Taking a New Obesity Drug and Birth Control Pills? Be Careful
Combining a certain new obesity drug with oral contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots, according to a recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. The drug in question is called semaglutide (brand name Wegovy), which is a once-weekly injectable medication approved for the treatment of chronic weight management in adults.
The study found that women taking semaglutide together with birth control pills had a four-fold increased risk of developing blood clots compared to those not taking the combination. The risk was particularly pronounced in women over the age of 40 and those who had other risk factors for blood clots, such as obesity or a history of smoking.
The researchers believe that the increased risk of blood clots is due to the way that semaglutide affects the body's hormones. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and can also reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. However, GLP-1 can also affect the levels of other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, which are present in birth control pills. These changes in hormone levels may increase the risk of blood clots in some women.
In light of these findings, the researchers recommend that women who are taking semaglutide for weight management should discuss the potential risks and benefits of combining it with birth control pills with their doctor. They suggest that women may want to consider alternative methods of contraception while taking semaglutide to minimize the risk of blood clots.
It's important to note that this study focused specifically on the combination of semaglutide and birth control pills. Other methods of contraception, such as condoms or intrauterine devices (IUDs), may not carry the same increased risk of blood clots when used with semaglutide.
If you are considering taking semaglutide or any other weight management medication, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about your individual risks and benefits and to follow their recommendations for safe use.