"Drug Holidays" - The Risks of Stopping Medication During Breaks

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

For many, the holiday season brings thoughts of relaxation or celebrations with family! In the medical world, medical holidays or "drug holidays" are planned breaks from a prescribed medication. While taking a break from certain medications can be beneficial for some people, these pauses come with risks. This is especially true for people on weight loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.

Last year, stories of individuals pausing their weight loss medications during Thanksgiving and Christmas sparked debate among experts. However, obesity specialists have warned against this. There are risks of side effects, delayed progress, and even weight gain when doses are missed. It is important to instead be mindful of your eating during the holidays as a healthier alternative to skipping medications.

What Are Drug Holidays?

A drug holiday is a deliberate pause in taking a medication, either for a few days, weeks, or even longer. This practice is typically done under medical supervision and may be done for a few different reasons.

• Reducing Side Effects: Long-term medication use can sometimes lead to unwanted effects. A temporary break might help the body recover.
• Assessing Need: For some conditions, a drug holiday may be used to determine if the medication is still needed.
• Resetting Treatment Response: Some believe that stopping a medication for a time might make it work more effectively when restarted. However, this is not always supported by evidence.

Last year, stories of individuals pausing their weight loss medications during Thanksgiving and Christmas sparked debate among experts. For instance, Julie Kelly, who had lost 38 pounds using Ozempic, shared her decision to skip doses during the holidays to eat more comfortably. However, obesity specialists warned against this trend, emphasizing the risks of side effects, delayed progress, and even weight gain when doses are missed. They also highlighted the importance of mindful eating during the holidays as a healthier alternative to skipping medications.

According to experts, drug holidays can sometimes be helpful for people whose medications suppress bodily functions. However, they are not suitable for all medications or conditions. Stopping taking drugs like insulin, high blood pressure drugs, or psychiatric medications without guidance can lead to severe health risks. For anyone considering a drug holiday, talk with your doctor.

Potential Risks

Stopping medications abruptly can be dangerous, particularly for chronic conditions. Potential risks include:

• Rebound Effects: Conditions like acid reflux or diabetes can worsen significantly after stopping certain medications.
• Exacerbation of Symptoms: Abruptly pausing medications can lead to a return of symptoms or even severe complications, such as hospitalization.
• Restarting Challenges: Medications like Ozempic can cause side effects when reintroduced, such as nausea, vomiting, or digestive issues.

Weight Loss Medications and the Holidays

Weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which are GLP-1 receptor agonists, have gained huge popularity for their effectiveness. However, during holidays, some people may consider pausing these medications to indulge in food and drink more freely. Why might they do this?

• Holiday Indulgence: Some users pause their medication to enjoy traditional meals and desserts without feeling uncomfortably full.
• Financial Reasons: The high cost of medications like Wegovy, especially when not covered by insurance, may lead people to "stretch out" their doses.

Experts strongly advise against pausing weight loss medications without medical consultation. Medications like Ozempic are designed to be taken weekly and not "as needed." Pausing can lead to a resurgence of initial side effects, such as nausea or vomiting, when restarted. Interrupting your medication schedule can slow weight loss results and may require restarting at a lower dose. For people with Type 2 diabetes, pausing medications like Ozempic can result in uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Staying Safe During the Holidays

If you are on weight loss medications and looking forward to the holiday season, here are some tips:

1. Stick to Your Schedule: Do not skip doses without consulting your doctor.
2. Practice Mindful Eating: Focus on smaller portions, eat slowly, and pay attention to your body’s fullness signals.
3. Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods: Fill your plate with lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains to minimize overeating.
4. Consult Your Physician: If you feel the urge to pause your medication, seek advice from your healthcare provider.

While drug holidays can be beneficial for some medications, they are not appropriate for everyone—especially those on weight loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. Pausing these medications without medical supervision can lead to side effects, delayed progress, and potential health risks.

As the holiday season approaches, remember that the key to enjoying festive meals is mindful eating, not skipping your prescribed treatments. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication plan, and aim for balance, not deprivation, to make the most of the season.