A nurse has tragically died after receiving a weight loss injection, marking what is believed to be the first confirmed fatality linked to the drug Mounjaro. Susan McGowan, 58, received two doses of this injection, which makes individuals feel fuller sooner, just weeks before her death in September. Although the drug is available through the NHS, Ms. McGowan sourced her injections privately.

The NHS has been rolling out this new generation of weight loss drugs to about 250,000 patients, with plans to expand access to unemployed obese individuals aiming to return to work. Susan’s niece, Jade Campbell, shared her devastation, recalling the shock of Susan’s sudden illness and saying, “It was so quick. I still find myself thinking, ‘has that actually happened?'” Susan was described as healthy and vibrant, without any previous health concerns or medications.

Weight loss injections, known as GLP-1 agonists, work by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, mimicking hormones that regulate hunger. On Susan’s death certificate, Mounjaro was identified as a contributing factor to her passing, which was attributed to multiple organ failure and septic shock. Reports show that between January and May 2024, there were 208 adverse reports related to Mounjaro on the NHS yellow card scheme, including serious reactions and another suspected death.

Despite the risks involved, Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), expressed condolences to Susan’s family. She emphasized that patient safety remains a priority and stated that no medicine is approved without meeting specific safety standards. Moreover, those obtaining weight loss injections must provide health information to ensure safe usage.

Mounjaro, which typically costs between £150 to £200 for a four-week supply, was approved for treatment in obesity and type 2 diabetes after showing promising results in clinical trials. However, reports of severe side effects, such as vomiting and stomach cramps, have been frequent. As NHS demand grows, the rollout of Mounjaro will be phased, starting with patients who are severely obese and unwell.

With the market for weight loss drugs evolving rapidly, there’s been a notable shortage of semaglutide following endorsements from celebrities, while Mounjaro’s unique dual approach has raised its profile. The safety and effectiveness of these drugs are under continuous review as they come with complex considerations regarding long-term health outcomes.

Tragic Death Linked to NHS Weight Loss Drug: An Urgent Warning

Source: Manchester Evening News