Semaglutide, a game changer for millions of people struggling with weight issues, has inadvertently become a cause of concern for poison control centers. From January to November of this year, US Poison Centers reported a staggering 1,500% increase in calls related to semaglutide, totaling nearly 3,000 incidents.
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- What is Ozempic?
- What are the signs of an overdose?
- What did the FDA do to prevent such cases?
What is Ozempic?
Used primarily for diabetes under the name Ozempic and for weight loss as Wegovy, semaglutide has gained popularity.
The increase in calls is primarily attributed to dosing errors, with many incidents involving accidental double doses or incorrect doses.
Demand for semaglutide skyrocketed after it received FDA approval in 2017. The FDA allowed compounding pharmacies to produce the drug to meet this demand in March 2022.
Unlike prefilled pens with shields provided by Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic, compounded semaglutide often comes in glass vials, causing confusion among patients drawing their doses.
Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, highlighted cases of patients being given record doses because of this confusion.
Novo Nordisk emphasized patient safety and outlined the measures on semaglutide.com. However, challenges remain and mistakes can have serious consequences.
One case involved a man who mistakenly took 50 units instead of 5 units as his first dose, resulting in prolonged vomiting and nausea.
Emergency departments manage overdoses with intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medications, as there is no specific treatment for semaglutide overdose.
What are the signs of an overdose?
The Missouri Poison Center warns about the dangers of low blood sugar in overdose cases, urging you to watch for symptoms such as dizziness, tremors and confusion. Signs of overdose recommend contacting your local poison control or the national hotline at 800-222-1222.
Agencies
Signs of a semaglutide overdose may include:
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Feeling shaky or nervous
Sweating, chills and humidity
Irritability or impatience
Headache
Weakness, fatigue
Nausea vomiting
Seizures
Confusion
Faint
What did the FDA do to prevent such cases?
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the FDA sent warnings to online sellers of semaglutide and Novo Nordisk has taken legal action against unauthorized sellers.
The appeal of cheaper compounded versions, primarily when insurance does not cover the treatment, has fueled their popularity despite the associated risks. The issue surrounding semaglutide reflects the delicate balance between medical advances and unforeseen challenges in the quest for a healthier life.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn