Over the past decade, the use of diabetes control medications for weight loss has increased drastically. However, a new study by researchers at UAB shows the number of overdoses has also increased substantially.<\/p>\n
Prescriptions for GLP-1 RAs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others increased by 221% from 2016 to 2021. The injectables are used for glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular protection and weight loss.<\/p>\n
Researchers found that reports of overdoses of the injectables to a regional poison control center increased significantly. The majority of the incidents were due to mistakes that happened when patients were administering the treatments on themselves. Some took the medication too early.<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to the number of therapeutic errors that have occurred with these medications, we recommend patients talk with a pharmacist or a health care provider about how to use the pen appropriately,\u201d Dr. Stacy Marshall said. \u201cAdditionally, these medications are often dosed weekly, rather than daily. Developing a system to remember when to take it each week may also help reduce the risk of errors in dosing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Researchers say another reason for therapeutic errors causing overdose could be the use of compound drugs. Compound drugs, which are mixed by pharmacists, are not FDA-regulated but have been used more with the high demand of GLP-1 RAs.<\/p>\n
Doctors say overdose symptoms are minimal and sometimes unnoticed. Some noticeable signs include upset stomach, weakness and abdominal pain.<\/p>\n
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