With the increasing popularity of weight loss medications, there has also been an increase in overdoses. According to America’s Poison Centers, reports of overdoses increased by a staggering 1500% in 2023, and that number continues to grow in 2024.
It is crucial to understand the risks of taking too much and how to recognize the signs of an Ozempic overdose.
Can you overdose on Ozempic?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on medications like Ozempic. While an Ozempic overdose is unlikely to be fatal, it can cause severe symptoms that may require hospitalization.
Most often, an overdose occurs when someone accidentally takes a double dose or the wrong amount of medication. Brand-name medications like Ozempic typically come in pre-filled pens, which help reduce the risk of overdosing, but mistakes still happen—especially if someone takes their injection twice by accident or increases their dosage too soon.
Overdoses are more common with compounded semaglutide, as it comes in multidose glass vials that require patients to measure and administer the correct amount themselves.
In fact, misuse and overdose of compounded semaglutide have become so prevalent that the FDA issued an alert about the risks.
Many of these cases involve dosing errors, with some patients unintentionally administering 5 to 20 times the intended dose!
Signs of Ozempic overdose
If you’re worried you may have accidentally overdosed, you want to keep an eye out for the symptoms of Ozempic overdose.
Most commonly, you will experience the same symptoms as with a standard dose, but they may be more severe. The FDA noted that reported symptoms included:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
You may also have an increased risk of hypoglycemia or symptoms that mimic low blood sugar:
- Dizziness or feeling confused
- Feeling shaky or jittery
- Weakness
- Extreme nausea or vomiting
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
How to reverse Ozempic overdose
If you believe you are currently experiencing Ozempic overdose symptoms, you will want to take immediate action. The good news is, unless symptoms are severe, you likely won’t require hospitalization.
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- Do NOT induce vomiting. If you are not currently vomiting, do NOT attempt to induce it unless you are prompted to by a healthcare provider. Ozempic is an injected medication, not an ingested medication. Vomiting will not lessen the amount in your bloodstream.
- Monitor your symptoms. It is important to monitor your symptoms and watch for the signs of Ozempic overdose if you are worried you took too much of the medication. If symptoms get more severe or you start showing signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), proceed to the next step.
- Contact healthcare professionals. If you think you’ve taken too much Ozempic (semaglutide) and you’re experiencing worrying symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, then call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.
Ozempic overdose treatment
There is no standard Ozempic overdose treatment. The care you receive will vary based on the symptoms you are experiencing. Healthcare providers may focus on managing the symptoms and providing supportive care.
If you require hospitalization, this may include monitoring your vital signs, administering intravenous fluids, or addressing any gastrointestinal distress.
If hospitalization is not required, it’s crucial to follow the advice of your healthcare provider. You should, of course, continue to monitor your symptoms. Always reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen.
The best thing you can do? Stay hydrated.
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration. Dehydration on its own can cause health problems, but it can also increase the likelihood of developing more severe Ozempic side effects.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and monitor your symptoms closely..
How to avoid an accidental overdose of Ozempic
While an accidental overdose of Ozempic may not be fatal, it is still unpleasant and has the potential to cause long-term issues—especially if you overdose regularly. Here are some key tips to help you stay on track:
- Follow the Ozempic dosing schedule set by your healthcare professional. This ensures that you receive the correct amount of medication at the appropriate times. Do not make adjustments to your dosing on your own—this must be discussed and approved by a healthcare provider.
- Track your injection schedule. Keeping a record of your injections can help you stay organized and prevent accidental double doses. Consider using a calendar, a medication tracking app, or setting reminders on your phone. If you need to change the day you take Ozempic, follow these guidelines.
- Pay attention to the measurements. How could anyone possibly inject 5 to 20 times the intended dose? It’s easier than you think—if you’re not paying attention. If you use a multidose vial, the measurements matter. Typically doses are measured in milligrams, NOT milliliters. But, the injection needles are typically measured in milliliters, so be careful. Pulling 1 milliliter instead of 0.1 milliliters can lead to extreme overdoses. Always double-check your measurements to ensure you’re administering the correct dose.
Stay connected and avoid an accidental overdose of Ozempic
Staying connected to a healthcare professional is an important part of your weight loss treatment plan. Telehealth platforms like Heally make it easy to maintain that connection, allowing you to consult with your provider from the comfort of your home.
It’s essential to follow your doctor’s treatment plans. If you have any questions or confusion, reach out promptly to avoid mistakes that can lead to an overdose.
Have a safer and more effective weight loss journey. Register with Heally today!
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