Scots nurse’s death linked to NHS approved weight loss drug

A Scottish nurse’s tragic death has been linked to a weight loss drug approved by the NHS. Susan McGowan, a nurse from North Lanarkshire, passed away on September 4 after taking two low-dose injections of tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, for a period of two weeks. While her death certificate cites multiple organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis as immediate causes, it also notes the use of prescribed tirzepatide as a contributing factor – marking the first official association of a death with the drug in the UK.

Having worked at Monklands for three decades, Susan had struggled with her weight and saw new weight loss injections as a solution. After researching Mounjaro and seeking medical advice, she obtained a prescription through a registered online pharmacy. Each four-week supply of the drug typically costs between £150 and £200 and can be purchased from any registered pharmacy in the UK. However, shortly after her second injection, Susan experienced severe stomach pains and vomiting, leading to her hospitalisation at Monklands where she eventually succumbed to multiple organ failure.

Tirzepatide belongs to a group of weight loss medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, aimed at prolonging the feeling of fullness in patients. While the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved its use as a weight loss aid in the UK in 2023, including within the NHS, prescriptions are currently limited due to factors like cost and availability. Notably, the MHRA’s yellow card scheme, designed for reporting suspected drug side effects, received 208 reports about tirzepatide between January and May 2024, with one suspected death of a man in his sixties. However, Susan’s death postdates this data.

Manufacturer Lilly, responding to the incident, reiterated their commitment to patient safety and the meticulous evaluation and reporting of safety information for all their medicines. They emphasised that Mounjaro was approved following a thorough assessment of its benefits and risks, with ongoing efforts to provide up-to-date information to regulators worldwide. The Daily Record has reached out to Lilly and NHS Scotland for comments on the matter.

In a tragic turn of events, Susan McGowan’s story highlights the potential risks associated with weight loss drugs and underscores the importance of thorough research and medical consultation before embarking on such treatments. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities involved in pharmaceutical interventions for weight management, urging both patients and healthcare providers to exercise caution and vigilance in such endeavors.