The Cause of Death and the Link to Tirzepatide
McGowan’s death certificate lists multiple organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis as the immediate causes of death, with “the use of prescribed tirzepatide” noted as a contributing factor. This marks what is believed to be the first death in the UK officially linked to Mounjaro.
Susan McGowan had worked as a nurse at Monklands Hospital for over 30 years and had no known major health issues prior to her use of the drug. After trying various methods to manage her weight, she decided to give Mounjaro a try, after researching the drug and receiving medical advice. Unfortunately, shortly after her second injection, McGowan began experiencing severe stomach pains and sickness, which led her to seek emergency medical care. Despite efforts from her colleagues at the hospital, she passed away after her organs began to fail.
The Role of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
Tirzepatide is part of a class of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which function by making patients feel fuller for longer, helping with appetite control and weight loss. Mounjaro was approved in the UK in 2023 as a weight-loss aid and has since been made available for prescription through the NHS, although it is currently prescribed to a limited number of patients due to concerns about cost and availability.
As of early 2024, there have been 208 reports of adverse reactions to tirzepatide through the Yellow Card scheme, which tracks potential side effects of drugs. Among these, 31 cases were classified as serious reactions, including one suspected death in a man in his 60s. However, McGowan’s death occurred too recently to be included in the data for this year.
Calls for Caution and Further Investigation
McGowan’s niece, Jade Campbell, has expressed deep concern about the drug, particularly its widespread approval and use, and urged others to consult with their GPs before considering such weight-loss treatments. Despite the potential benefits these medications offer for many, Ms. Campbell has warned that people should explore all options and approach weight-loss injections with caution.
Expert Opinions on Safety
Experts, including Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow, acknowledge that while the drugs, including Mounjaro and semaglutide (branded as Wegovy and Ozempic), have undergone rigorous trials to demonstrate their safety and efficacy, there remain risks associated with their use. These include a small risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and in rare cases, more severe reactions like organ failure. However, the professor emphasized that robust trials show the overall benefits of these drugs often outweigh the risks, particularly for individuals with high BMI and obesity-related health conditions.
Government’s Stance on Weight-Loss Drugs
The UK government has recently moved to broaden access to weight-loss injections as part of an effort to address obesity and its related health issues. In a controversial decision, the UK government announced plans to roll out Mounjaro to a group of unemployed individuals as part of a five-year study aimed at aiding them back into work. This move has been met with some public skepticism, especially following McGowan’s death. The government has not yet commented on whether McGowan’s case will influence their decision on wider rollout plans.
Calls for Further Safety Monitoring
Following this tragedy, both the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and Mounjaro’s manufacturer, Lilly, have pledged to continue monitoring the safety of the drug. The MHRA stressed that all new medications are rigorously monitored post-approval to ensure prompt identification of any new safety concerns.
Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, stated that patient safety is their top priority and emphasized that the drug was approved after extensive assessment of its benefits and risks. They continue to evaluate safety data to ensure doctors and patients have the most up-to-date information available.
While weight-loss drugs like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) hold promise for many individuals struggling with obesity, Susan McGowan’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in the use of such medications. As more people turn to these treatments in hopes of addressing weight-related health issues, doctors, patients, and regulatory bodies alike must remain cautious, ensuring that the potential benefits do not come at the cost of patients’ safety.