Yes. Who else you tell is your call, but every doctor who treats you needs to know you’re on a GLP-1, for three reasons: anesthesia, low blood sugar and birth control. That holds even if you got the medicine online.
Dr. Saremi goes through the three reasons and the one sentence that covers them.
Why do people keep it quiet?
“They Call Us Cheaters” is the title of a 2026 study from Florida State University. People on GLP-1s told the researchers they hide it from friends and from partners. A good doctor won’t judge you for using a prescription medicine.
Why does it matter before surgery or a colonoscopy?
These medicines slow how fast your stomach empties. There have been rare reports of people breathing stomach contents into their lungs under anesthesia, even after fasting the way they were told. So tell every doctor before any surgery or planned procedure, including a colonoscopy where they sedate you.
Can it drop my blood sugar too low?
It can if you also take insulin or certain diabetes pills. The combination can push your blood sugar too low, and those doses may need to come down. Tell whoever prescribes them before your first shot.
Does a GLP-1 affect birth control pills?
Some do. Tirzepatide, the medicine in Zepbound, can make the pill work less well, and so can the new pill Foundayo. If you’re on either one, tell whoever prescribes your birth control, and use a backup method for about a month after you start and after every dose increase. Our page on GLP-1s, pregnancy and birth control has more.
What exactly should I tell my doctor?
One sentence covers it: “I’m on a GLP-1, this drug, this dose, since this date.” Say it to every doctor who prescribes for you, and to anyone who will sedate you. If you’d like a doctor who manages the GLP-1 itself, read about GLP-1 care with Dr. Saremi or book a free consult.
Sources
- Lazenby et al., “They Call Us Cheaters”: Exploring Stigma Management Communication Strategies During GLP-1 Medication Use, Health Communication, 2026 (the study on doi.org)
- Wegovy prescribing information: aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation, low blood sugar with insulin or sulfonylureas, telling providers before procedures
- Zepbound prescribing information: the same warnings, and oral contraceptives
- Foundayo prescribing information: backup contraception for 30 days after starting and after each dose increase