Temporarily stopping Ozempic before anaesthesia: important for your safety

Do you use Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Saxenda or a similar GLP-1 receptor agonist? Then it is important that you temporarily stop this medication two weeks before an operation or examination under general anaesthesia.

Why is this necessary?
These medicines slow down gastric emptying. As a result, food stays in the stomach longer, even when you have fasted. During general anaesthesia this can be dangerous: there is a risk that stomach contents end up in the lungs (aspiration), which can cause serious complications such as pneumonia.

To reduce this risk, anaesthesiologists advise stopping this medication at least 2 weeks before the procedure. This gives your stomach enough time to function normally again.

What should you do?

• Tell your doctor or anaesthesiologist that you use this medication.
• Stop no later than two weeks before the procedure, in consultation with your practitioner.
• After the operation, your doctor will tell you when you can start again.

Do you have questions or doubts about stopping your medication? Feel free to contact us by calling 088 4000 200 or emailing receptie@boerhaave.nl