TEXAS, USA — Poison centers across Texas are seeing a surge in calls. Now, officials say popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may be to blame.
According to the North Texas Poison Center, centers statewide have seen a 500% increase in calls related to weight loss drugs since 2019.
Officials said most calls involved mild symptoms like nausea and vomiting, but no deaths have been reported.
According to officials, most of their phone calls involve issues regarding how to deal with nausea or dosing. They urge people to talk to their health care provider about the risks and benefits of taking the drugs. Those currently taking the drugs should avoid accidentally taking more than needed and should read labels carefully.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) and the manufacturer of Ozempic all said there is an ongoing Ozempic shortage. The FDA said Ozempic has been in short supply due to an increase in demand since August 2022.