Surge in Weight-Loss Drug Overdose Calls Reported by Poison Centers
Overdoses involving weight-loss drugs like Ozempic have increased by 1,500% over the past five years, with America's Poison Centers receiving nearly 3,000 calls related to these medications in 2021 compared to just 196 in 2019. Most of the cases were linked to compounded versions of the drug, rather than the manufactured product. Overdosing on Ozempic can lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. The issue is attributed to errors in dosing, particularly with pharmacy-made versions that are distributed in glass vials, making it easier for patients to accidentally overdose. The surge in demand for weight loss drugs has led to shortages, prompting pharmacies to produce their own versions, which has raised concerns from the FDA about unapproved doses and ingredients.