Could GLP-1 drugs affect my safety in surgery?

GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are available in the UK to help patients who live with obesity to manage their weight. They are effective treatments that are highly regulated. Only patients who meet certain eligibility criteria can take them.

To make sure that they are achieving their goals, patients will have regular check-ins with their pharmacist or doctor.

But if you’re due to have surgery, you should let them and the healthcare team who will care for you know.

Wegovy and Mounjaro have been approved for use in the UK. This means they have been reviewed and assessed by the country’s medicines regulator, the MHRA.^1,2 Although both medications have side effects, this is not unusual for any medicine or treatment.

You can discuss any concerns you have with your pharmacist or doctor before you start your treatment. You can also read the Patient Information Leaflet to learn about common and rare side effects.

But Wegovy and Mounjaro are safe to use by people who meet their eligibility criteria once they have been assessed by a clinician like a pharmacist or doctor.

Anaesthesia is used to make sure you don’t feel anything during surgery and so that your muscles relax. For example, general anaesthetics can make you lose consciousness, or put you to sleep, throughout your operation.³

GLP-1 medications can affect your body’s ability to respond to anaesthesia. This is because they are designed to slow down gastric emptying. This means it takes longer for food to be removed from your stomach.4 The content of your stomach could enter your lungs and airways during your operation.

Taking a GLP-1 drug doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to have surgery, but your team may want to make some changes to their pre-operation procedures.⁴

If you’ve been prescribed Wegovy or Mounjaro, you shouldn’t stop your treatment without speaking to your doctor or healthcare team first. They will advise you on the best approach to suit your individual needs.⁴

You should not discontinue use of your medication without letting them know.

If you’ve been scheduled to have surgery, preparing can help you feel less anxious. It can also help you have the best possible outcomes during the procedure and contribute to a successful recovery.

Take your medicines with you. If you’ve been prescribed any medications, you should bring them to any appointments you have with your doctor ahead of surgery. If you take any supplements or any illegal substances, you should also let your doctor know as they may affect any anaesthesia given to you.⁵

Check whether you can eat and drink before your procedure. Your doctor should let you know whether you can have food or drinks before your surgery. If you have to stop, they should let you know how many hours before your surgery you’ll need to do so. Fasting can help make sure that your stomach is empty during your operation.⁵ This should only be done if your surgical team has advised you to do it.

Pack a hospital bag. You’ll need a change of clothes, and depending on the length of your stay, extra nightwear and underwear. Don’t forget your toiletries, pads, tampons, shaving tools and any entertainment you might want to bring with you.

Plan your journey. You will need to arrive for your operation on time and have a way to get home. Talk to friends and family to see if they can help you arrange transport. You might be eligible for non-emergency patient transport services, but they are not available in all areas of the UK. Talk to your doctor or healthcare team to find out if you might qualify for these services.

Some people can also claim for their transport through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). People on qualifying benefits, who are eligible for NHS Low Income Scheme or have been referred for treatment by a specialist may be able to make a claim through the scheme.⁶

Stay on top of your hygiene. You may be asked to have a bath or shower before your operation. Your healthcare team might also ask you to remove any piercings, makeup or nail polish.⁶

Try to stay relaxed. The thought of surgery might make you anxious. It’s important to remember that the procedures are being carried out by trained professionals who work in a highly regulated environment. You can try meditating, using breathing or mindfulness techniques before you’re due to head to the operating theatre.⁷