Can you take Ozempic after gallbladder removal?
There is limited data on using Ozempic (semaglutide) in people without a gallbladder. While you may be able to resume Ozempic after surgery, your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate timing and dosage based on your recovery.
Some people experience diarrhea and gas after gallbladder removal, which are also common side effects of Ozempic. Your provider may suggest waiting until these symptoms improve before restarting Ozempic to avoid worsening digestive discomfort.
Should You Stop Ozempic Before Gallbladder Surgery?
If you are taking Ozempic, consult your healthcare provider about whether you need to pause treatment before surgery. Some patients at high risk for pulmonary aspiration (when food or liquid enters the lungs) may need to stop Ozempic about a week before procedures requiring anesthesia or sedation.
When Can You Restart Ozempic After Surgery?
Your healthcare team will inform you when it is safe to restart Ozempic or begin any new medications. The timeline may depend on:
- The type of gallbladder surgery performed
- Whether you need to stay in the hospital for observation
- Your recovery progress and any side effects experienced post-surgery
If you go home the same day, a caregiver should stay with you until the anesthesia fully wears off. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on resuming medications once you are home.
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Managing Side Effects After Gallbladder Removal
It is normal to experience digestive changes such as diarrhea and gas after gallbladder surgery. These symptoms are similar to potential side effects of Ozempic. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether your symptoms are surgery-related or medication-related. In some cases, they may recommend:
- Temporarily delaying the restart of Ozempic until symptoms improve
- Resuming Ozempic at a lower dose to minimize side effects
- Exploring alternative treatment options for blood sugar management
This is not all the information you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
American Gastroenterological Association. 2024. Multisociety Clinical Practice Guidance for the Safe Use of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in the Perioperative Period. Accessed 12/04/2024 at https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(24)00910-8/fulltext
National Health Service. 2021. Gallbladder removal. Accessed 12/04/2024 at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gallbladder-removal/recovery/
Ozempic [package insert]. Updated November 2024. Novo Nordisk. Accessed 11/20/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79
Read next
How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading
What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
Ozempic has the potential to cause certain long-term problems that may last months or years after stopping it. Some examples of long-term side effects you may experience from Ozempic include pancreatitis, vision problems, acute kidney injury, and acute gallbladder disease. Continue reading
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight management while Ozempic is used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and help protect kidney function. They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but they differ in other approved uses, doses, target populations and costs. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Ozempic Information for Consumers
- Ozempic prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Ozempic (detailed)
- Ozempic user reviews (1,507)
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