The American Gastroenterological Association has issued new guidance for patients taking the popular diabetes and weight loss medications glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, known by brand names including Ozempic and Trulicity, prior to endoscopy.
The AGA says that no data has been found to support all patients stopping the medications prior to elective endoscopy procedures, but rather suggests that patients should consult their physicians for individualized guidance, according to a Nov. 7 press release sent to Becker's.
The statement is in response to a statement from the American Society of Anesthesiologists calling for all patients to stop taking the medications prior to elective procedures and surgeries.
The AGA encourages physicians to consider three things when treating patients on GLP-1 RAs undergoing endoscopic procedures: First, proceed with the procedure as planned for patients on GLP-1 RAs who followed the standard pre-procedure fasting instructions. Second, in lieu of stopping GLP-1 RAs, patients can also be placed on a liquid diet one day prior to the procedure. Third, in patients with symptoms suggesting retained gastric contents, a potential side effect of the drugs, consider rapid-sequence intubation.