Anesthesiologists adjust procedures and recommendations for patients on Ozempic, other drugs
The Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists is urging patients using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro to talk to their care team prior to surgery, so adjustments can be made to avoid potential side effects.
GLP-1 medications, or glucagon-like peptide-1 medications, can cause aspiration and other complications during surgery. Roughly one in eight adults in the U.S. use a GLP-1 drug for diabetes, weight loss, or other medical issues. As the drugs become increasingly common, anesthesiologists encourage patients with upcoming procedures to disclose their use of the medication to their care team.
“Physician anesthesiologists take numerous preventative measures before surgery, like having patients fast, and anethesiologists adjust care of patients before, during, and after procedures to make negative side effects less likely,” said Dr. Matthew Dellaquila, anesthesiologist and president of the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists. “This changes when certain medications like GLP-1s are used. We want patients to have the best outcome from their procedure, and we need all the facts before the operating room.”
Patients undergoing anesthesia cannot prevent their stomach contents from going into their lungs, as they can while conscious. When stomach contents go into the lungs, it is called aspiration. This side effect is rare, but serious. Importantly, with proper knowledge ahead of time, it is preventable with a good anesthesia care plan. When a patient is using a GLP-1 drug, they are at higher risk for regurgitation and aspiration due to slower digestion caused by the drug.
Patients should not stop taking their medications prior to a procedure unless directed by their medical provider. Even medications seemingly unrelated to surgery can influence decisions about anesthetic care, so a comprehensive medication list is important.
Those at higher risk of side effects from combining GLP-1 drugs and anesthesia are those who recently began their GLP-1 or increased to a higher dose; have existing nausea, vomiting, bloating or other GI symptoms; or have other medical conditions that slow stomach emptying. Currently, it is recommended patients taking GLP-1 drugs maintain a clear liquid diet for the 24 hours prior to surgery.
“It’s also important to know who is on your care team prior to surgery,” Dellaquila said. “Physician anesthesiologists have completed four years of college, four years of medical school and a minimum of four years of specialty training in anesthesiology, physiology, pharmacology, and management of complex medical conditions. GLP-1 management indicates why expertise matters.”
Most patients taking GLP-1 medication will undergo anesthesia safely. The Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists recommends all patients do the following:
- Inform their surgical team and anesthesiologist about all medications they take, including GLP-1 medications.
- Follow specific operative instructions provided by their healthcare team.
- Never stop taking prescription medication without discussing it with the physician managing their care.
- Ask questions and be their own best advocate to understand the procedure and how medications may affect surgery.
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