New 重量-loss trends always seem to promise the ability to shed pounds fast without months or years of diet and exercise. While GLP-1 药物治疗s like Ozempic and Wegovy hold promise for both 重量 loss and diabetes management, their potential for accidental misuse requires caution.
The popularity of these 药物治疗s has caused a significant increase in calls at 中毒控制 centers across the nation, 包括犹他州. 自2020年以来, 犹他州中毒控制中心 has seen a 640% increase in calls, with more calls already in 2024 than years prior.
GLP-1激动剂是什么?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists. It’s a type of 药物治疗 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 药物治疗s also help curb hunger, making patients feel full faster and longer, 这能大发娱乐他们少吃点吗.
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 药物治疗s. Compounding is the process of mixing, 结合, or altering ingredients to create a 药物治疗 that is tailored to a patient's needs.
“当一种药物短缺时, those who compound may be able to prepare a version of the drug if certain federal requirements are met,” 安伯利·约翰逊，药学博士, a clinical toxicologist and director of the 犹他州中毒控制中心.
然而, the compounded forms lack the safety features of the original products, 如预充剂量笔. The compounded versions often come in vials and syringes that require manual measurements, 是什么导致了剂量错误.
“It really is confusing—even for a pharmacist,约翰逊说. “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. 幸运的是, most calls to the 犹他州中毒控制中心 include people with minor to moderate side effects. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- 恶心想吐
- 呕吐
- 腹泻
“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,约翰逊说.
When 药物治疗s are taken in incorrect doses, 这些症状可能会加剧, leading to severe dehydration and, 在某些情况下, 住院治疗. About 20% of the cases reported to the 犹他州中毒控制中心 require a medical evaluation at a health care facility.
If you are taking a GLP-1 药物治疗 and experience any of these symptoms for more than 24 hours, 和你的医生确认一下.
Thinking About Taking a GLP-1 Drug?
If you are taking or thinking about taking a GLP-1 drug for 重量 loss, talk with your doctor. It’s important to receive proper guidance from a health care professional and be mindful of the correct dosage. 病人 should never hesitate to ask their pharmacist or doctor to demonstrate the correct way to measure and administer the 药物治疗.
“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 重量 loss,约翰逊说. “That’s why it’s important to work with your health care provider.”
Losing 重量 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 中毒控制 center near you 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 for free and confidential help.
