The popularity of new weight-loss medications, notably Ozempic and Wegovy, has been accompanied by warnings from both medical professionals and patients, especially those dealing with diabetes.
While these medications offer potential benefits, users have reported common adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fainting. However, concerns have escalated as emergency room visits related to these medications are on the rise, exemplified by a notable incident at Mesa’s Banner Desert Medical Centre in November.
Dave Wilhelmi, a ten-year Type 2 diabetes patient, initially had hopes for the benefits of Ozempic, a recently approved medication suggested by his physician.
“My blood sugars, my A1C were a little bit high, and so this would be a better way to control my Type 2 diabetes,” explained Wilhelmi.
However, complications arose after several months on Ozempic, coupled with two other diabetes medications and progressively increasing dosages, leading to an emergency room visit.
“They confirmed what I kind of suspected. I was severely dehydrated, and that can happen when you take some of these drugs.”
Dave’s experience is not isolated, as poison control centers nationwide report a rise in calls related to these medications.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a doubling in the numbers of calls reported to our center,” stated Dr. Bryan Kuhn, a pharmacist and toxicologist at Banner Health.
Dr. Kuhn attributes problems to misuse or high dosages, emphasizing that intolerable symptoms become uncomfortable and potentially harmful when patients take higher or accidental doses.
