Navigating Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: Understanding Risks If You Have Gallstones

Many individuals embark on a journey towards a healthier weight, seeking effective, scientifically-backed solutions. For some, this path may involve considering advanced weight loss medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide. However, a common question arises for those with pre-existing conditions: can I take semaglutide if I have gallstones? This is a vital inquiry, as understanding the intricate relationship between weight management, these medications, and gallbladder health is paramount for safe and effective care.

At TrimRx, our journey began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions. We understand that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent approach, providing a user-friendly and supportive space where individuals receive personalized, medically supervised care. Our commitment is to ensure that your path to a healthier weight is not only effective but also safe and tailored to your unique health profile.

This blog post aims to thoroughly explore the connection between weight loss medications, gallbladder health, and specifically, the considerations for individuals with gallstones. We will delve into what gallstones are, how semaglutide and tirzepatide work, the potential risks associated with their use in the context of gallbladder disease, and crucial strategies for safe management. Our goal is to equip you with comprehensive knowledge, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health journey in partnership with your healthcare provider. You’ll learn about the mechanisms at play, practical precautions, and how our personalized programs are designed to support you every step of the way, ensuring your well-being remains our top priority.

Understanding Gallstones and Gallbladder Health

The gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ nestled beneath your liver, plays a surprisingly significant role in your digestive system. While often overlooked, its function is crucial for processing fats and absorbing nutrients. Understanding what gallstones are and how they affect your body is the first step in addressing concerns about weight loss medications.

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form within the gallbladder. They can vary dramatically in size, from tiny grains of sand to as large as a golf ball. Most people with gallstones, sometimes called “silent stones,” experience no symptoms at all, often discovering their presence incidentally during imaging for other conditions. However, when these stones block the bile ducts, they can cause significant pain and complications.

There are two primary types of gallstones:

• Cholesterol stones: These are the most common type, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. They form when bile contains too much cholesterol, too few bile salts, or when the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly.
• Pigment stones: These darker, smaller stones are made up of bilirubin, a waste product formed when red blood cells break down. They are less common and often linked to certain medical conditions like cirrhosis or blood disorders.

The Gallbladder’s Role in Digestion

The liver produces bile, a digestive fluid essential for breaking down fats in the small intestine. The gallbladder’s primary job is to store and concentrate this bile. When you eat, especially fatty foods, the gallbladder contracts, releasing bile into the small intestine through the bile ducts. This process helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. Any disruption to this delicate system, such as blockages from gallstones, can impair digestion and lead to discomfort or more serious health issues.

Connection Between Weight and Gallstones

The link between body weight and gallbladder disease, particularly gallstones, is well-established. Individuals who are overweight or obese have a significantly higher risk of developing gallstones. Obesity can alter bile composition, leading to higher cholesterol levels in the bile, which increases the likelihood of cholesterol stone formation. Furthermore, obesity is often associated with impaired gallbladder motility, meaning the gallbladder doesn’t empty as efficiently, allowing bile to stagnate and contribute to stone formation.

Rapid weight loss, regardless of the method, is also a recognized risk factor for gallstone development. When weight is lost quickly, the liver can release extra cholesterol into the bile, and gallbladder emptying may slow down, both of which contribute to a higher chance of stone formation. This is a critical point when considering any effective weight loss intervention.

Recognizing Gallstone Symptoms

While many gallstones remain asymptomatic, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs that may indicate a problem. Symptoms typically arise when a gallstone blocks a bile duct, leading to what is commonly known as a “gallstone attack” or biliary colic.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp, sudden pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen, often occurring after meals, especially fatty ones. This pain can last for several hours and may radiate to the back or right shoulder blade.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Indigestion, heartburn, bloating, or excessive gas.

More severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention may indicate a serious complication like inflammation or infection (cholecystitis), or a blockage of the common bile duct, which can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or pancreatitis. These include:

• Fever and chills.
• Persistent, severe abdominal pain.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Tea-colored urine or light-colored stools.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: A Look at Modern Weight Management

For many years, the quest for effective and sustainable weight loss solutions has been challenging. The advent of medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide has marked a significant advancement in this field, offering new hope for individuals struggling with weight-related issues. These medications, often discussed in the context of their branded counterparts like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®, represent a powerful tool in personalized weight management.

How GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Work

Semaglutide and tirzepatide belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, with tirzepatide also acting as a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist. These medications mimic the action of natural hormones in your body that regulate appetite and blood sugar.

Their mechanisms of action for weight loss include:

• Appetite Regulation: They act on the brain’s appetite control centers, reducing hunger signals and increasing feelings of fullness, which helps you consume fewer calories.
• Slowed Gastric Emptying: By slowing down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, these medications help you feel full for longer after meals, further contributing to reduced food intake.
• Reduced Cravings: Many individuals report a decrease in cravings, especially for highly processed or sugary foods, which can be a significant barrier to weight loss.

For individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications also improve blood sugar control by stimulating insulin release in response to high glucose levels and reducing glucagon secretion.

The Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

The impact of semaglutide and tirzepatide extends beyond just reducing body weight. Clinical trials have demonstrated impressive results, with individuals experiencing substantial weight loss, often in the range of 15-20% of their initial body weight over a period of weeks to months. This level of weight loss can lead to numerous health improvements, including:

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Research suggests a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.
• Better Blood Sugar Control: For those with type 2 diabetes, these medications significantly improve glycemic control, often reducing the need for other diabetes medications.
• Reduction in Weight-Related Comorbidities: Lowering body weight can improve conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain.

These profound benefits underscore why these medications are considered transformative for many individuals struggling with obesity and related health challenges.

Our Personalized Approach to Medication

At TrimRx, we recognize that every individual’s health journey is unique. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of prescription weight loss medications, including Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Wegovy®. We believe that finding the right solution requires a personalized touch, supported by medical expertise.

To ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment plan, we invite you to take our free assessment quiz. This assessment helps our medical team determine your eligibility and create a tailored program designed for your specific needs, always prioritizing your safety and optimal health outcomes. This comprehensive service includes doctor consultations, necessary lab work, your prescribed medication, unlimited support throughout your journey, and convenient shipping—all with transparent service and no hidden fees. Our compassionate care respects your unique journey, combining advanced medical science with modern technology to deliver results.

Navigating Semaglutide and Tirzepatide with Gallstones

The prospect of significant weight loss offered by semaglutide and tirzepatide is exciting, but it’s crucial to approach any medical treatment with a full understanding of its potential implications, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like gallstones. Our commitment to transparent service means discussing these considerations openly and thoroughly.

The Relationship Between Rapid Weight Loss and Gallstones

One of the primary reasons weight loss medications can be associated with gallstone formation or worsening existing conditions is the phenomenon of rapid weight loss itself. As discussed earlier, rapid weight reduction, regardless of the method (diet, exercise, medication, or bariatric surgery), can lead to changes in bile composition. The liver may secrete more cholesterol into the bile, and the gallbladder’s emptying function can slow down. This combination creates an environment conducive to gallstone formation.

This mechanism is not exclusive to GLP-1 receptor agonists but is a general consideration for any effective weight loss intervention that leads to quick results. It’s a delicate balance: while losing excess weight can significantly improve overall health, the rate at which it’s lost needs careful management, particularly for those at risk for gallbladder issues.

GLP-1s and Gallbladder Function

Beyond the general effect of rapid weight loss, there’s evidence suggesting that GLP-1 receptor agonists themselves might have a direct impact on gallbladder function. Some research indicates that medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can slow down gallbladder emptying, a condition known as bile stasis. When bile remains in the gallbladder for extended periods, it becomes more concentrated, increasing the likelihood of cholesterol crystallization and stone formation.

It’s important to clarify that while this effect is noted, the overall incidence of gallbladder problems remains relatively low, and most cases are mild to moderate. However, for individuals already predisposed to gallstones or with existing stones, this direct effect becomes a significant factor to consider.

Understanding the Risk Profile

Clinical trials for both semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound®) have reported a slightly increased risk of gallbladder-related disorders, including gallstones and acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), compared to placebo groups. For instance, studies have shown that approximately 2.5% of semaglutide users developed gallbladder problems versus 1% on placebo. Gallstones specifically occurred in about 1.6% of semaglutide users compared to 0.7% in the placebo group. Tirzepatide exhibits a similar risk profile, with incidences around 2.3% in clinical trials.

This data suggests a modest but notable increase in risk. It’s crucial to view these percentages in context; the vast majority of individuals using these medications do not experience severe gallbladder issues. However, if you have a history of gallstones or other gallbladder disease, this increased risk warrants careful discussion with your healthcare provider. Our team at TrimRx emphasizes this detailed assessment because our brand is built on being trustworthy, supportive, and results-oriented, always prioritizing your safety.

Comparing Risks Across Weight Loss Methods

To provide a comprehensive perspective, it’s helpful to compare the gallstone risk associated with GLP-1 agonists to other common weight loss methods:

Weight Loss Method	Approximate Gallstone Risk	Notes
Gradual lifestyle changes	1-2%	Lowest risk approach, but often slower weight loss.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®)	2.5%	Most cases are mild to moderate.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound®)	2.3%	Similar risk profile to semaglutide.
Very low-calorie diets	10-25%	Significantly higher risk due to rapid weight loss.
Bariatric surgery	30-45%	Highest risk, often requiring preventive medication.

This comparison illustrates that while GLP-1 agonists carry a slightly elevated risk, it is significantly lower than that associated with extremely rapid weight loss methods like very low-calorie diets or bariatric surgery. This context is important for making an informed decision about your weight management strategy.

Safe Usage and Mitigation Strategies

If you have gallstones or are at a higher risk of developing them, it doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot consider semaglutide or tirzepatide for weight management. It means you must engage in a careful, medically supervised approach. At TrimRx, our personalized programs are designed to mitigate risks while maximizing the benefits of your weight loss journey.

Gradual Weight Loss: A Cornerstone of Safety

One of the most effective strategies to minimize the risk of gallstone formation during weight loss is to aim for a gradual and steady reduction in body weight. While semaglutide and tirzepatide are effective, the goal is not the fastest possible weight loss, but sustainable and healthy weight loss.

We advocate for:

• A moderate pace: Aiming for a weight loss of approximately 0.5 to 1 kilogram (1 to 2 pounds) per week is generally considered safe and effective.
• Avoiding extreme calorie restriction: Very low-calorie diets can exacerbate the risk of gallstones. Our approach integrates balanced nutrition plans that support your overall health.
• Slower dose escalation: If you are at higher risk, your healthcare provider may recommend a more gradual increase in your medication dosage, allowing your body more time to adapt and potentially reducing the impact on gallbladder function. This is a conversation you will have with your TrimRx provider during your personalized consultation.

Dietary Considerations for Gallbladder Health

The foods you eat play a crucial role in managing gallbladder health, especially while on weight loss medication. Contrary to some beliefs, an extremely low-fat diet isn’t always beneficial for the gallbladder, as moderate fat intake can stimulate gallbladder contractions and prevent bile stasis.

• Include moderate healthy fats: Focus on incorporating healthy fats from whole food sources like olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish into your diet. These fats are essential for overall health and can support proper gallbladder function.
• Prioritize whole foods: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports digestive health and provides essential nutrients.
• Avoid erratic eating patterns: Skipping meals or long periods of fasting can sometimes increase gallstone risk by altering bile flow. Consistent, balanced meal times are often recommended.

The Importance of Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is a simple yet powerful strategy for supporting overall health, including gallbladder function. Adequate fluid intake helps maintain proper bile flow and can contribute to preventing the concentration of bile, which can lead to stone formation.

We recommend:

• Consistent water intake: Aim for 2-3 liters (around 8-10 glasses) of water daily.
• Limit dehydrating beverages: Reduce consumption of excessive caffeine and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration and may increase gallstone risk.

Proactive Monitoring and Communication

When taking weight loss medications, especially with a history of gallstones, proactive monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider are non-negotiable. Our comprehensive service includes ongoing support to help you navigate your journey confidently.

Your monitoring plan with TrimRx may include:

• Baseline assessment: If you have known gallstones, a baseline assessment, possibly including an ultrasound, may be recommended before starting medication.
• Regular check-ins: Consistent follow-up appointments with your TrimRx healthcare provider are crucial to monitor your progress, assess for any side effects, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
• Liver function tests: Regular blood tests to check liver function can help detect any potential issues early.
• Symptom awareness: Being vigilant about potential warning signs and reporting them immediately is critical.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Promptly contacting your TrimRx healthcare provider is essential if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could indicate gallbladder problems or other serious side effects:

• Severe pain in your upper right or middle abdomen, especially after meals.
• Pain that radiates to your back or right shoulder.
• Fever, chills, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Unusual or dark-colored urine, or light-colored stools.

Our unlimited support system ensures you have access to guidance whenever concerns arise, reflecting our empathetic and supportive brand personality. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and well-being are always at the forefront of your weight loss journey.

Our Commitment to Your Safety and Personalized Care

At TrimRx, we are more than just a provider of weight loss solutions; we are a partner in your health journey. Our foundational belief is that sustainable weight loss should be accessible, safe, and truly personalized. This commitment is woven into every aspect of our program, especially when addressing complex health considerations like existing gallstones.

The TrimRx Difference: A Holistic Ecosystem

Our brand is empathetic, innovative, trustworthy, supportive, results-oriented, and personalized. We combine advanced medical science with modern technology to offer compassionate care that respects every individual’s unique journey. When you choose TrimRx, you’re not just getting medication; you’re entering a holistic ecosystem designed for your success:

• Personalized Assessment: Your journey begins with our free assessment quiz to determine your eligibility for our prescription weight loss medications. This personalized approach ensures that the treatment plan we develop is specifically suited to your health profile and goals.
• Expert Medical Supervision: Our programs include doctor consultations where experienced healthcare professionals evaluate your medical history, discuss potential risks (like those associated with gallstones), and provide medically supervised care.
• Comprehensive Service: Our transparent service includes everything you need: doctor consultations, necessary lab work, your prescribed medication, unlimited support, and convenient shipping directly to your door. We pride ourselves on having no hidden fees, ensuring clarity and trust throughout your experience.
• Continuous Support: We believe that consistent support is key to sustainable weight loss. Our team is available to provide guidance, answer questions, and adjust your plan as needed, fostering a supportive environment that champions your well-being.

Our Partnership with FDA-Registered Pharmacies

Your safety is our highest priority. We work exclusively with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the shipping of all weight loss medications. This critical partnership ensures that all medications provided through TrimRx meet rigorous quality and safety standards.

When it comes to our product offerings:

• Compounded Medications: For our Compounded Semaglutide and Compounded Tirzepatide, it’s important to understand that while they are prepared in FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies, compounded medications themselves are not FDA-approved. These pharmacies adhere to strict quality and safety guidelines.
• Branded Medications: For branded medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®, we can confidently state their FDA approval, offering you access to leading, well-researched options.

This transparent approach reinforces our dedication to your health and peace of mind. While TrimRx partners with these pharmacies for shipping, it’s crucial to understand that we facilitate access to care and do not provide actual medical supervision ourselves, but rather connect you with qualified medical professionals who do.

Embarking on Your Personalized Journey

Considering a weight loss medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide, especially with a history of gallstones, requires careful thought and professional guidance. We encourage you to take the first step towards a healthier you by completing our free assessment quiz. This is where your personalized weight loss plan begins, tailored to your unique health needs and designed for safe, effective, and sustainable results. We are here to support your journey with science, empathy, and unwavering commitment to your well-being.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide After Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)

For individuals who have undergone a cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, the landscape of digestion changes. While the primary site of gallstone formation is gone, questions still arise regarding the suitability of weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Understanding how your body adapts post-surgery is key to safely integrating these medications into your health plan.

Digestive Adjustments Post-Surgery

After gallbladder removal, your liver continues to produce bile. However, instead of being stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, bile now flows continuously and directly into the small intestine. Most people adapt well to this change, but some may experience adjustments in digestion, particularly concerning fatty foods. Without the gallbladder to deliver a concentrated burst of bile when needed, your body might have a harder time breaking down large amounts of fat, potentially leading to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, or discomfort after high-fat meals. These post-cholecystectomy symptoms are generally manageable through dietary adjustments.

Considerations for GLP-1 Use

If you’ve had your gallbladder removed, you can generally take semaglutide or tirzepatide. In fact, having had a cholecystectomy may reduce the risk of gallstone-related complications directly linked to the medication, as the organ prone to stone formation is no longer present.

However, several considerations remain important:

• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Both semaglutide and tirzepatide can cause common gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. For individuals who already experience some digestive sensitivities post-cholecystectomy, these side effects might be more pronounced or require careful management. It’s crucial to distinguish between typical medication side effects and any ongoing post-surgical digestive issues.
• Monitoring: While the risk of new gallstones is significantly diminished, ongoing monitoring with your healthcare provider remains essential. This ensures that any digestive symptoms are properly managed and that the medication is well-tolerated. Your TrimRx provider will work with you to establish an appropriate monitoring schedule.
• Long-Term Data: As semaglutide and tirzepatide are relatively newer medications, long-term data specifically on their use in individuals without a gallbladder is still accumulating. Therefore, continued medical supervision is always recommended.

Ultimately, the decision to use semaglutide or tirzepatide after gallbladder removal should be made in close consultation with your healthcare provider. Your TrimRx medical team will assess your individual health status, consider your post-surgical experiences, and help you weigh the benefits against any potential concerns. Our commitment to personalized care ensures that your treatment plan is not only effective but also safe and well-suited to your unique physiological landscape.

Supporting Your Journey: Beyond Prescription Medications

While our personalized prescription programs featuring semaglutide and tirzepatide offer powerful tools for weight management, we understand that a holistic approach often yields the best results. At TrimRx, we believe in supporting your overall well-being throughout your journey, which is why we also offer quick-access supplements designed to complement your efforts. These supplements are available for immediate purchase, providing additional support for your metabolic health and weight loss goals without the need for a quiz or prescription.

Quick-Access Supplements for Holistic Well-being

Our quick-access supplements are crafted with the same dedication to quality and efficacy as our prescription programs, providing a convenient way to support various aspects of your health.

GLP-1 Daily Support

Designed to complement the natural processes in your body, our GLP-1 Daily Support supplement aims to optimize your metabolic health. This supplement is formulated to work in harmony with your body’s natural systems, contributing to feelings of fullness and supporting healthy blood sugar levels. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to bolster their body’s inherent mechanisms for weight management and overall wellness, whether or not they are taking prescription GLP-1 agonists. This support can be particularly beneficial in maintaining a steady metabolic state and assisting with appetite regulation, which are crucial components of sustainable weight loss.

Weight Loss Boost

For those seeking an additional edge in their weight loss efforts, our Weight Loss Boost supplement is designed to do just that. This product is formulated with ingredients selected to enhance your body’s natural fat-burning processes and energy metabolism. It can be a valuable addition to your daily routine, helping to optimize your body’s ability to utilize stored fat for energy and support your weight loss goals. Coupled with healthy lifestyle choices, Weight Loss Boost provides that extra push many individuals appreciate on their journey to a healthier weight.

These quick-access supplements reflect our belief in providing comprehensive solutions that cater to different needs and preferences. They underscore our commitment to offering a full spectrum of options to support your well-being, whether through personalized prescription plans or immediate support supplements. We encourage you to explore these options as part of your holistic approach to health and weight management.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of weight management, especially when pre-existing conditions like gallstones are present, requires careful consideration and a personalized, medically supervised approach. As we’ve explored, medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide offer powerful benefits for weight loss and metabolic health, but their use requires an understanding of potential risks, including the slightly increased chance of gallbladder issues. This risk is often linked to the rapid weight loss they induce and, to a lesser extent, their direct impact on gallbladder function. However, by adopting strategies such as gradual weight loss, mindful dietary choices, adequate hydration, and proactive monitoring, these risks can be significantly mitigated.

At TrimRx, our core values of empathy, innovation, and trustworthiness guide every aspect of our service. We are dedicated to providing you with safe, effective, and personalized weight loss solutions. Our platform merges cutting-edge telehealth with compassionate care, ensuring that you receive a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and health profile. From your initial free assessment quiz to ongoing unlimited support, we are committed to transparent service, partnering with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for your medication, and offering a comprehensive service that includes doctor consultations, lab work, and convenient shipping—all with no hidden fees.

Whether you’re exploring our prescription medications like Compounded Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Zepbound®, or our quick-access supplements like GLP-1 Daily Support and Weight Loss Boost, our goal is to empower you to embrace a healthier lifestyle. We believe in empowering you with knowledge and support, making sustainable weight loss attainable through science and empathy. Your health journey is unique, and we are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your path to well-being is both effective and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take semaglutide if I have existing gallstones?

Yes, you can generally take semaglutide (and tirzepatide) if you have existing gallstones, but it requires close medical supervision. It’s crucial to discuss your full medical history with your TrimRx healthcare provider. They will assess your individual risk factors and help create a personalized plan that includes strategies to minimize potential complications, such as a slower dose escalation and vigilant monitoring for symptoms.

Why do weight loss medications like semaglutide increase gallstone risk?

Weight loss medications like semaglutide can slightly increase gallstone risk primarily through two mechanisms: rapid weight loss and a direct effect on gallbladder emptying. Rapid weight loss, regardless of the method, can alter bile composition and slow gallbladder motility, making stone formation more likely. GLP-1 receptor agonists may also directly slow down gallbladder emptying, contributing to bile stasis. However, the overall increased risk is modest compared to other rapid weight loss methods.

What precautions should I take if I have gallstones and am considering semaglutide or tirzepatide?

If you have gallstones and are considering these medications, crucial precautions include aiming for gradual weight loss (0.5-1kg per week), maintaining a diet with moderate healthy fats, ensuring adequate hydration, and close monitoring by your healthcare provider. It’s vital to be aware of gallstone symptoms (e.g., severe abdominal pain, nausea) and report them immediately to your TrimRx provider for prompt assessment and management.

Can I take semaglutide or tirzepatide if my gallbladder has been removed?

Yes, generally, you can take semaglutide or tirzepatide if you’ve had your gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy). In fact, having had your gallbladder removed may lower the risk of gallstone-related complications from these medications, as the organ prone to stone formation is no longer present. However, it’s still important to consult your healthcare provider, as you may experience other gastrointestinal side effects from the medication that could be similar to post-cholecystectomy symptoms, requiring careful management.