Wegovy and Ozempic are popular weight-loss drugs that work by slowing down the digestion and increasing the feeling of fullness. However, these drugs may also pose a serious risk for patients who need surgery or other procedures that require anesthesia.
According to some anesthesiologists in the U.S. and Canada, patients who take these drugs may have food and liquid in their stomachs even after fasting for six to eight hours before the procedure. This can lead to a dangerous condition called pulmonary aspiration, where the food and liquid are inhaled into the lungs during sedation. Pulmonary aspiration can cause severe lung damage, infections, and even death.
The risk of pulmonary aspiration is higher for patients who take weekly injections of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, because it stays in the body for a long time. The American Society of Anesthesiologists issued a guidance in June advising patients to stop taking these drugs for up to a week before any sedation procedure.
The controversy over the guidance
However, some experts say that the guidance is not enough and that patients should stop taking these drugs for even longer, up to three weeks before the procedure. They argue that this is the time it takes for semaglutide to be mostly eliminated from the body and for the digestion to return to normal.
On the other hand, some doctors say that stopping these drugs for too long may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and weight gain. They also say that there is not enough evidence to support the claim that these drugs increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration.
The controversy over the guidance has sparked a debate among the medical community and the public. Some people criticize the anesthesiologists for being too cautious and alarmist, while others praise them for being vigilant and responsible.
The advice for patients
Patients who take Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss should consult their doctors before undergoing any surgery or procedure that requires anesthesia. They should also inform their anesthesiologists about their medication history and follow their instructions carefully.
Patients should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of pulmonary aspiration, such as coughing, choking, wheezing, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. If they experience any of these symptoms after the procedure, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Wegovy and Ozempic are effective weight-loss drugs that can help many people improve their health and quality of life. However, they also have potential risks that need to be considered and managed carefully. Patients who take these drugs should be well-informed and prepared for any possible complications during anesthesia.
