glp1sideeffects.com

Users on Reddit, particularly in medical communities, report serious infection-related complications such as sepsis in patients using GLP-1 medications. These infections often arise as secondary complications to other side effects associated with GLP-1s, such as delayed gastric emptying or pancreatitis.

Experiences with Sepsis:

Sepsis due to Aspiration Pneumonia: A significant concern is aspiration pneumonia leading to sepsis, often linked to delayed gastric emptying, a known effect of GLP-1 medications. This risk appears heightened in individuals with conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or during medical procedures requiring anesthesia.

One user described a case: "Tuesday: First dose of GLP-1Wednesday: by PM felt sick as shitThursday: walked into an ER floridly septic in respiratory distress Turns out, the real sequence of events was:1st dose GLP-1 --> guy eats large dinners regularly and refuses to wear CPAP for his severe OSA --> delayed gastric emptying + snoring = microaspiration --> PNA --> sepsis --> ICU + almost ended up intubated, 5 day total hospital stay. "[1]

Another user reported a severe outcome: "Patient had self prescribed Ozempic, had silent aspirations that they weren't reporting at home, ended up getting aspiration pneumonia, intubated, ARDS, then passed away all within a week. "[2] A reply elaborated on the mechanism: "Likely delayed gastric emptying allowing significant reflux >> aspirations of gastric content. "[3]

The risk during medical procedures was also highlighted: "Have seen a pt aspirate during intubation 2/2 the delayed emptying, despite compliance with NPO. "[4] Another shared an instance of "Aspiration on induction of anesthesia, severe lung injury. "[5]

A user recounted a "Similar case. Adult patient, before there was GLP1 protocols for NPO patients at our institution. Patient aspirated, went into shock, significant ICU admission. "[6]

Sepsis due to Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is a known risk with GLP-1s, and severe cases can lead to infections and sepsis.

A user mentioned seeing "Infected necrotizing pancreatitis requiring a complicated surgical and ICU course. "[7]

Sepsis from Other Complications: Sepsis has also been reported as a consequence of a cascade of events that can be initiated or exacerbated by GLP-1 use.

One detailed account described: "Mounjaro —> significant weight loss —> gallstones —> cholecystitis —> cholecystectomy —> intra op bowel perforation —> severe sepsis with prolonged hospitalization. "[8]

A user with lupus on immunosuppressants reported: "Appendicitis is possible with semaglutide, but the Saphnelo lowering the immune system made me septic much quicker than would be normal. "[9]

Mention of Abscesses:

While abscesses are not frequently discussed as a direct primary outcome of GLP-1 use in the provided data, conditions like "Infected necrotizing pancreatitis"[7] can involve the formation of pancreatic abscesses or infected fluid collections, which are severe forms of infection.

Preventions Recommended by Users:

The discussions primarily focus on preventing the precursor conditions that can lead to sepsis, rather than remedies for active sepsis (which requires urgent medical intervention).

Managing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): For patients with OSA, adherence to treatments like CPAP is crucial to reduce aspiration risk. In the case of the patient who developed sepsis from aspiration pneumonia, it was noted, "Patient did not restart GLP-1 and is now back to using CPAP nightly. "[1]

Holding GLP-1 Medication Before Procedures: To mitigate the risk of aspiration during anesthesia due to delayed gastric emptying, some institutions or practitioners recommend temporarily discontinuing GLP-1s.

"I think we require two weeks from last GLP1 injection before any procedure. "[6]

Another user stated, "We have pts hold the GLP1s for a week pre-op to try to mitigate this.