Gallbladder Issues (Gallstones, Cholecystitis, Failure/Gangrene)
Users on Reddit have reported experiencing gallbladder issues, including gallstones and cholecystitis, while on GLP-1 medications. Some have required gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). The connection is often attributed to rapid weight loss, which is a known risk factor for gallstone formation.
Experiences with Gallbladder Issues:
Another user on Mounjaro for about 9 months also had their gallbladder removed. They acknowledged a family history but also mentioned, "these meds can increase your need to have it removed. "[3]
A user mentioned, "All food noise stopped and appetite decreased. Lots of vomiting, developed gallstone pancreatitis from this medication. "[13]
A medical professional shared an observation: "I have seen likely hundreds of EM patients on GLP-1s and thus far only one case that could have potentially been from the medication. Patient had choledocholithiasis. "[2]
Another medical professional described a severe case: "Mounjaro —> significant weight loss —> gallstones —> cholecystitis —> cholecystectomy —> intra op bowel perforation —> severe sepsis with prolonged hospitalization. "[8] They also noted, "Yup, I have seen gangrenous cholecystitis. I wonder if this guy attributed the colic to ‘side effects’ of the glp-1 agonist and therefore didn’t seek medical attention until it was gangrenous. "[9]
An OR RN mentioned that GLP-1s are "already known to cause pancreatitis, gastroparesis, thyroid cancer, kidney failure, gallstones and cholecystitis. Most of these issues require surgical intervention. "[6]
An emergency doctor shared an anecdotal case: "coworker who developed pancreatitis and required hospitalization and had to argue with surgeon that she did not have acalculous cholecystitis and was forced to leave ama - she is fine now after stopping the GLP-1 and has no issues with gallbladder. "[14]
A comment highlighted the link between rapid weight loss and gallstones: "This is a known side effect of GLP1 medication, mostly seen when people loose a lot of weight on the medication very quickly. ‘As the body metabolizes fat during rapid weight loss, it causes the liver to secrete extra cholesterol into bile, which can cause gallstones. Fasting. Fasting decreases gallbladder movement, which causes the bile to become overconcentrated with cholesterol. ’"[4]
Wegovy's prescribing information includes a warning: "Acute Gallbladder Disease: Has occurred in clinical trials. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and clinical follow-up are indicated (5. 3). "[15]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Awareness of Risks: Some users and medical professionals emphasize being aware of the potential for gallbladder problems, especially with rapid weight loss. [4, 8]
Screening: One physician mentioned they screen for a history of gallbladder issues and will not prescribe GLP-1s to those with such a background. [10] An internal medicine specialist also prescreens for gallbladder history before prescribing. [11]
No specific user-recommended home remedies or preventative measures for gallbladder issues while on GLP-1s were prominently found in the provided data, beyond general medical advice and awareness of the risk, particularly related to rapid weight loss.
Experiences with Gallbladder Issues:
- One user on semaglutide (Saxenda) from April to December 2023 reported developing gallstones around October and subsequently had their gallbladder removed.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Medical Consultation and Monitoring: The primary recommendation is to seek medical attention if gallbladder issues are suspected.
No specific user-recommended home remedies or preventative measures for gallbladder issues while on GLP-1s were prominently found in the provided data, beyond general medical advice and awareness of the risk, particularly related to rapid weight loss.