications if you have diabetes.
Clinical Guidance
- While the provided evidence does not directly address Semaglutide, it emphasizes the importance of clinical remission before conception, during pregnancy, and in the postpartum period for patients with certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease 1.
- However, the guidance on stopping certain medications, like methotrexate, thalidomide, and ozanimod, at least 6 months before conception, suggests a cautious approach to medication use before pregnancy.
- In the case of Semaglutide, given its potential risks and the lack of comprehensive data on its use during pregnancy, discontinuing it at least 2 months before attempting pregnancy is a prudent decision, prioritizing the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus.
From the FDA Drug Label
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Discontinue OZEMPIC in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide (8.3).
Semaglutide (Ozempic) should be discontinued at least 2 months before attempting pregnancy, due to its long washout period. This is a precautionary measure to ensure safety during pregnancy. 2
From the Research
Discontinuation of Semaglutide Before Pregnancy
There is limited information available on when Semaglutide (Ozempic) can be discontinued before attempting pregnancy. However, the following points can be considered:
- The studies provided do not specifically address the discontinuation of Semaglutide before pregnancy 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, and its effects on pregnancy are not well understood.
- It is generally recommended to consult a healthcare provider for guidance on discontinuing any medication before attempting pregnancy.
Key Considerations
- The decision to discontinue Semaglutide before pregnancy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual circumstances and medical history.
- There is no specific information available on the optimal timing for discontinuing Semaglutide before pregnancy.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of Semaglutide on pregnancy and fetal development 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.