A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) warns that accidental overdoses of popular injectable weight-loss medications have risen sharply in recent years, as more patients turn to the drugs for weight loss and diabetes management. Some examples of these types of drugs include Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Victoza (liraglutide). 

The research, published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology and described in an article published by UAB, attributes the increase in overdoses primarily to mistakes patients make when administering the medications themselves.

Researchers reviewed data reported to U.S. poison centers and found more than 5,700 cases of single-substance exposures involving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs, between 2017 and 2022. Over 90 percent of those cases stemmed from therapeutic errors rather than intentional misuse. The rise in errors parallels a dramatic increase in prescriptions for these medications, which grew by more than 200 percent from 2016 to 2021.

GLP-1 RAs, which include drugs originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, have become increasingly popular in recent years for weight loss and cardiovascular protection. As demand has surged, so has the use of compounded versions of the drugs, which are mixed by pharmacists to meet individual needs but are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. These compounded products can vary in concentration and dosage, increasing the risk of confusion and mistakes.

The study found that many errors involved patients misunderstanding how to use the injectable pen devices, taking doses too soon due to perceived malfunctions, confusing daily and weekly dosing schedules, or incorrectly measuring doses from multi-use vials. Although most overdoses did not cause serious symptoms, some patients experienced gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and abdominal pain. Rarely, low blood sugar occurred, though it was uncommon with typical dosing mistakes.

The researchers recommend that health care providers offer clearer guidance on pen usage, dosing schedules, and the risks of compounded products. They also urge patients to develop a system for remembering their weekly doses to help avoid mistakes.

The full study can be read here.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].