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Accidental Overdoses

All articles tagged with #accidental overdoses

health2 years ago

Surge in Accidental Weight Loss Drug Overdoses Raises Concerns

Poison control centers in the US have reported a significant increase in accidental overdoses of semaglutide, a popular weight loss and diabetes medication sold as Ozempic and Wegovy. The number of exposures to products containing semaglutide has risen 15-fold since 2019, with 2,941 cases documented from January to November 2021. The surge in demand for these medications has led to shortages, resulting in the presence of fake and counterfeit versions on the market. Some pharmacies are also compounding the drug incorrectly, leading to incorrect dosing and additional ingredients. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk is suing two compounding pharmacies for selling adulterated and misbranded drugs claiming to contain semaglutide. Accidental overdoses can lead to adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, dehydration, low blood sugar, and hospitalization.

health2 years ago

Surge in Accidental Overdoses Tied to Popular Weight Loss Medication

Poison control centers in the US have reported a significant increase in accidental overdoses of semaglutide, a popular weight loss and diabetes medication sold as Ozempic and Wegovy. The number of exposures to products containing semaglutide has risen 15-fold since 2019, with 2,941 cases documented from January to November 2021. The surge in demand for these medications has led to shortages, resulting in the presence of fake and counterfeit versions on the market. Some pharmacies are also compounding the drug incorrectly, leading to incorrect dosing and additional ingredients. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk is suing two compounding pharmacies for selling adulterated and misbranded drugs claiming to contain semaglutide. Accidental overdoses can lead to adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, dehydration, low blood sugar, and hospitalization.

health2 years ago

Surge in Poison Center Calls for Weight-Loss Drug Overdoses

Poison control centers have experienced a 1,500% increase in calls related to accidental overdoses of the injectable weight-loss and diabetes medication, semaglutide. Most callers were between the ages of 40 and 70, and in 94% of cases, semaglutide was the only substance reported. The overdoses were primarily due to dosing errors, with some individuals mistakenly injecting themselves with a month's worth of the drug. Compounded versions of semaglutide, which are not FDA-approved, are also being used, leading to accidental overdoses. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, low blood sugar, lightheadedness, and confusion. There is no antidote for semaglutide overdose, but supportive care can help alleviate symptoms.

health2 years ago

Surge in Poison Center Calls for Weight-Loss Drug Overdoses

Poison centers in the United States have reported a 1,500% surge in calls related to accidental poisonings involving the weight-loss drug semaglutide. From January to November 2021, America's Poison Centers received 2,941 calls, with semaglutide being the only substance reported in 94% of cases. Most cases were resolved with treatment, but some individuals experienced severe symptoms and required hospitalization. Dosing errors, such as accidental double doses or incorrect dosing, were the main cause of these incidents. The compounded versions of semaglutide, which lack safety features, were identified as a potential risk factor. Patient education and improved labeling and dispensing practices are recommended to prevent misuse and overdosing of the medication.

health2 years ago

"Surge in Poison Center Calls: Accidental Overdoses from Injected Weight-Loss Drugs Soar by 1,500%"

Poison control centers in the US have reported a significant increase in calls related to semaglutide, an injected medication used for diabetes and weight loss, with some cases involving accidental overdoses. From January through November, there were nearly 3,000 calls involving semaglutide, a more than 15-fold increase since 2019. Most calls were due to dosing errors, with people accidentally taking double doses or the wrong dose. Compounded versions of semaglutide, which are often different from the patented drug, have become popular due to cost considerations, but they have not been tested and approved for safety and efficacy. The FDA has warned against taking compounded versions and has sent letters to online sellers to stop. Patients who think they may have overdosed on semaglutide are advised to contact their local poison control center or the national hotline.