Active ingredient: Semaglutide

Brand Name: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus

Drug class: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists)

Mechanism of Action:

Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It promotes insulin release when blood sugar is high, reduces glucagon levels, and slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach, making people feel full longer. It’s commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and is also prescribed for weight loss in people with obesity or who are overweight.

Effect on fertility biomarkers

Research on semaglutide’s effect on human fertility is limited and does not provide a full picture. While no effects on male fertility were observed in animal studies, female rats showed an increase in oestrous length and a slight reduction in ovulations at doses that caused maternal weight loss. Additionally, semaglutide is not expected to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. The European Medicines Agency notes that when combined with an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, semaglutide did not cause clinically relevant changes in hormone exposure levels.

The product labels for Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus® recommend that people planning a pregnancy discontinue these medications at least 2 months prior to conception. According to the 2021 guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), weight loss medications are not recommended at conception. At the same time, it is not known if semaglutide may make it harder to get pregnant.

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References:

Kapitza C, Nosek L, Jensen L, Hartvig H, Jensen CB, Flint A. Semaglutide, a once-weekly human GLP-1 analog, does not reduce the bioavailability of the combined oral contraceptive, ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel. J Clin Pharmacol. 2015 May;55(5):497-504. doi: 10.1002/jcph.443. Epub 2015 Jan 14. PMID: 25475122; PMCID: PMC4418331.

Jordy, A.B., Albayaty, M., Breitschaft, A. et al. Effect of Oral Semaglutide on the Pharmacokinetics of Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol in Healthy Postmenopausal Women and Furosemide and Rosuvastatin in Healthy Subjects. Clin Pharmacokinet 60, 1171–1185 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40262-020-00976-x

European Medicines Agency. (2023). Ozempic: Summary of Product Characteristics. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/ozempic-epar-product-information_en.pdf

• Novo Nordisk. 2022. Ozempic Product Label. National Institute of Health DailyMed database. Available at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79. Accessed 24 Sept 2023.
• Skov K, et al. 2023. Semaglutide and pregnancy. Int J Gynecol Obstet 163(2): 699-700. [PubMed]
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2023. Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss. Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers. Available at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss. Accessed 24 Sept 2023.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2017. Ozempic (Semaglutide). Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
• Obesity in Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 230. Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Jun 01;137(6):e128-e144. [PubMed] [Reference list]
• Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Semaglutide. 2023 Mar. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK600385/

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not include all possible interactions or side effects of medication. The effects on fertility biomarkers can vary and may depend on the dosage, how long the medication is used, the medical condition, or other factors. This database is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified health professional if you have questions about medications, fertility, or medical conditions.