The deadly problem with controversial weight loss drug Ozempic revealed

Aussies using Ozempic to lose weight have been issued with a new warning that it could have deadly consequences. See why.

Australians using the diabetes drug Ozempic to lose weight have been warned about the life-threatening risks it poses if they undergo surgery or fall pregnant – prompting local medical experts to work on clinical guidelines.

The drug affects many aspects of the body, including slowing down the digestion of food, which results in people staying fuller for longer.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners chair of Diabetes Specific Interests Dr Gary Deed warned if food is still in the stomach during surgery, it can result in potentially deadly complications.

Doctors are warning of the potentially deadly consequences of using diabetes drug Ozempic. Picture: AFP

“(While) under anaesthetics the contents of our stomach can cause reflux, that can cause grave problems to the lungs and choking,” Dr Deed said.

“(Ozempic) stays in the system for about two to three weeks. Stopping taking it one week prior to surgery doesn’t mean the medication won’t have left their system,” he said.

“People going for surgery need to inform doctors that they’re taking this medication.

“The anaesthetics, surgeon and patients all need to be aware of these risks. Perhaps they will need an ultrasound prior to surgery, meaning more costs, to make sure that their stomach is suitable for surgery.”

Dr Deed said Australian medical bodies were working on some clinical guidelines to avoid putting people’s lives at risk.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners chair of Diabetes Specific Interests Dr Gary Deed. Picture: Supplied

“Anaesthetists are trained to handle airway issues. Ceasing using the drug for seven days has been advised but the evidence remains unclear. Please discuss this early with your anaesthetists where possible,” said Dr Mark Suss, of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists.

It comes after US and Canadian anaesthesiologists reported a growing number of patients on the medication had inhaled food and liquid into their lungs while sedated because their stomachs were still full — even after following standard instructions to stop eating for six to eight hours in advance.

It puts patients at an increased risk of a pulmonary aspiration, which can cause dangerous lung damage, infections and potentially death, Massachusetts General Hospital anaesthesiologist Dr Ion Hobia warned.

Ozempic, which slows down digestion, could be causing issues for patients under anaesthetic. Picture: AFP

Dr Deed said it raised questions for medication needs of diabetes patients who needed surgery, especially if they needed to come off the drug weeks prior to operations.

He also warned women who were using it for weight loss management to be careful with contraception, as studies have shown pregnancy risks.

There have been studies that show it contributed to foetal complications, including development abnormalities.

“Weight loss increases fertility but if you get pregnant on these drugs, they are Category D, which means they’re dangerous. You need proper contraceptive management or insight into those risks,” Dr Deed said.

“You need to be off it for three months before falling pregnant at a maximum.”

Originally published as The deadly problem with controversial weight loss drug Ozempic revealed