What the TGA warning says
GLP-1 medicines and dual GIP/GLP-1 medicines can delay the movement of food through the stomach. The TGA says that during general anaesthesia or deep sedation, stomach contents may remain even after the usual fasting period. If stomach contents enter the lungs, this is called pulmonary aspiration.
The TGA’s safety update was published on 3 June 2025. It says the TGA required updates to the Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information for the medicines covered by the update.
The TGA reproduces this warning in its safety update:
“Cases of pulmonary aspiration have been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 RAs undergoing general anaesthesia (GA) or deep sedation despite reported adherence to preoperative fasting recommendations. Therefore, the increased risk of residual gastric content because of delayed gastric emptying should be considered prior to performing procedures with GA or deep sedation.”
The TGA advises patients to tell health professionals, including anaesthetists, that they take one of these medicines before surgery or another procedure.
Which medicines are named in the TGA update?
The TGA’s 3 June 2025 safety update names:
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
- Victoza (liraglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a dual GIP/GLP-1 medicine
This is the list in that dated safety update, not confirmation that every brand is currently supplied in Australia. The TGA’s shortage database records Saxenda as discontinued, with a market deletion date of 19 December 2025. It is not described here as currently supplied. Supply information can change; check with your healthcare professional or the TGA.
What to tell your health team before a procedure
Tell your doctor, surgeon or anaesthetist that you take a GLP-1 medicine. Share the medicine’s name, your current prescribed dose and when you last took it.
Raise this when the procedure is booked, rather than waiting until the day. Follow the instructions your health team gives you. Do not stop or change your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Keep your medicine details ready
MediRemind lets you record your medicines, prescribed doses and injection day in one place, so you can show your surgical team the information you enter. If you choose to use Carer Share, an invited carer can access selected medication information through that sharing feature.
Read about MediRemind's GLP-1 injection reminder features or read the GLP-1 dose steps guide.
Need your medication details for an appointment?
Keep prescribed doses, medicine names and injection schedules together, ready to discuss with your healthcare team.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tell my anaesthetist I take Ozempic?
Yes, the TGA advises telling your health professionals, including your anaesthetist.
Does this apply to a colonoscopy?
It applies to procedures with general anaesthesia or deep sedation. Ask your doctor whether your procedure involves these.
Should I stop my GLP-1 medicine before surgery?
Only your doctor or anaesthetist can decide this. Do not stop or change your medicine unless they tell you to.
Sources
This page is general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, anaesthetist or pharmacist. MediRemind is not affiliated with any medicine manufacturer.