Ozempic and Wegovy have gained significant popularity for their weight loss benefits. However, Poison Control Centers nationwide are raising concerns over an increasing trend of semaglutide overdoses and improper use.
The latest episode of "It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science" addresses this issue with Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center. The discussion focuses on compounded semaglutide, a generic version of Wegovy or Ozempic often given to patients when brand-name versions are unavailable due to shortages. Patients using compounded semaglutide must extract specific doses themselves, unlike the pre-dosed amounts in Ozempic or Wegovy, which can be challenging for those inexperienced with such procedures.
Dr. Lambson noted that while working at the Utah Poison Center, he observed an increase in calls related to semaglutides where patients reported taking doses much higher than what was prescribed. Additionally, some individuals contacted the poison center after consuming semaglutides purchased online or from aesthetic spas without a prescription.
Three cases of semaglutide overdose were documented in the case series "Administration errors of compounded semaglutide reported to a poison control center," aimed at raising awareness about this issue. Although no deaths have been attributed to semaglutide overdose, excessive intake can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration.
In the podcast, Dr. Lambson explains how to prevent accidental overdoses of compounded semaglutide and warns against purchasing it through social media or spas.
Listeners can access "It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcast platforms. More information about the show is available at podcast.unm.edu, with updates on Instagram and TikTok.
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