Poison Control Calls Rising as Use of Injectable Weight Loss Medications Surges

Poison control centers are reporting a sharp increase in exposure cases linked to injectable weight loss medications, raising concerns about dosing errors and unsupervised use.

The medications — including semaglutide and tirzepatide — are FDA-approved for weight management, typically prescribed for patients with a body mass index of 30 or higher. But health experts say demand has surged beyond the population for which the drugs were originally intended.

As access expands through new formulations, discount programs and telehealth services, more people are using the medications — sometimes without direct guidance from a medical provider. That lack of supervision can lead to confusion about how often to take the drugs and how much to inject.

Data from one poison center shows a steady increase in exposure cases over recent years, climbing from just a few dozen annually to well over 200 cases in 2025. Experts say miscommunication about dosage is a major factor, especially for patients drawing medication into syringes themselves rather than using pre-measured injection pens.

Health professionals warn some people increase doses on their own if they don’t see quick weight loss results, which can lead to serious side effects.

Experts say patients should follow prescribing instructions carefully and ensure they understand proper dosing methods before using injectable medications.

Reporting for NBC News, Elena Mutnick.

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