Tennessee Poison Center observes increase in ‘accidental overdoses’ of weight loss drugs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – As weight loss drugs become more popular, so does the number of calls the Tennessee Poison Center receives about these drugs.

WSMV4 Investigations has found that some people in Middle Tennessee are taking too many weight loss drugs and ending up in the hospital.

High demand for drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic led to a nationwide shortage. People are now turning to alternative versions of drugs that are cheaper and easier to obtain, but local health experts said these can be risky.

The Tennessee Poison Center recorded 69 cases related to exposure to weight loss drugs in 2023. In 2017, when Ozempic was approved by the FDA, that number was zero.

“I think our data simply reflect the widespread use of these drugs,” said Dr. Rebecca Bruccoleri of the Tennessee Poison Center.

With widespread use comes shortages. As NBC News reported this week, some doctors are now resorting to prescription versions of the drugs that are essentially copies of the brand-name drugs.

However, Dr. Bruccoleri pointed out that the alternatives are not approved by the FDA.

“I would be concerned about compounded formulations and stick with those that are properly manufactured,” Bruccoleri said.

Faced with drug shortages, people are not only turning to alternative medicines, but some are also using services outside the traditional healthcare system, such as medspas, to get medication more quickly than they would be able to get from a doctor.

When people go out with pens and self-dose, there is a risk that they may accidentally overdose. This is called a treatment error.

Dr. Bruccoleri said it accounted for 73% of the cases the poison center treated in 2023.

“It is important that prescribers, pharmacists and patients work together to ensure patients understand how to use the pens before they go home so these errors do not happen,” Bruccoleri said.

People who take higher than normal doses experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. People can call the Tennessee Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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