Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:46 pm GMT
In a shocking revelation, model Lottie Moss, sister of famous supermodel Kate Moss, has shared her alarming experience with the diabetes medication Ozempic, which she claims led to a seizure and hospitalization. At just 26 years old, Lottie Moss’s story sheds light on the potential dangers of using prescription drugs intended for diabetes management as weight-loss solutions.
Recent Health Crisis
During a recent episode of her podcast, Lottie Moss opened up about her journey with Ozempic, a medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide. Initially seeking the drug to address her weight insecurity, Lottie admitted that she acquired Ozempic through a friend rather than going through traditional medical channels. This unconventional route left her exposed to serious health risks, ultimately leading to severe side effects and a distressing hospital visit.
“I took it for two weeks, and you get like a pen, and it comes with different doses,” she recounted. “I’ve never felt so sick in my life. I was throwing up. It was horrible.” After escalating her dosage too quickly, Lottie found herself bedridden for two days and ultimately suffered a seizure due to dehydration. Reflecting on the incident, she described the experience as one of the “scariest things” she had ever encountered.
Medical Expert Weighs In
Dr. Melanie Jay, an associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of the Comprehensive Program on Obesity, provided insight into the proper use of Ozempic. She stressed that Lottie was not under the supervision of a healthcare professional, which likely contributed to her adverse reactions. “It’s important to note that she was not a good candidate for the medication as she was taking it improperly,” Dr. Jay explained.
According to the prescribed protocol for Ozempic, patients should start with a 0.25 mg dose weekly for one month to allow the body to acclimate before increasing the dosage. This careful approach minimizes the risk of side effects. However, Lottie’s decision to increase her dosage within a week may have exacerbated her health issues, resulting in her hospitalization.
The Risks of Off-Label Use
The rise in the popularity of medications like Ozempic for weight loss has resulted in increased calls to poison control centers, indicating a troubling trend. In December 2023, reports showed a staggering 1,500% increase in calls related to injectable weight-loss drugs, with Utah Poison Control Centers noting a 640% rise since 2020.
Earlier this year, the FDA issued warnings regarding overdoses of semaglutide, including symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, which some individuals experienced at alarming levels. Notably, the warning focused on compounded versions of semaglutide, which may not adhere to the same safety precautions as FDA-approved drugs, putting patients at increased risk for complications.
Understanding Compounded Medications
Compounded semaglutide is often prepared by pharmacies that customize medications to meet specific patient needs. However, these versions differ from traditional prefilled pens of Ozempic and Wegovy, leading to potential dosing errors. Joseph Lambson, director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, explained that compounded medications frequently come in vials and are administered using a syringe, increasing the likelihood of miscalculating the correct dose.
The FDA recommends that compounded drugs be used only when FDA-approved medications cannot meet a patient’s medical needs. It emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals to ensure that individuals considering these medications understand the possible risks and benefits involved.
Consult Your Doctor
Experts urge those considering semaglutide for weight loss to speak to their doctors before initiating any treatment. A healthcare professional can assess whether the medication is appropriate based on an individual’s health status, including factors like body mass index (BMI) and related health conditions.
For many, the cost of FDA-approved medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can exceed $1,000 per month, prompting some individuals to explore compounded versions. While more accessible, these compounded drugs may pose higher risks due to dosing complexities and lack of standardized protocols.
Conclusion
Lottie Moss’s story is a warning about using prescription medications to lose weight. It shows how important it is to have a doctor’s help when taking drugs like Ozempic because using them the wrong way can cause serious health problems. As people talk more about weight loss medications, it’s really important to talk to a healthcare provider to stay safe and make the right choices.
