The recent death of a North Lanarkshire nurse has sparked serious discussions about the safety of a newly approved weight-loss medication. Susan McGowan, aged 58, succumbed to complications linked to tirzepatide, known commercially as Mounjaro, just weeks after receiving her first injections. This incident marks what is believed to be the first officially recorded death in the UK associated with this drug.
McGowan’s death certificate cites multiple organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis as immediate causes, with tirzepatide also noted as a contributing factor. Having dedicated over three decades to her role at University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie, McGowan had sought new avenues for weight loss after engaging in numerous unsuccessful attempts.
After researching Mounjaro and consulting healthcare professionals, she obtained a prescription through a registered online pharmacy. The drug is priced between £150 and £200 for a four-week supply and is available at registered pharmacies across the UK.
Shortly after her second injection, McGowan experienced severe stomach pains that led her to seek emergency care at Monklands Hospital, where her colleagues urgently tried to save her life.
According to her niece, Jade Campbell, McGowan had always enjoyed good health prior to this incident. Campbell emphasized that her aunt’s sudden decline was shocking and swift.
Tirzepatide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which promote prolonged feelings of fullness. The drug was authorized for weight management in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2023 but is currently prescribed selectively due to cost constraints.
As of May 2024, there were 208 reports logged regarding tirzepatide through the MHRA’s yellow card scheme, including 31 serious reactions and one suspected death.
Dr. Alison Cave from the MHRA confirmed that new medications undergo rigorous monitoring for safety concerns. While she expressed condolences to McGowan’s family, she assured that the benefits of GLP-1 medications generally outweigh their risks when used correctly.
The broader implications of this incident are significant. The UK government has announced plans to roll out tirzepatide to unemployed individuals as part of a five-year trial aimed at improving employment outcomes through weight management. However, concerns about safety have prompted calls for reassessment of this initiative.
Campbell urges caution regarding government-backed health initiatives and recommends that individuals consult their GPs before considering weight-loss injections.
As discussions continue about the balance between innovative treatments and patient safety, McGowan’s tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in medical advancements and their real-world impacts on lives.
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