Semaglutide’s Weight Loss Success Fuels Poison Control Crisis

For countless Americans striving to shed excess weight, semaglutide drugs like Ozempic have emerged as a beacon of hope. However, this boon for weight loss has translated into a growing nightmare for poison control centres. Between January and November of this year alone, America’s Poison Centers recorded a staggering 1,500% increase in calls related to semaglutide, totalling nearly 3,000 incidents, up from figures in 2019. 

The bulk of these distress calls were linked to dosage errors, with individuals inadvertently taking double doses or incorrect amounts. Dr. Kait Brown, the clinical managing director of the association, highlighted the prevalence of such cases, stating, “Often times, it’s a person who maybe accidentally took a double dose or took the wrong dose.” 

Originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for diabetes management, semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, has witnessed a surge in popularity. The drug, even when used as directed, can elicit side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation, particularly during the initial stages of use. 

The demand for semaglutide skyrocketed, outpacing the manufacturers’ ability to keep pace. To address the overwhelming demand, the FDA, in March 2022, permitted the production of the drug by compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies create medications tailored to individual patients, often altering the original drug’s form. Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company producing Ozempic, dispenses the drug in pre-filled pens with safety measures to ensure correct dosages. 

However, compounded versions of semaglutide often come in glass vials containing multiple doses, requiring patients to draw their doses into syringes. This method increases the likelihood of confusion and the potential for patients to inadvertently administer significantly larger doses. 

Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, emphasized the risk, stating, “This is where we see a lot of errors. They end up drawing too much.” Disturbing cases have emerged, including a 50-year-old man who mistakenly administered 50 units instead of the prescribed 5 units, resulting in severe symptoms, including two days of vomiting and a week of nausea. 

In response to safety concerns, Novo Nordisk asserted its commitment to patient safety in a statement, mentioning multiple steps taken to ensure responsible semaglutide use. However, challenges persist, with patients often self-administering doses beyond the prescribed amount. 

The compounded versions, though popular for potentially lower out-of-pocket costs, especially when not covered by insurance, have prompted serious repercussions. The FDA has issued warnings to online sellers of semaglutide, urging them to cease distribution. Novo Nordisk has also taken legal action against medical spas, clinics, and weight loss centres selling unauthorized versions of the drug. 

With no specific treatment for semaglutide overdose, emergency departments and hospitals provide supportive care, including intravenous fluids and anti-nausea drugs, while the drug naturally exits the patient’s system. The Missouri Poison Center advises those suspected of semaglutide overdose to watch for signs of low blood sugar, a potentially dangerous condition, particularly when combined with other diabetes medications. 

Considering the escalating concerns, experts recommend contacting local poison control centres or the national hotline at 800-222-1222 if an overdose is suspected. As the FDA grapples with the gravity of the situation, efforts are underway to address the rising tide of semaglutide-related incidents and safeguard public health. 

News Reference  

New York Post, Poison control got 3,000 calls due to Ozempic overdoses this year, https://nypost.com/2023/12/13/lifestyle/poison-control-calls-jump-1500-due-to-ozempic-overdoses/.