The Utah Poison Control Center has reported more than a 600% increase in calls related to weight-loss drugs.
The center is urging caution for anyone taking medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, which contain semaglutide, a GLP-1.
These drugs have gained significant popularity, so much so that brand names like Ozempic are in such short supply that the FDA now allows them to be compounded.
This has led to issues like people not asking enough safety questions and self-medicating.
The drug is being prescribed in various settings, including doctors' offices, medical spas and even through the mail.
The increase in cases to the Poison Control Center was first reported by the University of Utah Health.
Amberly Johnson, director of the Utah Poison Control Center, said many of the calls stem from individuals mistakenly taking the wrong dose of the compounded version of semaglutide.
"They've been calling in saying they've accidentally given themselves 10 times the amount," Johnson said.
Symptoms of overdose include severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea -- which can persist because these drugs stay in the body for a long time.
Since 2020, Poison Control has seen over 300 cases related to these drugs, with more than 100 occurring in 2024. Twenty-eight percent of the cases result in hospitalization.
"This is very unique," Johnson said.
Salt Lake County pharmacist Akram Refaat explained that some individuals mistakenly believe that taking a higher dose will result in faster weight loss.
"This is also a risk with an unmonitored medication like that," Refaat said. "The source can be an untrustworthy source, and then the patient can go ahead and misuse it."
Both Poison Control and Refaat emphasize the importance of caution. Refaat advised patients to consult with their medical professionals or pharmacists before using the drugs.
"It makes perfect sense to me for a medication that sells the dream of losing weight to cause this kind of complaint," Refaat said.
Poison Control urges individuals to do their homework before taking these drugs and to reach out for guidance if necessary.