Summary of article from Ars Technica, by Beth Mole:
The FDA has issued a warning about overdoses related to off-brand versions of the weight-loss drug semaglutide, commonly known as Wegovy and Ozempic. Due to high costs and supply shortages, patients are turning to compounded versions, which lack standardized dosing and safety assurances. These compounded drugs often come with unclear instructions and improper syringe sizes, leading to significant dosing errors—sometimes up to 20 times the intended amount. Such overdoses have resulted in severe health issues, including nausea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. The FDA emphasizes that compounded drugs carry higher risks and should only be used when absolutely necessary. The agency also noted that healthcare providers have made dosage calculation errors, further exacerbating the problem.