Bold warning: GLP-1 medications demand careful use to avoid dangerous mistakes.
North Carolina Poison Control is urging GLP-1 users to exercise extra caution with these drugs. Last year, experts averaged one to two calls daily related to GLP-1 medications, and about 80% of those calls involved a dosing error or administration mistake.
What counts as a mistake
- Taking the wrong amount of the drug
- Dosing too close together
- A dose being given to the wrong family member
Overview of GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 therapies, used for diabetes and obesity, have surged in popularity in recent years. Common brands include Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and Mounjaro. These medications come in both tablets and injectable forms.
Most reported cases from Poison Control regarding improper GLP-1 use have been mild, but the agency emphasizes the potential dangers of GLP-1 poisoning.
Possible symptoms
GLP-1 poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Guidance from health experts
“People should be informed, not alarmed, about GLP-1 medications,” said Dr. Michael Beuhler, Medical Director of NC Poison Control. He advised patients to understand their prescribed dose and potential complications with their healthcare provider, and to learn how to measure and self-administer correctly to avoid overdose.
Prevention tips from NC Poison Control
- Read the label carefully before taking the medication to confirm the correct dose. Note that starting and maintenance doses differ.
- Know your dosing schedule. Some GLP-1 drugs are daily, others weekly. Establish a consistent routine for self-administration.
- Do not exceed the prescribed amount; boosting the dose to achieve faster results can make you sick.
- GLP-1 drugs are not interchangeable. Always use the medication that your clinician prescribed.
FDA warning about online sources
The FDA cautions against GLP-1 drugs obtained through online compounding pharmacies. Compounding involves altering or combining ingredients to tailor a medication, which may occur during drug shortages or when a patient cannot take an FDA-approved formulation. Compounded GLP-1 products are not evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. The FDA recommends avoiding purchases from online retailers you cannot verify, as these products may not meet quality standards.
If you have concerns about symptoms from a GLP-1 medication, you can contact NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat at www.NCPoisonControl.org.
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