How do GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound affect anesthesia?

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound can slow stomach emptying. During general anesthesia or deep sedation, retained food or liquid may enter the lungs (aspiration). Most patients can continue treatment, but your anesthesia team may adjust care for individual risk.

Which medicines are we talking about?

Examples include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Saxenda, and Victoza, used for diabetes or weight loss.

Why does this matter during anesthesia?

GLP-1 medicines delay stomach emptying. During general anesthesia or deep sedation, retained food or liquid can come up and enter your lungs. This is called aspiration and can cause serious complications. Your Anesthesiologist can plan precautions.

Do I need to stop the medicine?

Not necessarily. Guidance has changed: many patients can continue treatment. Your team may adjust medication timing, diet, or the anesthesia plan. If instructed to hold a weekly medicine, ask which dose and for how long. For some patients that may mean a week; it is not a universal rule. Never stop, skip, or change doses without medical direction, especially if this affects diabetes control.

How does my team decide?

• Medication, dose, and last dose.
• Recent starts or dose increases. Digestive symptoms may be more pronounced during these periods.
• Digestive symptoms: nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach pain, constipation, or unusual fullness.
• Other conditions that slow stomach emptying.
• Planned procedure and anesthesia.
• Risks of holding treatment, including blood sugar changes.

What should I do before surgery?

• Tell your anesthesia team the medication name, dose, last dose, recent changes, and any digestive symptoms.
• Report significant symptoms before arriving. An elective procedure may need to be postponed until severe symptoms improve.
• Follow eating and drinking instructions. Some patients may need a liquid-only diet for 24 hours. Do not fast longer on your own.
• Confirm medication changes with the prescribing and anesthesia teams.

What if my stomach may not be empty?

Your Anesthesiologist may adjust your anesthetic, use gastric ultrasound to assess stomach contents, or postpone elective surgery if needed.

The bottom line

Most people taking GLP-1 medicines can safely receive anesthesia. Tell your team about medication and symptoms; follow individualized instructions. Do not change your medication on your own.

Printable six-point patient infographic View Shaina’s TSA GLP-1 infographic (PDF) ↗