Weight-Loss Drug Users Risk Health in Pursuit of ‘Golden Doses’

TikTok Trend Encourages Extracting Extra Medication From Costly Injections

Driven by the high cost of popular weight-loss drugs, some users are attempting to extract and use leftover medication from injection pens, a practice experts warn could be dangerous and counterproductive.

The Rise of ‘Golden Dosing’

The practice, known as “golden dosing,” gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, where users share tips on how to obtain an extra dose from GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. These medications typically come in pens designed to deliver four doses over a month.

Users noticed residual liquid remaining in the pens after administering their prescribed doses. This leftover medication is intentionally included to ensure accurate dosing and proper pen function, but some are attempting to extract it using syringes and needles.

Financial Strain Fuels Risky Behavior

With out-of-pocket costs for these drugs often exceeding $1,000 per pen, the appeal of obtaining a “fifth dose” is understandable. However, medical professionals strongly caution against this practice. “Using a medication outside of its prescribed method is always risky — and in this case, especially unnecessary,” said Dr. Michael Snyder, medical director of Bariatric Surgery at Rose Medical Center and an in-house expert at FuturHealth.

According to a recent report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately 41% of adults taking GLP-1 medications report experiencing affordability challenges. KFF Report (May 2024)

Dosage Accuracy and Potential Side Effects

GLP-1 medications are carefully titrated by healthcare providers, meaning dosages are gradually increased based on individual factors like weight and health status. “Any deviation — even what might seem like a ‘small’ one — can disrupt how your body responds,” warned Snyder. Altering the prescribed dosage can lead to increased side effects, including painful gastrointestinal issues.

Dr. Shiara Melissa Ortiz-Pujols, a bariatric surgeon at Northwell Health, emphasized that “the ‘golden dose’ is more of a cost-saving strategy than one focused on safety and effectiveness.” Inconsistent dosing can also complicate treatment plans and hinder a doctor’s ability to accurately assess a patient’s response to the medication.

Health Risks Beyond Dosage

Extracting leftover medication with a syringe introduces significant health risks. Even minor miscalculations can lead to overdoses, potentially causing nausea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis. Furthermore, breaking the sterile seal of the pen exposes the medication to bacteria, increasing the risk of local or systemic infections.

Snyder posed a critical question: “To put it simply, how comfortable would you feel using what you think is the ‘right amount’ of a blood pressure medication, a blood thinner, or a narcotic? All of those could be recipes for disaster. This situation is no different.” He stressed that GLP-1 pens are designed as single-use, sterile systems for controlled administration.

Experts urge patients to discuss financial concerns with their healthcare providers and explore alternative solutions rather than resorting to potentially dangerous practices like “golden dosing.”