New weight-loss trends always seem to promise the ability to shed pounds fast without months or years of diet and exercise. While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy hold promise for both weight loss and diabetes management, their potential for accidental misuse requires caution.
The popularity of these medications has caused a significant increase in calls at poison control centers across the nation, including Utah. Since 2020, Utah Poison Control Center has seen a 640% increase in calls, with more calls already in 2024 than years prior.
What Are GLP-1 agonists?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists. It’s a type of medication that mimics the natural production of the GLP-1 hormone in our bodies that regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 agonists help people with type 2 diabetes and can also help treat obesity.
Usually administered by a shot, the drug produces more insulin in the body to help lower blood sugar levels and ultimately help control type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 medications also help curb hunger, making patients feel full faster and longer, which helps them eat less.
Why the Surge in Poison Control Calls?
With the shortage of brand name Ozempic and Wegovy, many have turned to compounded forms of semaglutide, the active ingredient of these medications. Compounding is the process of mixing, combining, or altering ingredients to create a medication that is tailored to a patient's needs.
“When a drug is on shortage, those who compound may be able to prepare a version of the drug if certain federal requirements are met,” says Amberly Johnson, PharmD, a clinical toxicologist and director of the Utah Poison Control Center.
However, the compounded forms lack the safety features of the original products, such as prefilled dosing pens. The compounded versions often come in vials and syringes that require manual measurements, which has led to dosing errors.
“It really is confusing—even for a pharmacist,” Johnson says. “The way the drug is dispensed doesn’t match up with the units on the syringe, so it’s supposed to be administered in milligram amounts. But a lot of these syringes are in unit amounts. You have to do a lot of calculations to come up with the right dose.”
Confusion over semaglutide dosages has led some people to accidentally administer doses that are 10 times higher than recommended. This can be dangerous because GLP-1 drugs are usually prescribed to be taken once a week.
What are the Side Effects and Signs of Overdose?
Administering incorrect doses can lead to severe side effects. Fortunately, most calls to the Utah Poison Control Center include people with minor to moderate side effects. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
“Similar to any kind of stomach illness, you’re just not able to keep food down, so you can get dehydrated and feel ill for a long period of time,” Johnson says.
When medications are taken in incorrect doses, these symptoms can intensify, leading to severe dehydration and, in some cases, hospitalization. About 20% of the cases reported to the Utah Poison Control Center require a medical evaluation at a health care facility.
If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and experience any of these symptoms for more than 24 hours, check in with your doctor.
Thinking About Taking a GLP-1 Drug?
If you are taking or thinking about taking a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, talk with your doctor. It’s important to receive proper guidance from a health care professional and be mindful of the correct dosage. Patients should never hesitate to ask their pharmacist or doctor to demonstrate the correct way to measure and administer the medication.
“There’s still a lot of research that needs to be done, especially in people that don’t have diabetes or aren’t medically indicated to take the drugs for weight loss,” Johnson says. “That’s why it’s important to work with your health care provider.”
Losing weight can be frustrating, but there are many options available. Your medical provider can help you find the best treatment plan for your lifestyle. You can call a poison control center near you 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 for free and confidential help.
