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GLP-1 Drug Guidelines for Sedation Procedures: Most Patients Can Continue Therapy

evidence
The takeaway

Multi-society guidance supports continuing GLP-1 RA therapy for patients without risk factors undergoing procedures with conscious sedation, with case-by-case assessment and shared decision-making recommended.

Continue for most

Multi-society guidelines support continuing GLP-1 therapy for low-risk patients undergoing procedures with conscious sedation

What the researchers found

Multi-society guidance: patients without risk factors may continue GLP-1 RA for procedures under conscious sedation. Case-by-case risk assessment and shared decision-making recommended. Conscious sedation may not be necessary in most scenarios.

Why it matters

Millions of GLP-1 users need procedures. Clear guidance prevents unnecessary drug discontinuation while ensuring safety.

How the study worked

Evidence summary of multi-society guidance statements on GLP-1 RA periprocedural management for conscious sedation.

What this study cannot tell us

Brief evidence summary (787 words). Guidelines may evolve as more data emerges. Risk stratification criteria not fully standardized.

How to read the evidence

Evidence summary of multi-society guidance. Consensus-based recommendations.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

Periprocedural GLP-1 management is evolving from blanket discontinuation to risk-stratified, individualized approaches.

Questions still open

  • What specific risk factors should trigger GLP-1 discontinuation before sedation?
  • How long before a procedure should GLP-1 drugs be held in high-risk patients?
  • Do long-acting GLP-1 drugs pose more risk than short-acting ones?

Common questions

Should I stop my GLP-1 drug before a sedation procedure?
Most patients can safely continue. Guidelines recommend case-by-case assessment rather than routine discontinuation. If you don't have additional risk factors, your GLP-1 drug can likely be continued.
Why is GLP-1 and sedation a concern?
GLP-1 drugs slow stomach emptying, which could theoretically increase aspiration risk during sedation. However, current evidence suggests this risk is low for most patients.

Read the original research

GLP-1 receptor agonists and conscious sedation.

Interventional pain medicine, 5(1), 100734

Citation

Holder, Eric K; Ni, Amelia; Levi, David. (2026). GLP-1 receptor agonists and conscious sedation.. Interventional pain medicine, 5(1), 100734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inpm.2025.100734