New Guidance Advises Patients to Withhold Diabetes and Weight Loss Medications Prior to Surgery
In a new guidance released by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), individuals who take certain popular medications for diabetes or weight loss are advised to withhold their medication prior to surgery. The guidance specifically mentions medications like Wegovy or Ozempic, which are brand names for a drug called semaglutide that helps control blood sugar levels in adults with diabetes.
The ASA’s guidance is aimed at reducing the risk of complications with anesthesia during surgery. The concern stems from the fact that these medications, along with other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Trulicity, can delay stomach emptying, decrease hunger, and reduce how much people eat. This delayed stomach emptying could potentially cause patients undergoing anesthesia to experience aspiration, nausea, or vomiting.
ASA President Michael W. Champeau, M.D., FAAP, FASA, explained that while there is currently a lack of scientific data on how these medications affect patients having surgery and interact with anesthesia, anecdotal reports have suggested that the delay in stomach emptying could be associated with an increased risk of regurgitation and aspiration of food into the airways and lungs during general anesthesia and deep sedation.
The guidance recommends that individuals who take these medications daily should skip their dose on the day of their procedure or surgery. Those who take the medication weekly should not take their dose the week prior to the procedure. It is also advised to consult with a doctor to see if an alternative medication is recommended leading up to surgery to help control the patient’s condition.
The ASA’s guidance serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of patients undergoing surgery. By withholding these medications, the risk of complications related to anesthesia can be minimized. Patients are encouraged to follow the guidance and consult with their healthcare providers for further information and personalized recommendations.
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Why is it important for patients taking diabetes and weight loss medications to stop their use prior to surgery, according to the new guidance
New Guidance Urges Patients to Stop Taking Diabetes and Weight Loss Medications Before Surgery
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has released new guidance advising patients who are taking certain medications for diabetes or weight loss to discontinue their use prior to surgery. The guidance specifically mentions popular drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, which contain a substance called semaglutide that helps regulate blood sugar levels in adults with diabetes.
The purpose of the guidance is to reduce the risk of complications related to anesthesia during surgery. The concern lies in the fact that these medications, along with other drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Trulicity, can slow down the emptying of the stomach, decrease appetite, and reduce food intake. This delayed stomach emptying could potentially lead to aspiration, nausea, or vomiting in patients undergoing anesthesia.
Dr. Michael W. Champeau, President of the ASA, explained that although there is currently limited scientific data on how these medications interact with anesthesia and affect patients undergoing surgery, anecdotal reports have suggested a possible link between delayed stomach emptying and an increased risk of food regurgitation and aspiration during general anesthesia and deep sedation.
The guidance recommends that individuals who take these medications on a daily basis should skip their dose on the day of their procedure or surgery. Those who take the medication weekly should refrain from taking it in the week leading up to the procedure. It is also advised to consult with a doctor to explore alternative medication options that can help manage the patient’s condition prior to surgery.
The ASA’s guidance serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of patients during surgery. By temporarily stopping the use of these medications, the potential complications associated with anesthesia can be minimized. Patients are encouraged to follow the guidance provided and consult with their healthcare providers for further information and personalized recommendations.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
This article highlights the importance of stopping diabetes and weight loss medications before surgery, providing valuable guidance to patients. Prioritizing their health and following professional advice can significantly contribute to successful surgical outcomes.