Title: Injectable Weight Loss Drug Mistakes Spike Calls to Poison Control Centers
With a whopping 1500% surge in calls, U.S. poison control centers are grappling with incidents related to overdoses from injectable weight loss drugs. Mistakes in dosing, often leading to accidental double or incorrect dosages, have resulted in numerous hospitalizations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported nearly 3000 cases related to Semaglutid between January and November 2022, marking a staggering increase since 2019. In most instances, Semaglutid was the only drug mentioned in the cases.
Clinical manager Dr. Kait Brown identified dose-related errors as the primary culprit. She explained, "Occasionally, mistakes can happen where a person accidentally takes the double dose or the incorrect dose."
Compounded Semaglutid Versions Require Careful Dosing
Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017 and is used under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy for diabetes and weight management, respectively. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation can occur, especially at the start of treatment.
In 2022, as celebrities began touting Ozempic for weight loss on social media, demand surpassed supply, leading the FDA to permit compounding pharmacies to create custom versions. However, compounded Semaglutid deviates from the standard medication. Some versions contain salt forms of Semaglutid, Semaglutid-Natrium, and Semaglutid-Acetat.
Contrary to the patent-approved Semaglutid, the salts were not thoroughly tested or proven safe and effective. Their use might not comply with the Drug Act's Compounding exemption, as they lack proper safety testing and approval. In some instances, unauthorized compounded Semaglutid comes in higher doses.
Upon receiving reports of adverse events, the FDA sent warning letters to at least two online sellers, while Novo Nordisk filed lawsuits to halt the sales of counterfeit versions. However, the popularity of these cheaper options continues, primarily because they allow for lower expenses when insurance coverage is lacking.
FDA Warns Public Against Compounded Semaglutid Versions
The FDA warned the public in June 2022 against using compounded versions of the drug when a prescription form is available. Reports of adverse events have come in following their use.
Investigations by poison control centers suggest that it's challenging to discern if the reported cases stem from the patent-approved or compounded versions. However, several state poison control centers claim that many of the reported cases seem linked to the compounded form.
Semaglutid Mistakes Lead to Hospitalizations
Detailed reports from New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center reveal that three individuals called the Utah Poison Control Hotline, reporting a significant increase in calls related to Semaglutid between 2021 and 2022.
Two callers accidentally ingested ten times the standard dose, while a third overdosed by injecting a full month's supply in one go. A 50-year-old man vomited for two days and grappled with nausea for a week.
"Whenever we rely on the patient to recognize the correct dose, formula, and then administer it, the risk increases of errors occurring," said Dr. Kait Brown.
A 37-year-old woman unknowingly injected 10 times the recommended dose of a weight loss medication, while a 50-year-old man administered 50 times the necessary dose of a similar drug.
These cases highlight the importance of double-checking doses and seeking medical advice to minimize the risk of complications.
Missouri Poison Center reports 28 cases in 2021, while 94 cases were reported by October 2022. The majority of the reported cases involved adults between 40 and 70 years old, with the largest group falling between 60 and 69 years.
Compounded Semaglutid is not the only cause for concern; Missouri Poison Center also reported cases of misuse related to Klickstifte, containing prescription medication.
In a single incident, a caller mistook how to use the Klickstift and mistakenly administered an entire month's supply in one go.
"They misunderstood how to use it. They didn't know how to use it correctly, so they pushed it to the maximum, effectively administering a month's supply," said the Missouri Poison Center director.
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Note: This article includes information on the potential risks associated with compounded Semaglutid. It highlights the need for caution when using these products and the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider.
Enrichment Data:
The surge in calls to poison control centers related to injectable weight loss drugs like Semaglutide primarily involves the risks associated with compounded Semaglutide products. Compounded Semaglutide presents several challenges, including:
- Contamination: Compounded Semaglutide injections can be contaminated if they are not made properly or in a sterile environment, which can result in health hazards.
- Dosage Errors: The lack of safety features in compounded Semaglutide vials increases the risk of injecting too much Semaglutide. This is particularly concerning if clear instructions are not provided or if the user is unaccustomed to using a syringe to measure the dose.
- Unknown Side Effects: Lacking FDA approval, compounded Semaglutide poses a higher risk of unknown side effects. Side effects can vary from mild digestive issues to severe complications such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or gallbladder problems.
- Quality Control Issues: Compounding pharmacies may not adhere to the same rigorous quality control processes as drug manufacturers, potentially resulting in inconsistent and possibly unsafe products.
To mitigate these risks, several steps can be taken:
- FDA Guidance: The FDA offers resources for individuals considering purchasing medications from online pharmacies. It also encourages using NABP’s safe site search tool to verify the legitimacy of online pharmacies.
- Healthcare Provider Advice: A consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial when considering compounded Semaglutide. A healthcare provider can provide personalized medical advice based on one's overall health history and help minimize potential risks.
- Regulatory Actions: With the end of drug shortages, compounded versions of Semaglutide may become less common. The FDA may also intensify its crackdown on online pharmacies selling them, ensuring the availability of safe and effective medications.
- Public Awareness: A growing awareness about the potential risks of compounded Semaglutide includes the need to monitor for changes in behavior or mood, especially for those using Semaglutid for weight loss or diabetes management.
