A seven-year-old girl in Indiana was hospitalized after mistakenly injecting her mother’s weight loss medication, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, believing it was a remedy for stomach pain. This alarming incident underscores the critical need for safe medication storage and awareness of the potential dangers when powerful drugs fall into the wrong hands.
A Child’s Mistake, A Parent’s Nightmare
The case highlights the serious health risks associated with accidental exposure to adult medications, particularly injectable weight loss drugs.
- In December 2024, a seven-year-old girl injected approximately 60% of her mother’s GLP-1 pen.
- The child experienced severe vomiting, dehydration, and kidney function concerns.
- Calls to U.S. addiction helplines related to GLP-1 medications have increased 1,500% since 2019.
- Experts emphasize the importance of storing all prescription injectables in locked containers.
According to reports from WHAS-11 and CBS 8, the incident occurred in December 2024. Jessa Millender, then seven years old, self-administered a substantial dose of her mother’s GLP-1 injection. The medication, typically administered in four divided doses over a four-week period, was given to the child in a single injection—more than twice the amount an adult would receive.
“I thought it was medicine my mom used for stomachaches,” Jessa, now eight years old, explained in an interview.
Immediately following the injection, Jessa began experiencing intense vomiting and dehydration. Her mother discovered her lying on the floor and promptly contacted the Poison Control Center and sought emergency medical attention. Emergency room staff initially struggled to determine the appropriate course of treatment, requiring consultation with the poison center.
Rising Concerns About GLP-1 Medications
The case arrives amid a surge in reported adverse events linked to GLP-1 medications. Since 2019, calls to U.S. addiction helplines regarding these drugs have risen by a staggering 1,500%, with hundreds of calls received each month. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also reported a significant increase in “yellow card” reports—reports of serious adverse reactions—between 2024 and 2025.
After initial fluid treatment and medication, Jessa briefly improved and returned home. However, she was subsequently re-hospitalized due to persistent weakness, unrelenting vomiting, and a complete lack of urine production (anuria). Medical records indicated concerns about her declining kidney function.
Jessa’s parents reported that she was unable to eat for six days, experienced rapid weight loss, and was unable to walk due to severe abdominal pain. She even refused to allow anyone to touch her abdomen and screamed in her sleep.
Fortunately, Jessa ultimately recovered without any lasting complications. Her mother now stores the weight loss injections in a locked box. “It was unprecedented and I didn’t know how to prepare,” she said. “I should have clearly told my child not to touch it.”
According to American toxicology data, rapid fluid loss from persistent vomiting can cause lethargy, decreased urination, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it can strain kidney function.
Children are particularly vulnerable because their fluid balance is more easily disrupted than that of adults. Even a few hours of vomiting can rapidly worsen their condition, necessitating immediate fluid resuscitation and electrolyte correction, along with continuous monitoring of urine output and kidney function.
Experts caution that all prescription injectables, including weight loss shots, can appear appealing to children. The American Institute of Pediatrics and Toxicology recommends storing these medications in locked containers, out of children’s reach, and repeatedly explaining the risks to them. Most accidental drug exposures at home stem from simple curiosity, but can quickly escalate into serious emergencies, making prevention paramount.
