Can you take Ozempic while breastfeeding?

In this article:

• Ozempic while breastfeeding
• Side effects
• Weight loss and breastfeeding
• The bottom line

In this article

• Ozempic while breastfeeding
• Side effects
• Weight loss and breastfeeding
• The bottom line

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a popular treatment option for managing Type 2 diabetes that is well-known for its off-label use for weight loss. Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that is typically taken once a week by injection.

However, for breastfeeding mothers, safety is a top priority when considering any medication. If you’re nursing and wondering whether it’s safe to take Ozempic while breastfeeding, you’re not alone. Right now, there isn’t much research on the potential risks, but some studies have shown that it doesn’t pass into breast milk. Because of the lack of data, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss important considerations of your treatment plan.

Can you take Ozempic while breastfeeding?

There are no formal guidelines on whether or not it’s safe to use Ozempic while breastfeeding. That’s partly because the data on Ozempic and breastfeeding is very limited.

One study of eight breastfeeding mothers taking this medication found there were “no detectable levels of semaglutide in breast milk samples from mothers who are on Ozempic during lactation,” says Jessica Madden, MD, pediatrician, neonatologist, and medical director at Aeroflow Breastpumps. This led the study researchers to conclude that the concentrations passing to infants were unlikely to cause any short-term harm. However, the long-term risk is unknown. It’s also unclear how taking Ozempic might impact the nutrient content of breast milk or milk supply. “More studies are needed to determine compatibility further,” says Demi Lucas, an IBCLC with The Lactation Network.

“Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) does cross into breast milk and can be absorbed by babies’ bodies; therefore, all oral formulations of semaglutide, both for weight loss and treatment of Type 2 diabetes, are contraindicated during breastfeeding,” Dr. Madden explains.

It’s always best to consult with your provider before taking Ozempic—or any diabetes or weight loss drugs—while breastfeeding. Some providers consider Ozempic and Wegovy to be breastfeeding-safe. Others will recommend alternative treatments that are proven safe, such as insulin and metformin.

Side effects of semaglutide while breastfeeding

If you are a mother taking Ozempic while breastfeeding, you may experience some of the side effects common among people taking Ozempic. These side effects of Ozempic may include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting
• Burping or belching
• Gas
• Stomach pain
• Decreased appetite
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Irritation at the injection site

When it comes to side effects in infants, Dr. Madden expects that there wouldn’t be any. “Since Ozempic does not cross into breast milk, it should not cause side effects in breastfed infants or affect their health or development,” she explains. And what about how it might impact the nutritional content of breast milk or your milk supply? “As far as we know, injectable semaglutide does not impact the nutritional composition of breast milk or have an effect on milk supply,” Dr. Madden says. It is still important to know that there are no large-scale studies that have proved the safety of GLP-1 medications while breastfeeding. 

Among moms who have blood sugar issues or diabetes, one potential benefit of taking Ozempic when breastfeeding is that it can help regulate your blood sugar levels, says Bethany Ferguson, MS, RDN, IBCLC at Nourishing Babies. “However, there are many other ways to manage blood sugar that could be used before resorting to a drug that we have such limited research on,” she notes.

How to manage your weight while breastfeeding

It’s natural to want to lose your pregnancy weight once your baby arrives. However, there are some weight management considerations to keep in mind.

Maintain adequate calorie intake. You can lose weight while breastfeeding, but it’s important to do so carefully and while maintaining a healthy diet—one that has enough calories to support you and your baby while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms typically need about 340 to 400 more calories than they did before pregnancy and lactation, according to the CDC. Staying within that range is essential to maintain your health and milk supply. “Ozempic reduces hunger, which might lead to inadequate calorie intake,” Lucas says

Avoid rapid weight loss. Losing weight too rapidly while breastfeeding isn’t advised. For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that breastfeeding moms lose weight gradually, at a rate of about one pound per week. According to Lucas, one concern about taking Ozempic while breastfeeding is that it can decrease your appetite and make you shed more weight than recommended.

Eat a well-balanced diet. “The best way to nourish your body while breastfeeding is to eat nutrient-dense foods (foods rich in color, vitamins and minerals), increase protein and fat to feel satiated throughout the day and to increase whole grain carbohydrates,” Ferguson says. 

“I recommend that all breastfeeding mothers who desire to lose a substantial amount of weight work closely with a dietitian to make sure they have an appropriate intake of calories, vitamins, and minerals,” says Dr. Madden.

Set realistic expectations. Remember that your body is in a different state than usual when you are lactating. “Things such as hormonal factors (prolactin, estrogen, cortisol, and stress) which fluctuate during the postpartum period can impact weight loss,” Lucas says. Additionally, your metabolism changes, as do your caloric and hydration needs, muscle mass, sleep patterns, and stress levels,” says Lucas.

The bottom line

Although there is limited data on the potential risk of Ozempic during breastfeeding, there is promising evidence that the medication doesn’t pass into breast milk. Still, we don’t know yet how Ozempic impacts babies long-term or whether it might impact breast milk composition or supply. That’s why it’s vital to contact a healthcare professional for medical advice before taking Ozempic while breastfeeding.