GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Trulicity, now staples in diabetes and obesity care, are presenting new challenges in colonoscopy and endoscopy prep. By slowing gastric emptying and bowel motility, these drugs can leave patients with retained contents and incomplete bowel clearance, raising concerns about inadequate visualization and anesthesia risks. CU Anschutz experts advise personalized strategies—from holding daily or weekly doses, to extending prep regimens or shifting to clear liquids—to balance safety with procedure quality.
For GI leaders, the message is clear: as GLP-1 use accelerates, endoscopy teams must rethink prep protocols and collaborate closely with anesthesia to avoid missed lesions and complications. This evolving intersection of blockbuster drugs and routine procedures could quietly reshape how gastroenterologists plan and deliver care.