Rising Popularity of Semaglutide Weight Loss Medications Leads to Increase in Dangerous Overdoses, Experts Warn
The rising popularity of semaglutide weight loss medications has led to a concerning increase in potentially dangerous overdoses, experts are warning. According to America’s Poison Centers in Virginia, reported overdoses of semaglutide products such as Ozempic and Wegovy more than doubled between 2022 and 2023.
Dr. Kait Brown, clinical managing director of America’s Poison Centers, revealed that there were 3,316 exposures to products containing semaglutide in 2023, which is more than double the number of cases reported in 2022. These cases include exposures to prescription semaglutide, compounded semaglutide, and counterfeit semaglutide. Dr. Brown emphasized that most of these cases are associated with accidental therapeutic errors in adults.
So, what is causing these overdoses? Dr. Seth Kipnis, director of bariatric and robotic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, explains that semaglutide medications are intended to be given in a low dose and increased slowly over a four-week period. However, some people are jumping right to the high dose, leading to more initial negative side effects. Additionally, some individuals may be obtaining the medication from sources other than their local doctor or taking someone else’s prescribed medication.
To prevent overdoses, Dr. Kipnis advises individuals with a semaglutide prescription to follow the manufacturer’s and prescribing physician’s instructions. The dose should be taken weekly, and taking it daily would be too much.
Dr. Maryann Amirshahi, co-medical director of the National Capital Poison Center, has also noticed a significant increase in semaglutide overdoses reported to poison centers nationally. She attributes this increase to the “huge increase” in semaglutide prescribing. Furthermore, the availability of semaglutide in different forms, such as Ozempic’s dial-up pen with multiple doses and Wegovy’s single-dose pen, can cause confusion among users. Another source of confusion is the use of compounded products, which have their own unique risks, especially when dispensed in multi-dose vials.
Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, director of pharmacy content at GoodRx, warns that compounded semaglutide injections are often dispensed in vials, increasing the opportunity for dosing errors. In some cases, the vial may contain as much as 10 times the amount of semaglutide as a single-use injection pen.
The most commonly reported overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and diarrhea. Some individuals have also reported hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be life-threatening. Semaglutide slows stomach emptying, leading to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the stomach can become almost paralyzed, causing gastroparesis, dehydration, abnormal electrolytes, and kidney damage. Pancreatitis is another potential effect of semaglutide overdose, with symptoms similar to those of an overdose.
While any drug overdose can be serious, experts note that taking too much semaglutide is rarely fatal. However, complications can arise for individuals who develop gastroparesis or pancreatitis, including dehydration and kidney damage. If low blood sugar is not detected and treated early, it can lead to seizures.
In the event of an overdose, it is essential to have a primary care physician or medical provider for close follow-up support. Although there is no specific antidote for a semaglutide overdose, the primary course of action is to treat the abdominal symptoms with nausea and pain medications, correct electrolytes, and provide fluids for dehydration. Low blood sugar is treated by giving glucose or dextrose. The care provided is supportive until the effects of the medication wear off.
Some overdose cases may be managed at home after consulting with a healthcare professional, while others may require immediate medical attention. Severe vomiting can result in serious dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be dangerous if left untreated. Severe cases of hypoglycemia can also be life-threatening.
To prevent an overdose, it is crucial to feel comfortable and confident using the injection pen and selecting the specific dose. Understanding the frequency of injections and utilizing alarms, medication reminder apps, or other tools can help individuals stay on track. Pharmacists can also be a helpful resource for any questions that arise.
In case of emergency, individuals can call Poison Help at 1.800.222.1222 to speak with a poison expert or visit PoisonHelp.org for support and resources.
When contacted about the potential for overdoses, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, emphasized that their products should only be prescribed after a close consultation between a healthcare provider and a patient. They also stated that their
