CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There is growing concern among health experts about the use of semaglutide, commonly known as “Ozempic,” for weight loss purposes.
Poison control centers across the United States are starting to see an increase in overdoses from popular weight loss drugs.
Prescriptions for weight loss tools are on the rise. Several pharmacies and wellness centers offer injections. Optimal Oasis Wellness Center.
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“It's becoming more and more popular because people understand what it is, how it works, and they're seeing results,” Barbee said.
Users may like what they see on the scale, but health experts like Dr. Adam Spitz are raising further concerns about how the drug is being distributed. .
“It's great that we have really good tools available to us,” Spitz said. But again, serious health conditions and serious medications must be used appropriately.
From January to November of this year, american poison center It reported receiving nearly 3,000 calls regarding semaglutide. This is 15 times the number of calls he received in 2019.
Overdoses may require hospitalization due to severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Spitz advises those interested in using the drug for weight loss to slow down.
“The body has to be patient. The body's sensitivity to side effects, such as nausea, for example, is something that requires starting with a very low dose and gradually increasing the amount over time,” Spitz said. .
Barbie said her wellness center serves to educate clients about what they're putting into their bodies.
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“We definitely require a consultation, we require a very thorough intake process form, and we have different requirements based on the doctor's orders,” Barbee said. So we make sure our clients know all the side effects and that they understand what they're saying is what they're expecting. ”
Atrium Health's Dr. Mark Lewin said more people are becoming interested in the drug, opening up opportunities for copy brands.
“A lot of times we're seeing side effects. What's really happening is people aren't necessarily receiving the branded drug, they're receiving some type of so-called counterfeit product,” Lewin said. he said.
Lewin encourages anyone interested in trying this drug for weight loss to do their research.
“It's really important that we as prescribers talk with patients about what they need to be aware of. There are side effects that can occur with these drugs,” Lewin said. we prescribe it. ”
To serve her clients safely, Barbie, a registered nurse in Charlotte, works with physicians and licensed compounding pharmacies. She aims to educate her clients about their medications, their results, and possible side effects.
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“It's really important to make sure you're going to a facility that knows what they're doing,” Barbee said. “They're experts at it, they've done the research, they're working with qualified compounding pharmacies and qualified physicians. No one is prescribing this drug.”
Health experts are urging users who notice serious side effects to contact their prescriber or GP as soon as possible.
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