From the Research
Ozempic (semaglutide) should be held for at least 10 days prior to a colonoscopy, as evidenced by a study published in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia in 2023 1. This recommendation is based on the effects of Ozempic on gastric emptying and digestive processes, which could interfere with bowel preparation. The medication slows stomach emptying and intestinal transit, potentially making it harder to achieve the thorough bowel cleansing required for an effective colonoscopy. Additionally, Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting, which might be problematic when combined with the bowel preparation solution. Some key points to consider when making this decision include:
- The study found that semaglutide use was associated with increased residual gastric content in patients undergoing elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy 1.
- The mean time of preoperative semaglutide interruption in patients with and without increased residual gastric content was 10.5 ± 5.5 and 10.2 ± 5.6 days, respectively 1.
- Other studies have shown that semaglutide is effective in reducing HbA1c levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes, but may cause gastrointestinal adverse events such as nausea and vomiting 2, 3.
- More recent studies have also demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk 4, 5. After your colonoscopy, you can resume your regular Ozempic dosing schedule once you're eating normally again. However, it's essential to consult with both your prescribing physician and gastroenterologist before making any changes to your medication regimen, as individual circumstances may warrant different recommendations.