The MHRA has produced new guidance on weight-loss jabs for people taking them.
It’s acted now because of a very small number of reports of unintended pregnancies and complications in pregnancy made to its Yellow Card scheme, external, where the public can report suspected side-effects of medicines.
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said there was evidence from animal studies “that these medicines may harm the unborn baby”.
“But we don’t know whether we have the same effects in humans, so much more data is needed to determine that.”
Women of child-bearing age are usually not included in clinical trials, which is why there is a lack of safety information for them.
“If you are taking this medicine and you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about stopping the medicine as soon as possible,” she said.
Sukhi Basra, vice-chairwoman of the National Pharmacy Association, said women should visit their pharmacist for advice if they are confused about when to stop using the drugs.
When it comes to accessing contraception, BPAS, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, says women in the UK “face significant challenges” when trying to access their method of choice.
A lack of appointments, long waiting lists and high costs are just some of the barriers they face, BPAS said, as it called for a better plan for providing the choice women need.
