Poison Centers Report 1,500% Increase In Emergency Calls Related To Ozempic Overdoses

Semaglutide, a game-changer for millions battling weight issues, has inadvertently become a cause of concern for poison control centers. From January to November this year, America's Poison Centers reported a staggering 1,500% increase in calls related to semaglutide, totaling almost 3,000 incidents.

What is Ozempic?

Primarily used for diabetes under the name Ozempic and weight loss as Wegovy, semaglutide has grown in popularity.

The spike in calls is primarily attributed to dosage errors, with many incidents involving accidental double doses or incorrect dosage.

The demand for semaglutide skyrocketed after it received FDA approval in 2017. The FDA allowed compounding pharmacies to produce the drug to meet this demand in March 2022.

Unlike the pre-filled pens with safeguards provided by Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic, compounded semaglutide often comes in glass vials, leading to confusion among patients who draw their doses.

Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, highlighted instances of patients giving themselves unprecedented doses due to this confusion.

Novo Nordisk emphasized patient safety, outlining measures on semaglutide.com. However, challenges persist, and errors can have severe consequences.

A case involved a man who mistakenly took 50 units instead of 5 units as his first dose, resulting in prolonged vomiting and nausea.

Emergency departments manage overdoses with intravenous fluids and anti-nausea drugs, as there's no specific treatment for a semaglutide overdose.

What are the signs of overdose?

The Missouri Poison Center warns of the dangers of low blood sugar in overdose cases, urging vigilance for symptoms like dizziness, shaking, and confusion. Signs of overdose prompt the advice to contact local poison control or the national hotline at 800-222-1222.

Agencies

Signs of a semaglutide overdose can include:

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Feeling shaky or jittery

Sweating, chills, and clamminess

Irritability or impatience

Headache

Weakness, fatigue

Nausea, vomiting

Seizures

Confusion

Passing out

What did the FDA do to prevent such cases?

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the FDA has sent warnings to online sellers of semaglutide, and Novo Nordisk has taken legal action against unauthorized sellers.

The allure of cheaper compounded versions, mainly when insurance doesn't cover the treatment, has fueled their popularity despite the associated risks. The problem surrounding semaglutide reflects the delicate balance between medical breakthroughs and unforeseen challenges in the quest for healthier lives.

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