Post-Operative Antiemetic Use in Surgical Patients on Injectable GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
by Alyssa Pitterle, PharmD, Courtney Wulffson, PharmD, MBA, MPH, BCPS, Melanie Mommaerts, PharmD, BCPS, Catherine Lea, RPh, BCACP, Anna Lovaas, PharmD, MS, Kristin Cole, MS, John Folstad, PharmD, BCPS
Abstract:
Background:
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity management. These agents can delay gastric emptying and may cause nausea and vomiting as adverse effects. The implications of GLP-1 RAs on surgical outcomes, particularly anesthesia type, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and recovery, are not well defined. This study evaluates the impact of GLP-1 RAs on perioperative drug selection, anesthesia type, and antiemetic use during the post-operative period.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted to analyze surgical patients on injectable GLP-1 RAs compared to a cohort not receiving these agents. Data collection included the type of anesthesia administered during surgery and antiemetic medications used post-operatively. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences in anesthesia type and antiemetic use between the two groups.
Results:
Patients on GLP-1 RAs exhibited a statistically significant difference in the type of anesthesia used during surgery compared to those not on GLP-1 RAs. Post-operatively, patients receiving GLP-1 RAs required more antiemetics; however, this increase was not statistically significant. These findings highlight potential modifications to anesthesia protocols and post-operative care for patients on GLP-1 RAs to address the drugs’ known gastrointestinal side effects.
Conclusions:
Patients on GLP-1 RAs undergoing surgery may require tailored perioperative management due to the drugs’ impact on gastric emptying and associated nausea. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms driving the observed differences in anesthesia and recovery.
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2025 May/June Table of Contents
Abstract:
Background:
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity management. These agents can delay gastric emptying and may cause nausea and vomiting as adverse effects. The implications of GLP-1 RAs on surgical outcomes, particularly anesthesia type, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and recovery, are not well defined. This study evaluates the impact of GLP-1 RAs on perioperative drug selection, anesthesia type, and antiemetic use during the post-operative period.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted to analyze surgical patients on injectable GLP-1 RAs compared to a cohort not receiving these agents. Data collection included the type of anesthesia administered during surgery and antiemetic medications used post-operatively. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences in anesthesia type and antiemetic use between the two groups.
Results:
Patients on GLP-1 RAs exhibited a statistically significant difference in the type of anesthesia used during surgery compared to those not on GLP-1 RAs. Post-operatively, patients receiving GLP-1 RAs required more antiemetics; however, this increase was not statistically significant. These findings highlight potential modifications to anesthesia protocols and post-operative care for patients on GLP-1 RAs to address the drugs’ known gastrointestinal side effects.
Conclusions:
Patients on GLP-1 RAs undergoing surgery may require tailored perioperative management due to the drugs’ impact on gastric emptying and associated nausea. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms driving the observed differences in anesthesia and recovery.
Download PDF
2025 May/June Table of Contents