New Guidance Suggests Skipping Ozempic Before Surgery

In recent years, Ozempic and other similar drugs, called GLP-1 agonists, have grown in popularity for weight loss. However, doctors are now cautioning people against taking these medications before undergoing surgery or a procedure that requires them to be sedated.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) said in a recent statement that people who take the GLP-1 agonists every day should stop the medication on the day of the surgery. If the person takes the medicine weekly, they should hold it a week before the surgery.

The new guidance was issued after “many reports from medical literature and anesthesia leaders about people who fasted but still vomited either going to sleep or waking up from anesthesia,” said Dr. Ronald L. Harter, MD, fellow and incoming president of the ASA and Professor of Anesthesiology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

“This was very concerning and something we needed to address and communicate to the public like we are doing right now,” Harter said.

Read more at ABC News >>