As the popularity of the weight loss drug semaglutide grows, experts warn that the rate of potentially dangerous overdoses is also increasing.
Reports of overdoses for semaglutide products such as Ozempic and Wigovy more than doubled between 2022 and 2023, according to the American Poison Center in Virginia.
“U.S. Poison Centers have recorded 3,316 exposures to semaglutide-containing products through December 31, 2023, more than double the number of cases reported in 2022.” Dr. Kate Brown, the center's clinical managing director, told FOX News Digital. Email.
“These cases include exposure to prescription semaglutide, combination semaglutide, and counterfeit semaglutide,” he said.
“Most of these cases are related to accidental treatment errors in adults.”
What causes an overdose?
Dr. Seth Kipnis, director of bariatric and robotic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey, said the drug semaglutide is administered in low doses and is intended to be increased slowly over four weeks. It is said that there is.
“If people jump to high doses right away, there's going to be a lot more initial negative side effects,” he told FOX News Digital.
In some cases, doctors said, people who overdose may obtain the drug from someone other than their local doctor or take someone else's prescription.
People prescribed semaglutide should follow the manufacturer's and prescribing physician's instructions, Kipnis advised.
“The doses are weekly,” he said. “It's too much to take every day.”
Dr. Marian Amirshahi, co-medical director of the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C., acknowledged a significant overall increase in semaglutide overdoses being reported to poison centers across the country.
“Additionally, I've seen a similar increase at my private center,” Amirshahi, who is also a professor of emergency medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine, told FOX News Digital.
Doctors attributed the increase to several factors, primarily a “significant increase” in the amount of semaglutide prescribed.
“Secondly, it is available in several different formats, which can cause confusion,” Amirshahi noted.
“Ozempic is a multi-dose dial-up pen, while Wegovy is a single-dose pen.”
Another source of confusion is that many people use compound products.
“Combined forms carry unique risks when it comes to potential overdose, especially when dispensed in multiple-dose vials,” said Alyssa Billingsley, director of pharmacy content for Missouri-based GoodRx. There is,” he said.
“These injections are often administered in vials and the specific dose is measured with a syringe, increasing the chance of dosing errors,” she warned.
“In some cases, a vial can contain as much as 10 times more semaglutide than a single-use injection pen.”
Warning signs and symptoms
Brown noted that the most commonly reported overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and diarrhea.
“Some people report hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening,” she says.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion, shaking, light-headedness and heart palpitations, Amirshahi said.
“Semaglutide slows stomach emptying and can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain,” she says.
In some cases, the stomach becomes almost paralyzed, a condition called gastroparesis, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities and kidney damage, Amirshahi said.
Another potential effect of semaglutide overdose is inflammation of the pancreas.
“Symptoms of pancreatitis are very similar and may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration,” Amirshahi said.
These signs and symptoms can occur not only in overdose, but also in patients taking regular doses of the drug, she added.
Although drug overdoses can be serious, experts say semaglutide overdoses are rarely fatal.
“Semaglutide is generally well tolerated in overdose compared to other diabetes drugs,” Amirshahi said.
However, for people who develop gastroparesis or pancreatitis, complications such as dehydration and kidney damage can occur.
“Hypoglycemia is rare with semaglutide overdose, but it can lead to seizures if not detected and treated early,” Amirshahi added.
Regarding side effects, Kipnis said, “Anything can happen when an FDA-approved drug is taken inappropriately.”
What to do in case of overdose
Anyone taking prescribed semaglutide should have a primary care physician or health care provider who can provide close follow-up support, especially during the first few weeks when the dose is increased, Kipnis advised. did.
There is no specific antidote to semaglutide overdose, but the main remedies are to treat nausea and abdominal symptoms with painkillers, correct electrolytes, and give fluids in case of dehydration, Amirshahi said. Ta.
“We also treat hypoglycemia by administering glucose or dextrose,” she says. “The care provided until the effects of the medicine wear off is really reassuring.”
In some cases, symptoms may be manageable at home after consulting a medical professional, but there are other situations that require immediate medical attention, Billingsley noted.
“For example, severe vomiting can cause severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be dangerous if left untreated,” she told FOX News Digital. “Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.”
To prevent overdoses, Billingsley said people should feel comfortable and confident using injection pens and be able to choose a specific dose.
“Understand how often you should get your shots and consider using alarms, medication reminder apps, and other tools to help you get your shots on time,” she recommended. “If you have any questions, pharmacists are a helpful resource.”
If you need emergency assistance, call Poison Help at 1.800.222.1222 to speak to a poison expert or visit PoisonHelp.org for support and resources.
In response to inquiries from Fox News Digital about the possible overdose, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, issued a statement.
“Novo Nordisk is the only company in the United States with FDA-approved products containing semaglutide, identified by the trade names Wegovy, Ozempic, and RYBELSUS, which are prescribed only after thorough consultation between healthcare providers and patients. and is taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider,” the company said.
It added: “Novo Nordisk stands by the safety and effectiveness of the FDA-approved semaglutide drug when used as directed and taken under the care of a licensed health care professional.” .
