Topline
European medical officials have advised patients taking GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes drugs who will be sedated for upcoming surgery to warn their doctors about their use of the medication in avoid the risk of a rare breathing problem called aspiration, a connection that many other medical organizations are looking at. into the past.
Patient perceptions of medical surgeons and general anesthesiologists
Important Points
The European Medicines Agency issued new recommendations Friday, saying patients taking GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound should inform their doctors before surgery to reduce the risk of adverse respiratory events. which can be caused by drugs.
GLP-1s are medications designed to control type 2 diabetes and obesity by lowering blood sugar and A1C, interacting with the brain’s hunger system to suppress appetite and slow down the process of emptying the stomach. , making patients feel satisfied. longer time.
Due to delayed gastric emptying, food can remain in the stomach even if the patient had fasted the night before the operation, which can lead to rare breathing problems called aspiration and aspiration pneumonia, according to EMA.
Although the agency said it could not find a link between GLP-1s and cravings, it found a “potential risk” after reviewing available evidence such as case reports, scientific papers and clinical data and that it non-medical to support their decision.
The EMA said it will update the drug’s product information to include a warning that patients should tell doctors about their use of GLP-1 before undergoing surgery that requires anesthesia or deep sedation.
What is Aspiration and Aspiration Pneumonia?
Aspiration occurs when substances such as food or water accidentally enter a person’s airways and lungs, according to the Washington State Department of Human Services and Health. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia—known as the “silent killer”—a serious lung infection. Aspiration pneumonia does not always have many symptoms, and can be fatal if left untreated. People who eat fast, have trouble swallowing or cough, are 65 years old or older, have a weakened immune system, use pipes, have had a stroke, drink alcohol many and those who cannot chew properly are the majority. at risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood or pus, chest pain, bad breath, extreme tiredness, tiredness while eating, choking, pain when swallowing, chest congestion chronic and feverish after eating.
Background Key
The EMA’s decision comes after it asked four GLP-1 drug makers including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in 2023 for more information on the possibility of sedation complications. Aspiration occurs in 1 in 2,000 to 3,000 patients who require sedation for surgery, and about half of these patients develop lung-related injury. The Food and Drug Administration began investigating whether GLP-1 causes side effects such as cravings and hair loss in January, CBS News reported. The American Society of Anesthesiologists also advises 2023 patients taking weekly injections to stop using GLP-1 drugs at least one week before surgery due to “an increased risk of relapse and the desire to food in the air and lungs during general anesthesia and deep sedation.” Canadian researchers have asked patients to stop taking GLP-1 at least three weeks before undergoing anesthesia because of the risk of aspiration.
Big Number
12% That’s how many American adults have taken GLP-1 drugs, according to a May report by the nonprofit health policy organization KFF.
Continue Reading
What You Need to Know About Ozempic: Diabetes Drug Turns Weight Loss Blocker Hit (Elon Musk Brags About Using It) To Make a Deficiency (Forbes)
Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Expected to Be Approved for Weight Loss Soon: What You Need to Know and How It Compares to Similar Drugs (Forbes)
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