Doctors have reported a significant rise in overdoses related to GLP-1 medications, which are increasingly available online. Originally prescribed for diabetes, drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have gained popularity since the FDA approved Wegovy for obesity in 2021. A KFF poll indicated that 1 in 8 adults are currently taking a GLP-1 drug. However, some patients have experienced severe side effects, including persistent vomiting and seizures, after receiving incorrect dosages.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine indicated that prescriptions for GLP-1 medications among individuals who are not diabetic, obese, or overweight rose from 4.5% in 2018 to 17% in 2023. Dr. Amanda Banks, one of the study’s authors, expressed concern over this trend, especially as telehealth services have made access to these medications easier.
Reports of medication errors involving GLP-1 drugs have increased, with a KFF Health News analysis showing that adverse event reports related to dosing mistakes surged from approximately 2,000 in 2020 to over 25,000 in 2025. Many primary care physicians are worried about the risks associated with telehealth prescriptions, with 67% of surveyed doctors indicating that these prescriptions pose a significant risk to patient health.
Patients have reported serious health issues after being prescribed excessive doses. For instance, Karleigh McClain experienced severe symptoms and hospitalization after being prescribed nearly nine times the recommended starting dose. Similarly, Leslie Gammon reported hospitalization after receiving a GLP-1 prescription that was three times her previous dose. The FDA has also issued warnings to GLP-1 manufacturers regarding the reporting of adverse events.