Title: Surge in Semaglutide Overdoses Raises Concerns for Diabetes and Weight Loss Patients
Subtitle: Poison control centers see a sharp increase in calls related to accidental overdoses of semaglutide, prompting concerns about patient safety and the widespread use of compounded versions.
In recent months, poison control centers across the United States have faced a concerning surge in calls related to semaglutide, a medication commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight loss. According to reports, accidental overdosing of this drug has resulted in severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, leading to hospitalization in some cases. However, prompt medical intervention, including intravenous fluids and appropriate medication, has proven effective in stabilizing patients’ conditions.
The increase in semaglutide overdose cases has been alarming, with calls to America’s Poison Centers involving this medication skyrocketing more than 15-fold since 2019 between January and November alone. In the majority of cases, the reported incidents were attributed to dosing errors, where individuals inadvertently consumed incorrect or double doses of the drug.
Semaglutide, available under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating diabetes and aiding weight loss. However, users of these drugs may experience unpleasant side effects related to the gastrointestinal system, such as nausea and vomiting.
The compounded versions of semaglutide have gained popularity due to supply shortages and lower costs. These versions, which may have altered dosages and formulations, are now in the spotlight as potential suspects behind the surge in poison control calls. The FDA warns against opting for compounded versions when prescription forms of semaglutide are readily available and regulated.
Pharmacists and healthcare professionals are particularly concerned about the risk of dosing errors associated with compounded semaglutide. Multidose glass vials, commonly used for these versions, require patients to measure their own doses using syringes, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.
Curiously, the rise in semaglutide-related incidents has been most pronounced amongst individuals aged 40 to 70, with a significant concentration of cases occurring in the 60-to-69 age range.
Signs of a semaglutide overdose include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, low blood sugar, dizziness, sweating, headache, weakness, seizures, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote available for a semaglutide overdose, and treatment mainly involves supportive care such as intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medication.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has emphasized its commitment to patient safety and is actively working to ensure responsible use of their semaglutide medications.
Individuals who suspect a semaglutide overdose are strongly urged to contact their local poison control center or the national hotline for guidance on whether immediate medical attention is required. Timely intervention can significantly mitigate the potentially life-threatening consequences of accidental semaglutide overdoses.
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