When to Stop Ozempic Before a Colonoscopy

No one is eager to have a colonoscopy, but if you live with Type 2 Diabetes and/or are between the ages of 45 and 75, regular colonoscopy screenings for colorectal cancer and other bowel diseases will likely be a reality of life. In this article we will discuss when to stop Ozempic before a colonoscopy. People with Diabetes are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than the general population, and careful monitoring of bowel health is an important element of routine healthcare.

That being said, preparing for a colonoscopy involves changing your diet and caloric intake, which can impact your blood sugar levels. In addition, you may need to stop taking certain medications, including Diabetes medications, prior to and during the procedure.

If you are currently taking Ozempic or have recently been prescribed the drug and have an upcoming colonoscopy scheduled, what course of action should you take, and what considerations will you need to keep in mind to ensure your health and safety? While your doctor will be your primary resource in helping you with colonoscopy preparation appropriate for your personal needs and circumstances, the information below provides an overview of some common considerations for Ozempic users to keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a routine medical procedure performed by a gastroenterologist. A scope inserted into the colon through the anus allows your doctor to take a careful look at the lining of your large intestine (colon) in order to identify any abnormalities or concerns. Patients are typically under anesthesia during a colonoscopy, which takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Including recovery time, you can expect to be at the hospital or outpatient center for 2 to 3 hours on the day of your procedure.

In the days leading up to your colonoscopy, you’ll need to prepare by following a special diet and taking laxatives that will clear your bowels and allow your doctor to get a clear view of your intestinal lining. Often, a low-fiber diet is recommended for a couple of days, followed by a day of clear liquids along with powerful laxatives.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a name-brand medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Approved for blood sugar regulation in adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes and the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes and established heart disease, it is also known for promoting healthy weight loss in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, is classed as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Drugs in this class imitate a naturally occurring gut hormone and bind to its receptor sites in the body. They stimulate the natural release of pancreatic insulin, reduce glucagon release into the bloodstream, and cause delayed stomach emptying. The result? Lower blood sugar levels and reduced hunger.

Ozempic is an injectable medication that is self-injected subcutaneously once weekly. It is not insulin-based and is often taken in conjunction with insulin.

How To Prepare for a Colonoscopy While on Ozempic

More research is needed to fully understand how GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide may affect patients undergoing anesthesia. That being said, the American Society of Anesthesiologists‘ Task Force on Preoperative Fasting reports that because semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptors slow down gastric emptying and digestion, there may be an increased risk of nausea, vomiting, or aspiration during surgery or other procedures that require sedation.

For this reason, your doctor may recommend that you pause your Ozempic injections leading up to your colonoscopy procedure. If this is the case, you’ll likely also need to take extra precautions to ensure that your blood sugar levels remain under control during this time period.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

If you normally rely on Ozempic to help control your blood glucose levels, but your doctor has recommended that you hold off on your regular injection as part of your colonoscopy preparation, careful blood sugar monitoring will be important. Ideally, you’ll use a continuous glucose monitor to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. In lieu of that, taking glucose readings at regular intervals of not more than four hours apart is recommended.

Consult directly with your doctor for blood glucose monitoring guidelines tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Diet Adjustments

As you prepare for your colonoscopy, you’ll also have to carefully monitor your diet. In addition to potentially pausing your regular medications, your blood sugar levels may also be impacted by foods that you’d normally avoid as a person with Diabetes.

Speaking with your doctor or gastroenterologist will be key in determining what foods you can safely consume as you balance the risk of unstable glucose levels against the risk of inadequate bowel cleansing (which could mean that your colonoscopy can not be performed). It is critical to plan ahead and prepare various sugary and non-sugary foods and beverages, even during your clear liquid diet, to respond to blood glucose readings and maintain as much blood sugar control as possible.

When To Stop Taking Ozempic (and Other Diabetes Medications)

Your healthcare provider will advise you when to stop taking Ozempic in preparation for your upcoming colonoscopy, and it is important to follow their directions carefully. In general, it is common for patients to be advised not to inject Ozempic in the preparation period leading up to or on the day of a colonoscopy. Often, it is recommended to delay your usual dose of Ozempic until after the procedure has been completed.

If you are on other Diabetes medications in addition to Ozempic, your doctor will need to consider how best to ensure that you are able to prepare for your colonoscopy without any adverse blood sugar events occurring. You may need to pause medications prior to and during the procedure, but carefully following medical advice will be critical.

Other Special Considerations

Studies have shown that people with Diabetes are more likely than the general population to experience issues such as inadequate bowel cleansing in preparation for a colonoscopy. As you prepare for your colonoscopy procedure, it is crucial to ensure that your gastroenterologist knows you are living with Diabetes. This will allow them to create a personalized treatment plan for you that will maximize your health and safety.

Conclusion

Living with Type 2 Diabetes isn’t easy, but drugs like Ozempic can be game-changers! To order affordable, high-quality Canadian Ozempic from the knowledgeable team at Bisonpharmacy.com, visit our website or contact us directly today!