First death in UK officially linked to weight-loss drug

A tragic incident has been reported in the UK, where a 58-year-old nurse passed away shortly after taking two doses of a weight-loss injection, with her death linked to the jab. The BBC revealed that Susan McGowan took two low-dose injections of tirzepatide over two weeks before her death on September 4 this year. The death certificate identified tirzepatide as a contributing factor to her demise, along with multiple organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis. This marks the first death in the UK officially associated with the drug, which recently received approval for NHS use.

Ms. McGowan obtained the drug from a registered online pharmacy. Following the second injection, she developed severe stomach pains and nausea. Despite seeking medical attention at A&E, she could not be saved. Her condition deteriorated rapidly as her kidneys failed, leading to the failure of her other internal organs, ultimately resulting in her slipping into a coma. Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, is designed to help individuals feel fuller for longer and retails between £150 and £200. NHS data indicates that 208 individuals have reported reactions to tirzepatide, with 31 classified as serious. There are also reports of a man in his 60s passing away after using the drug.

Since 2019, 23 other deaths in the UK have been linked to medications used for weight loss, but this marks the first time a fatality has been officially attributed. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, expressed condolences to Ms. McGowan’s family, highlighting that patient safety is paramount and medicines are only approved if they meet stringent standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. The manufacturer of Mounjaro, Lilly, stated that they continuously monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all their medicines, with Mounjaro approved following a thorough assessment of its benefits and risks.

The article emphasised that patient safety remains a top priority, reiterating that no medicine is approved unless it meets the expected standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. The benefits of GLP-1 RAs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are deemed to outweigh the potential risks when used for approved indications. The manufacturer reassured that comprehensive information on the benefits and risks of their medicines is provided to regulators globally to ensure prescribers have access to the latest details.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and continuous monitoring in the healthcare sector. The repercussions of medication use highlight the need for thorough assessments and vigilant surveillance to safeguard patient well-being.