For most people, side effects from medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic are mild and manageable. Common issues include nausea, digestive discomfort, and changes in appetite. But a UK watchdog has now issued a public alert regarding weight-loss medications after it received 40 reports relating to pregnancies while using such drugs.
What do we know about the risks of contraception and weight-loss injections?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said:
- Weight-loss jabs may make the contraceptive pill less likely to work in those who are overweight or obese
- People on Mounjaro should use barrier contraceptives such as condoms
- It is not known whether taking medicines, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, could harm an unborn baby.
According to the BBC, “there are concerns that the growing popularity of ‘skinny jabs’ means many women aren’t using the drugs safely or getting the right advice”. As a result, doctors, pharmacists, and regulators are worried that popular GLP-1 medicines, are not being used safely.
According to the chief safety officer at the MHRA: “If you are taking this medicine and you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about stopping the medicine as soon as possible.”
The wider risks of weight-loss injections
Some users have reported gastroparesis, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, severe vomiting, and even long-term health complications – side effects that have already led to lawsuits in the US.
Before starting these treatments, it’s important to fully understand the potential side effects and how to manage them. Speak to a healthcare professional to ensure the medication is suitable for you and follow all prescription guidelines carefully.
If you experience severe or persistent side effects, such as extreme nausea, dehydration, stomach pain, or signs of a more serious reaction, seek medical advice immediately. Delaying treatment for adverse effects could worsen your condition, so don’t ignore any concerns about your health.
You can also report any unexpected or serious side effects through the Yellow Card scheme, the UK’s official system for monitoring medication safety. This helps regulators track potential risks and ensure patient wellbeing.
Joining a weight loss injection lawsuit in the UK
If you’ve suffered harm from a weight loss injection, you might also have a claim for compensation. For a legal claim to succeed in the UK, lawyers would need to prove that:
- The drug was defective or unreasonably dangerous
- The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about potential risks
- Patients suffered harm as a direct result of using the medication
Claims are currently underway in the US. If investigations reveal that the pharmaceutical companies downplayed risks or ignored safety concerns, this could pave the way for legal action in the UK.
What can you do now?
Even though there isn’t a lawsuit in the UK yet, it’s important to document your experience in case legal action becomes an option in the future. Here’s what you can do:
- Seek medical advice – Speak to a doctor about your symptoms and ask for your medical records.
- Keep a record – Note when you started taking the injection, the side effects you experienced, and how they impacted your daily life.
- Stay informed – Keep an eye on developments, as legal claims may emerge in the future.
If legal action becomes possible, having clear records of your experience could strengthen your case for compensation.
How to report weight loss drug side effects UK
As well as speaking to your doctor, the UK’s Yellow Card Scheme allows patients to report side effects. A surge in reports could support legal and regulatory action. You can find out more about the scheme here.
Sign up for updates
Register with Join the Claim, and we’ll let you know if legal action is launched in the UK. We’ll keep you updated on any developments, including new investigations, potential group claims, and what steps you can take to seek compensation.
If you’ve suffered harm from a weight loss injection, don’t miss out on important updates. Stay informed and be ready to take action.
Want more info on weight loss injections?
We’ve launched a new UK guide to help you get informed — before you start treatment, or if you’re already dealing with complications. Because behind every success story, there are real people who’ve experienced life-changing side effects, and many say they weren’t properly warned.
