Mounjaro and general anaesthetic

[RamblingFar]

Just received a message from my GP surgery. Posting here as I wasn't aware. A quick Google suggests it's been known about for a while though. Not got any planned operations coming up, and they tend to ask about medicines you're taking anyway, but it might be worth knowing if your Mounjaro prescription isn't on your NHS records.

MedExpress informed my GP about the prescription from them, but The Care Pharmacy don't seem to have ever let my GP know.

"Dear xxxxxxxx,
We have received new safety information for patients taking Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) either for diabetes or weight loss. This medication has been shown to cause problems when patients undergo a general anaesthetic so it is important to inform your anaesthetist about this prior to any surgical procedure. Otherwise please carry on taking your medication as usual. Please do not hesitate to contact your Pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Xxxxxxx Surgery"

Thanks for posting, although I thought it was quite well known. Mostly due to the fasting requirements before a GA and delayed stomach emptying from MJ - unless there is something new?

Thanks op I wasn’t aware of this, however it is on my patient records with my gp.

Any medical professional (drs, nurses, dentists, opticians) giving any medical advice should be fully aware of all the medications you are on so they can give you the relevant advice, otherwise you are putting yourself at risk

Yes but some folks don’t tell their doctors, some don’t even tell immediate family they live with so they could tell. Which clearly poses a risk.

I personally don’t believe there should be any scenario where taking this drug is not on your medical records.

the risk here is due to delayed gastric emptying, and potential for low blood sugar, neither of which is a show stopper, but the surgical teams need to be aware. And if you can’t communicate and its not on your records, it’s a potential to be problematic.

Yes but some folks don’t tell their doctors, some don’t even tell immediate family they live with so they could tell. Which clearly poses a risk.

Exactly - I don’t think it’s a wise move to keep it from emergency contacts/closest relatives and GPs. DH is having a planned op soon, and made sure to tell his consultant, who said he’ll need to take a break from MJ. In an emergency situation, it’s important people already know you’re on it!

Perhaps I should have been clearer, but yes essentially what I meant/agree. If taking any medication privately you should make sure your Dr/Nurse is informed.

Dentists and Opticians usually ask at each appointment if there is any change to medications being taken and the information should be shared then.

Completely agree. Unfortunately there's been a steady stream of posts on this board from people asking for recommendations of providers who won't tell their GP...