Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice
Published on: November 16, 2011
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and safety in the preconception period
Evelyn Minis1, Fatima Cody Stanford2, Shruthi Mahalingaiah1,3
1Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
Purpose Of Review:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of type II diabetes and obesity. Body mass index (BMI) thresholds at in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics may further drive the use of these medications before infertility treatment. However, most clinical guidance regarding optimal time to discontinue these medications prior to conception is based on animal data. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the literature for evidence-based guidance regarding the preconception use of GLP-1 RA.
Recent Findings:
16 articles were found in our PubMed search, 10 were excluded as they were reviews or reported on animal data. Included were 3 case reports detailing pregnancy outcomes in individual patients that conceived while on a GLP-1 RA and 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a follow-up study to one of the RCTs that reported on patients randomized to GLP-1 RA or metformin prior to conception. No adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes were reported.
Summary:
There are limited data from human studies to guide decision-making regarding timing of discontinuation of GLP-1 RA before conception. Studies focused on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes would provide additional information regarding a safe washout period. Based on the available literature a 4-week washout period prior to attempting conception may be considered for the agents reviewed in this publication.
More Related Videos
07:00Mechanisms Underlying Gut Hormone Secretion Using the Isolated Perfused Rat Small Intestine
Published on: February 26, 2019
07:05Important Endpoints and Proliferative Markers to Assess Small Intestinal Injury and Adaptation using a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis
Published on: May 12, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...