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Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) AgonistsWhat Are GLP-1 Drugs? GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. In recent years, synthetic versions of this hormone have emerged. These drugs that are FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes have emerged as a promising new tool in the fight against obesity. Examples include Trulicity®, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Wegovy®, and many others. GLP-1 agonists mimic the effects of the body’s natural hormone by reducing appetite, slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, and offering a slight boost in metabolism (which helps burn more calories at rest.)
Why are GLP-1 Agonist Overdose Trending? Poison Centers have seen a nearly 1,500% increase in calls since 2019 related to overdose or side effects of injectable weight-loss drugs. Poison center calls related to GLP-1 drugs are increasing due to their popularity and increased use for weight loss. The high demand of GLP-1 drugs has resulted in shortages making it challenging for patients to access the medication through their regular pharmacy. This has led to patients seeking access to these medications through online companies or compounding pharmacies. While it is legal for compounding pharmacies to produce GLP-1 drugs on shortage, the products are not reviewed for safety or efficacy by FDA. FDA reported that some compounded pharmacies used different salt forms of semaglutide, which are different from the active ingredient found in FDA approved semaglutide products. Finally, there have been reports of counterfeit Ozempic entering the U.S. marketplace. Counterfeit products are different from compounded drugs as they are illegally manufactured, distributed, and are often contaminated with undeclared active ingredients. These products may be sold illegally online. Poison Centers are most often contacted about accidental therapeutic errors to FDA- approved GLP-1 drugs. Common mistakes include taking doses too closely together or taking a higher than recommended dose at once. With compounded products, patients report accidentally taking 10-times the recommended dose due to confusing measurement units while using a syringe. As of March 31, 2024, Poison Centers have managed 1,795 GLP-1 agonist related exposure cases. | PREVENTIONIt’s important to take all medication exactly as prescribed. For GLP-1 drugs, this is particularly important. Here are some tips to help avoid overdoses:
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Important notes about Poison Center dataAmerica's Poison Centers maintains the National Poison Data System (NPDS), the national database of information logged by the country’s Regional Poison Centers serving all 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and territories. Case records in this database are from self-reported calls: they reflect only information provided when the public or healthcare professionals report an actual or potential exposure to a substance, request information, or request educational materials. As such:The term “exposure” means someone has had contact with the substance in some way; for example, ingested, inhaled, or absorbed a substance by the skin or eyes, etc. Exposures do not necessarily represent poisonings or overdoses. |