Calls to poison centers skyrocket amid rise in use of GLP-1 drugs
Calls to Illinois poison centers regarding GLP-1 weight loss drugs have more than doubled as misuse of the medication rises. Experts warn that patients are increasingly turning to unregulated online markets, leading to dangerous overdoses and health complications.
Why it matters
The surge in unregulated drug use highlights significant public health risks associated with the booming demand for weight loss medications.
Doctors are warning of alarming misuse of GLP-1 drugs as calls to Illinois poison centers by users of the medication have more than doubled. Kate Chappell reports.
There is an alarming increase in the misuse of GLP-1 drugs as people look to cut costs or avoid the doctor's office, experts are warning.
While prescriptions for GLP-1's, and the usage of the drugs, continues to rise, that search for alternatives has led some to the secondary online market, but the consequences are staggering.
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In just one year, calls to Illinois poison centers for overdose or side effects of injectable weight loss drugs have more than doubled. Since 2019, poison centers have managed nearly 23,000 calls across the country, which is a nearly 1,500% increase.
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