Preoperative Management of Patients Taking Ozempic or Mounjaro
General
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are once-weekly injectable medications used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes and for weight loss. They act by mimicking gut hormones (GLP-1 for Ozempic; GLP-1 and GIP for Mounjaro), improving insulin secretion, reducing glucagon levels, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite.
Special Care is Needed Before Surgery
These medications delay stomach emptying, increasing the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during anaesthesia or sedation — a potentially life-threatening complication.
Recommendations for Perioperative Management
Withhold Ozempic & Mounjaro for at least 1 week before elective procedures with GA or sedation.
For daily GLP-1 agonists (e.g., liraglutide/Saxenda/Victoza): hold the day before surgery.
Preoperative Fasting and "Sip Til Send"
Patients must be on free fluids for 24 hours prior to surgery. THIS MEANS NO SOLID FOOD FOR 24 HOURS.
You may continue to drink WATER until 2 hours before anaesthesia.
If you have not stopped GLP-1 agonists as recommended your surgery may be CANCELLED.