Banner poison center sees 'significant increase' in calls about weight-loss drug
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Banner Health’s Poison and Drug Information Center has seen a significant increase in calls related to the weight-loss drug semaglutide, which you may know by brand names such as Ozempic or Wegovy.
The number of calls to the poison center have nearly doubled since last year.
The calls are coming from a mix of medical staff treating patients and people who were prescribed the medication, but are concerned that they are experiencing adverse side effects.
“We urge caution with use, especially if receiving the medication from a compounding pharmacy where you may be drawing up the dose yourself,” said Maureen Roland, director of the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center. “This is where we are seeing many therapeutic errors. Patients should speak with their providers about all benefits and risks before taking any medication.”
Semaglutide is usually prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, but using it for weight loss has recently gained popularity.
Doctor Farah Husain, chief of Banner Health’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery division, said it’s important to understand that it’s “not a recreational weight-loss treatment.”
“Semaglutide and other compounded medications need to be closely monitored with your health care provider to watch for serious side effects,” she said.
Banner Health’s Poison and Drug Information Center
For questions about semaglutide, or other questions about poisonings, medications, or chemicals, call the poison center at 800-222-1222.
If you or a loved one believe there has been exposure to any poison, medication or chemical please call the poison center immediately at 800-222-1222. The poison centers can assist in the evaluation and management and help determine if it is necessary to seek additional medical attention.
