Surge in Weight-Loss Drug Overdose Calls Alarms Poison Centers
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 of the calls were due to dosing errors, such as accidental double doses or taking the wrong dose. Compounded versions of semaglutide, which are often different from the patented drug, have become popular due to lower costs, but they have not been tested and approved for safety and effectiveness. The FDA has warned against taking compounded versions and has sent letters to online sellers to stop selling knock-off versions. There is no specific antidote for a semaglutide overdose, and treatment involves supportive care. If an overdose is suspected, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or seek medical attention.
