Ozempic, Wegovy and pregnancy risk: What you need to know about the issue

Studies show that animals given semaglutide experience higher rates of miscarriage, birth defects and small fetal size — prompting FDA calls for investigations into Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk weighs in.

Animal studies have shown that when pregnant rabbits, rats and monkeys were given semaglutide, they experienced higher rates of miscarriage, birth defects and small fetal size — information that’s included in the drug labels for both medications, which are made by Novo Nordisk in New Jersey. "Nobody is recommended to lose weight during pregnancy." "I don't believe that we're going to see hideous long-term side effects — but who wants to take the chance?" Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. 

Ozempic is still wildly popular, with more than four million active prescriptions, per the manufacturer’s website. While it’s marketed as a diabetes-controlling medication, it’s also well-known for its frequent off-label use as a weight loss aid.