Rising Overdoses: The Safety Concerns Surrounding Weight-Loss Drugs
Poison control centers in the United States have seen a significant increase in calls related to potential overdoses of semaglutide, the active ingredient in weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. The rise in calls may be linked to compounded versions of the drug, which are not tested for safety and can vary in dosage. Compounded semaglutide is often cheaper than the approved versions, but it poses risks of dosing errors and potential side effects such as vomiting, dizziness, and seizures. Authorities have warned against using compounded semaglutide and have taken legal action against distributors. Anyone experiencing an overdose should contact their local poison control center or the national hotline.