Wegovy has transformed weight loss treatment for adults struggling with obesity. By targeting areas of the brain responsible for appetite regulation, this drug helps people feel fuller for longer periods, leading to reduced calorie intake and significant weight loss. However, like all medications, Wegovy carries certain risks—including the risk of an accidental overdose. If you or a loved one has been negatively affected by Wegovy, contact a Wegovy injury lawyer at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC to help you through your legal journey.
What Is the Dosing Protocol for Wegovy?
To help minimize side effects, doctors follow a carefully structured dosing protocol when starting patients on Wegovy. Typically, patients begin with the lowest dosage of 0.25 mg once a week. Over the course of several weeks, the dosage gradually increases until reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly.
By taking an incremental approach, the body can adjust to the medication while doctors monitor for any adverse reactions. Based on the patient’s progress, a healthcare provider may adjust the dosing schedule as needed. This may include upping the dose, lowering the dose, or delaying an increase. The ultimate goal is to find the right balance for each patient.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Wegovy Overdose
Sometimes, a patient may be prescribed a Wegovy dose that is too high. In some cases, they may accidentally take too much semaglutide, the active ingredient in the medication. When this happens, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Prompt treatment can help manage the overdose effects and prevent further complications.
Some of the most common symptoms of a Wegovy overdose include:
- Severe nausea
- Intense abdominal pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Persistent vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion and delirium
One of the most dangerous effects of a Wegovy overdose is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Taking too much Wegovy can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar and symptoms like dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after taking Wegovy, seek emergency medical attention.
Potential Causes of Accidental Wegovy Overdose
Some patients obtain compounded versions of semaglutide from certain pharmacies or aesthetic spas. Unlike FDA-approved Wegovy, which comes in pre-filled pens with set dosages measured in milligrams, these compounded formulations often come in vials with dosages measured in milliliters. This discrepancy has led to confusion and dosing errors.
For example, a reported case involved a patient injecting 0.5 milliliters instead of the intended 0.05 milliliters, resulting in a tenfold overdose. Another person administered 1 milliliter when the correct dose was 0.1 milliliter, again leading to an accidental overdose.
Compared to other medications, injectable drugs like Wegovy can come with a steep learning curve. Patients may also misinterpret dosage instructions or struggle with proper measurement using syringes.
Furthermore, the growing demand for weight loss drugs has led some people to seek Wegovy or similar compounds from unregulated sources. These medications may be mislabeled, come with inadequate instructions, or even be counterfeit, all of which heighten the risk of accidental overdose.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC
Wegovy can be a risky medication to take, and an overdose is only one of the potential complications. If you have suffered serious side effects after taking Wegovy, you may qualify for legal action—and Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help.
We’re currently investigating cases related to Wegovy and other weight-loss drugs. Contact us today at (800) 220-0984 to speak with our firm and learn about your options for seeking justice.