The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two injectable versions of the popular weight-loss and diabetes drug, semaglutide. However, due to high costs and limited availability, many patients are turning to off-brand versions of the drug, which lack the safety measures of the FDA-approved versions, leading to overdoses.
In a recent alert, the FDA warned that patients are overdosing on off-brand injections of semaglutide from compounding pharmacies. These drugs come in different concentrations, units of measurement, and are administered with improperly sized syringes, leading to dosing errors. Some patients have taken up to 20 times the intended amount of semaglutide, resulting in adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Compounding pharmacies typically provide personalized formulations of FDA-approved drugs, but when these drugs are in short supply, pharmacies may create their own versions. These imitations are not FDA-approved and lack the safety standards of regulated drugs. Patients have received confusing instructions from compounding pharmacies, leading to incorrect dosages and overdoses.
The FDA emphasized that compounded drugs pose a higher risk to patients than FDA-approved medications and advised against their use unless absolutely necessary. Patients and healthcare providers should be cautious when using compounded versions of semaglutide for weight loss.
It is crucial for patients to follow clear instructions and dosing guidelines when taking medications to avoid harmful effects. Consulting healthcare providers and pharmacists for guidance on proper medication administration is essential to prevent overdosing and adverse reactions. The safety and effectiveness of FDA-approved drugs are backed by rigorous testing and quality standards, ensuring patient well-being.
